What is Trisomy 13?

So far our blog posts have focused on Bryce's life and the aftermath surrounding his death, but we haven't spelled out the details of what Trisomy 13 actually is. In this post we will try to answer some of the questions that you might have.

Trisomy 13 (or Patau syndrome) refers to a group of chromosomal disorders where cells receive an extra functional copy of chromosome 13, resulting in three copies (hence trisomy) of chromosome 13 rather than the usual two copies. The extra chromosome 13 can be whole (referred to as 'full' or 'nondisjunctive' Trisomy 13) or a sizeable chunk of chromosome 13 can be duplicated and glued onto another chromosome (which is called a 'translocation'). Most of the time the events leading to Trisomy 13 were set in motion before the sperm and egg ever met (sometimes decades before), which results in every cell in the developing baby having an extra functional copy of chromosome 13. This is the type of Trisomy 13 that Bryce had. Other times the critical mistake occurs sometime after fertilization, and as such some cells are normal in the developing baby, while others have three copies of chromosome 13. These cases are called 'mosaic'. When you read about Trisomy 13 on the internet and see pictures of kids that are 10 years old with Trisomy 13, they are generally of the 'mosaic' flavor, which can lead to less severe form of the disease ('less severe' is relative - this disorder is hugely debilitating).

So, why does one extra chromosome matter? The extra copy of chromosome 13 thinks it's supposed to be there so it behaves like the other two copies and expresses its genes when it is supposed to. Unfortunately, the extra products of the genes on chromosome 13 have consequences for development. Cleft lip and palate. Congenital diaphragmatic hernia. Kidney dysfunction. Heart defects. Blindness. Extra fingers and toes. Fused fingers and toes. Severe mental retardation (IQ = 30-60). A spectrum of other things that you don't want. Bryce appeared to have only the first three at 20 weeks, but other problems (heart defects) would have almost certainly arisen during the third trimester. Bryce's congenital diaphragmatic hernia was what killed him.

What are some of the genes encoded by chromosome 13? Chromosome 13 contains 114 million bases of DNA (all chromosomes together add up to around three billion bases of DNA) and has around 700 protein-coding genes and an unusually high number of 'noncoding' genes, which often serve to regulate how other protein-coding genes are expressed. Coincidentally, Gus works on a class of noncoding genes called microRNAs, which act to regulate the expression of many other genes that encode proteins. The particular group of microRNAs that he focuses on are encoded on chromosome 13.

Now, back to what went wrong. Bryce's Trisomy 13 was not the result of Dianna and Gus having something 'wrong' with their genes. Bryce didn't inherit a disorder that has been passed down through generations in our families. Dianna, Gus (and consequently, Zane) aren't carriers of Trisomy 13. Rather, the nondisjunctive Trisomy 13 Bryce had was a chromosomal traffic accident that happened either in one of Dianna's eggs ~33 years ago (for those of you doing the math, this is back before Dianna was born, when her eggs formed while she was still in her mother's womb), or in Gus' sperm sometime in December 2008. The odds of this happening to Bryce were around 1:13,700. Bryce was the one.

Eggs and sperm each have half the number of chromosomes (23) that all other types of cells do (2 x 23 = 46). This 'half set' of chromosomes is comprised of one of two possible copies of each chromosome, and eggs and sperm are thus referred to as 'haploid'. Haploid eggs and sperm are made from precursor cells that have duplicate full sets of chromosomes. A series of very specialized cell divisions called 'meiosis' occurred in these precursor eggs and sperm to generate haploid eggs and sperm. Evolution decided long time ago that the benefits of these specialized cell divisions (the mixing of genes from your parents) outweighed the risks, so we're stuck with it.

In this specialized cell division process there is a risk that there will be a chromosomal traffic accident, which occurs when a chromosome accidentally diverts to the wrong haploid daughter cell during egg and sperm formation prior to their separation into individual eggs and sperm. In the case of a nondisjunctive Trisomy 13 chromosomal traffic accident, one egg or sperm receives two chromosome 13s (for symmetry, another will receive no chromosome 13 and fertilization involving this egg or sperm will lead to a condition called 'monosomy', which are typically miscarried). So, when there is an extra chromosome 13 in the mix, after the egg and sperm join during fertilization one of the two brings in the excess baggage leading to Trisomy 13.

Incorrect numbers of chromosomes are more common than we had imagined. Recent research has shown that somewhere between 5-25% of all eggs (but not necessarily fertilized eggs; women have thousands of eggs and not all of them ovulate) contain the 'wrong' number of chromosomes (this number is for all chromosomes combined, not just chromosome 13). 1-2% of all sperm contain the 'wrong' number of chromosomes. It is estimated that half of all miscarriages are due to fertilization involving a egg or sperm that carries the wrong number of chromosomes. In general, the most commonly diagnosed trisomies are 21, 18, 13 and the sex chromosomes. Babies with other trisomies rarely survive past the first trimester, and do not make it to full term.

The difference in incidence between eggs and sperm appears to be due to the particulars of how each is made. Sperm is constantly made after puberty and takes about three weeks from start to finish. In contrast, all of a woman's eggs began the process of meiosis while she was still in her mother's womb, but then hit the pause button. These paused eggs wait until just prior to ovulation to complete the first half of meiosis, which is typically 15-40 years later. Something about the nature of this pause increases the risk of a chromosomal traffic accident. This risk gets greater as a woman gets older, which is where the magic number of 35 years old comes from. Particularly for Trisomy 21, the most common of all trisomies, the risk of having a baby with Trisomy 21 (1:300) when the woman is 35 years of age is greater than or equal to the risk of miscarrying due to amniocentesis, which is the unequivocal diagnostic test for all trisomies. Thus, pregnant women who are over 35 typically have an amniocentesis. What exactly happens in a woman's body between the ages of 30 and 35 to increase this risk of trisomies several fold remains to be determined.

Of the children that have Trisomy 13, 90% die by 3 weeks post birth (this includes neonatal death). By the age of one year, the number of fatalities rise to 99%. There are beautiful and rare cases of children that live with Trisomy 13, if you wish to read their stories click here. If there was even a small chance for Bryce's survival, we would have been honored to care for and cherish him. Sadly, Bryce's condition was too severe.

None of this is meant to scare you into not having children. The odds that you will have a healthy child are still much better than the odds that you won't. The take home message here is this: be in awe of your children, of yourself and of human existence. It's amazing that we are this perfect.

If you have any other questions, please let us know. We've read a lot lately.

Much love,

Los Zeiners

P.S. We will answer questions in the comment section. We are already amazed at what we have discovered and encourage you to read the comments.

Honoring Bryce

From Bryce Aubrey Zeiner

Dianna's hands cradle Bryce.

In the rising of the sun and in its going down,
We remember Bryce.
In the blowing of the wind and the chill of winter,
We remember Bryce.
In the opening of the buds and in the rebirth of spring,
We remember Bryce.
In the rustling of the leaves and in the beauty of autumn,
We remember Bryce.
In the beginning of the year and when it ends,
We remember Bryce.
When we are weary and in need of strength,
We remember Bryce.
When we are lost and sick at heart,
We remember Bryce.
When we have joys we yearn to share,
We remember Bryce.
So long as we live, he too shall live,
For he is now part of us,
As we remember Bryce.

These words were read today at Bryce's funeral. Deborah, a family friend and Rabbi, lead a peaceful non-denominational ceremony reading passages from Psalms and Ecclesiastes. Dad, Mom, and Grandma Mouge shared their thoughts (including Bryce's gifts) and although there were tears, there were also a few smiles.

Bryce's funeral was a very sweet and personal ceremony, only 8 people attended. The sun was at full glow and the grounds were beautiful. Bryce is buried at Mount Tamalpais Cemetery in the shade of a tall Redwood tree directly next to his grandfather Arthur Zeiner. Hundreds of small white flowers were placed in the ceremony and at the grave. They included tulips, spray roses, baby orchids and blue bella donnas -- all fragile and small just like our Bryce. We placed an Elvis lunchbox beside his casket that were filled with mementos for him.

• Elvis lunchbox- For Baby El, purchased after 9 week ultrasound
• First present for Bryce - a baby rattle picked out by Zane the weekend we found out we were pregnant. The rattle had 2 soccer balls on it, one on each end.
• Newborn green and white striped socks and soft green lamb finger puppet -- also purchased after 9 week ultrasound
• Dill pickle - for the extreme cravings you gave Mama Zeiner (eating 3-4 a day)
• A piece of chocolate from Mother's Day
• "Sling Bling"- a rhinestone cross with hearts that Gus gave me for Mother's day. It was to be clipped onto my baby sling.
• Small blue truck from cousins Dana and Jessica
• 3 rocks from Zion National Park (place of our wedding) - one for Gus, Dianna and Zane
• Painted art from Zane - Zane quietly painted one afternoon this past week, giving mom time to reflect
  
• Small picture book of family
• Words from Baby of Mine lullaby - sung to Bryce in womb and after delivery
• Bryce's foot and hand prints
• A letter from Mom

There are a few ancient Jewish traditions that Gus and I agreed to do to honor Bryce. At the beginning of the ceremony, you take scissors to cut and rip your clothes, right over your heart as a sign of mourning. The modern tradition is to have a black ribbon pinned and cut this, but Gus and I decided to acknowledge the original intention. Gus wore his wedding suit and the linen shirt was torn. Dianna wore her blue bridesmaid dress, the same dress for Zane's first Easter and the one she wore this Mother's Day. These outfits were worn on our happiest occasions and to celebrate. They had meaning to us and will be saved in a keepsake box. Also by tradition, all who attend walk from the chapel to the graveside. Family members carry the casket as they walk. Gus led and carried Bryce in his arms the whole way. Mom walked barefoot, a homage to Jesus' journey and the sacrifice he made for us. The distance was only about 0.25 miles, short enough for all family members to walk, but long enough to contemplate our sorrows. After the graveside service, family and friends bury the dead (not strangers), honoring by physical labor. This is perhaps the hardest emotionally to view and do, plus it also takes time. The entire service lasted 3 hours. This time honors the deceased but allows reflection during mourning and sometimes gives peace. Bryce was buried by love from his family in attendance. We honored Bryce today.

Be at peace, our sweet baby boy. You will be remembered.

These past 2 weeks have been emotionally draining, and we are still in complete shock. Since this weekend happens to be our 6 year anniversary, we decided to continue with at least part of our plans. Although we will not celebrate, Gus, Dianna and Zane will travel to Yosemite National Park for a weekend of solitude and reflection. We thought it was appropriate since Bryce was named after our love for National Parks; it is yet another way to honor him. We will escape from the city life, including phone calls, email and blogging. You will not hear from us until at least Monday.

We also wish to thank everyone for all of the support. We have received heartfelt emails, cards, blog comments; flowers; food; and even presents for Zane (too sweet). Although we have not replied to many, know that we have read your words and received your gifts. You have been so amazing, we are truly blessed and touched by your love. We do not feel alone in our sorrow.

Please know that we still have stories we want to share with you, although we do not yet know when we can write about them. For example, Bryce's baptism was not conventional and a story worth sharing. Today when we returned home after the funeral and opened our mail, we received Bryce's baptism certificate and a note from the Chaplain. Mom wept.

All our love,
Dianna, Gus, and Zane

Mom's thoughts

Please view my Mama Zeiner blog for my most recent and loving thoughts about baby Bryce. Link is to the right...

Many thanks,
Dianna

Our sweet little Bryce

Bryce Aubrey Zeiner
May 15, 2009
21 weeks gestation
10 inches (25 cm)
14 oz
Beautiful baby boy.

10 perfect little toes and fingers.

From Bryce Aubrey Zeiner

Bryce was baptized at 9:45am in utero while still alive. He was circumcised after delivery. We are not angry with God, he was present in the room and gave us strength.

The funeral is at 10am on Thursday, May 21, 2009. Bryce will be buried next to his grandfather Arthur Zeiner. Immediate family only to be present.

Thank you for your thoughts and prayers.
Dianna and Gus

Update

Many people have called or emailed with kind words and prayers. We want you all to know that we are home and grieving. Bryce Aubrey Zeiner died at 10:45 am on Friday May 15. Dianna delivered Bryce at 10pm. We were able to hold, view and love Bryce for several hours. The time allowed us to begin the process of closure. Physically Dianna is well but neither of us feel like this wound will ever heal. We will write more when we can.

Late Thursday, it was confirmed that Bryce had Trisomy 13. His suffering has ended.

Thank you for your support.

-Gus and Dianna

Decision

We have to warn you that this post will contain details of what we have struggled to understand, and what we have decided to do. Articulating this will help us in our grieving process. We do not expect you to read this, nor will we fault you if you can't. -Gus and Dianna

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Wednesday we went in for an echocardiogram, which is a detailed ultrasound that is used to evaluate the heart. The results revealed that Bryce has a good heart. Although this might appear to be good news, it has to be viewed in the broader context of what is happening.

The most severe abnormality that Bryce has (or more accurately, what the ultrasound can diagnose) is called a congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH). The diaphragm separates the contents of your chest (heart and lungs) from the contents of your belly (stomach, intestines, liver, kidneys). Bryce's diaphragm didn't close completely, and has a hole on the left side. Bryce's stomach has migrated through this hole, and is situated next to his heart, as are his liver and intestines. Those of you accustomed to looking at ultrasounds will be able to see that Bryce's heart is right next to his spine, and the other dark mass in the same plane is his stomach (for orientation, he is facing down, head is left, his spine is the curved dotted white line).

This is a serious problem because Bryce's lungs have not properly formed due to the crowding in his chest cavity. As a consequence, Bryce's lungs will ultimately fail to form completely and will not gain adequate strength through the second and third trimesters. The surgery that could potentially correct the CDH is only performed in two hospitals in the country and is reserved for use in cases where CDH is the only problem to fix. Minimally, Bryce also has a bilateral cleft lip and palate and kidney dysfunction. The combination of these abnormalities points to an underlying chromosomal or genetic problem; the identity of the specific abnormality is most likely Trisomy 13, or one of several possible syndromes. Bryce's poor fortune can be summarized by the following numbers - based on the quadscreen results (from weeks 12 - 17) he had a 1:13,700 chance of developing an aneuploidy other than Trisomy 21, and even smaller odds for the other potential syndromes. Bryce's abnormalities could not have been seen on the ultrasounds at 9 or 13 weeks. With the low numbers received from the quadscreen, his condition unfortunately is something medical science could not catch until now. The first wave of results from the most recent genetic testing will be back tomorrow, but due to the extent of what we, and several doctors have independently observed by multiple ultrasounds, this information will be important for the future, but will not influence what we must do now. Unlike Trisomy 21, Bryce's abnormalities are not survivable.

We have made the decision to end Bryce's life on Friday. Bryce will have the best quality death that we can give him. Bryce's heart will stop beating. Death will take seconds and will be relatively painless. Bryce has most likely never known a life that wasn't uncomfortable, as the problems he endures have been with him from the earliest stages of growth and will continue to worsen as he develops. To put it bluntly, there is simply no chance for his survival with or without intervention, and if we were to allow nature to take its course we would be endorsing greater discomfort in utero and a prolonged and painful death by asphyxiation. That is something we can not, and will not tolerate.

We could have chosen to proceed by putting Dianna and Bryce to sleep under anesthesia, and upon Dianna's awakening everything would be over. We will not go into the details, but this option is not something that we can do. Bryce is far enough along in the pregnancy that we can deliver him and hold him in our arms. Bryce will be baptized, circumcised and buried in the Zeiner family plot in Marin, CA with his Grandfather and Great Grandparents. We take this decision very seriously and we want to respect and love Bryce the best way we know how.

As parents, we are charged with loving and protecting our children. Bryce's existence was not an accident or mistake, it was a choice that we consciously made because we wanted him to be a part of our family. Our decision to end Bryce's life now will prevent him from enduring pain. As his parents who love him this is the only thing that we can give him.

-Dianna and Gus

What to expect...

Hello family and friends,

Later on today, we will post information about yesterday's ultrasound and today's echo cardiogram. On Thursday we will have the results of possible Trisomy 13 or 18 and maybe the results of the MRI. The full amniocentesis results will not come back for 2 weeks. If you find that these details might be hard for you to read, we suggest that you do not come back to this blog site for now. We understand.

To place things in perspective, let us explain a few things. Bryce has multiple factors wrong with him. These include cleft lips, kidney stress/lack of proper function, and an incorrectly developed diaphragm that subsequently causes other organs to place pressure on his heart. Even if he was eligible for the in utero surgery to fix his diaphragm, the prognosis is grim. We are currently doing the requisite tests to determine if Bryce is eligible for this risky surgery. Without surgery Bryce's lungs will not be able to develop. To be honest, we just could not make any decisions yesterday. After a hard night's rest, today might be different.

Currently Dianna is not in medical danger, this could change as the pregnancy progresses into the third trimester. We are at week 20 now. This is a factor in our decision.

We are receiving the best possible medical care at Stanford. Yesterday's results were confirmed by 4 individual doctors and additional medical personnel.

The majority of the test results will be conclusive by this Friday. We will keep you informed.

All our love,
Dianna, Zane, Bryce and Gus

Bryce Aubrey Zeiner

**Updates are posted here (http://zeiner.blogspot.com/).

The 20-week ultrasound that we had on Monday demonstrated conclusively that Baby El is a boy, who now has the name Bryce Aubrey Zeiner. Aubrey is Dianna's grandfather, and Bryce is named for Bryce Canyon National Park in southwest Utah which was one of our favorite stops on our honeymoon. Dianna, Zane, Grandma Mouge, Bryce and Gus all went out to dinner on Monday evening to celebrate the newest addition to our family.

This morning we received a phone call from Dianna's Obstetrician who soberly relayed to us that the ultrasound revealed that Bryce has a number of independent developmental abnormalities. Today we went to Lucille Packard Children's Hospital at Stanford, and a subsequent high definition ultrasound confirmed the previous conclusions. Due to the extent of Bryce's developmental abnormalities the prognosis is poor. The most likely explanation is that Bryce has one of several possible chromosomal abnormalities that will not be compatible with his survival. The best possible scenario will require multiple surgeries, both in utero and post-delivery, and even this possibility is a long shot.

To keep this possibility on the table, we have taken the requisite next steps. The first of these steps was to perform an amniocentesis, which is a test that is used to diagnose chromosomal abnormalities, the results of which will provide answers and hopefully an explanation for what is happening. Bryce is currently in no pain, and Dianna is in no danger.

Updates will be posted here as information filters in over the next several weeks. We have a request for our family and friends, which is that initially you allow us the space we need to process what is happening. We know that your thoughts are with us, and we are thankful that we have you all to lean on, no matter what decisions we have to make. We will need you in the coming weeks.



Much love to all of you.

-Dianna, Zane, Bryce and Gus

Married for 5 years!

May 25, 2008

Zeiner family at Checkerboard Mesa, Zion National Park


It has been a while since we have posted on this site, but we could not miss the opportunity to write about our 5 year anniversary. Believe it, it HAS been 5 years. The picture above depicts a happy family that traveled to Zion to celebrate a joyous occasion. It is kind of hard to tell, but can you guess what time of the day this picture was taken? (Hint Dianna is not wearing any makeup) Oh yes, it is at dawn... and to reach Checkerboard Mesa from our hotel was a 45 min drive. We decided to spare our hotel neighbors and gave up trying to get Zane back to sleep at 4am (poor kid sleeps poorly on vacations, but great at home) to try to make the most of it by having a morning adventure. The sun rose at 5:15am that morning and we saw it with all of it's glory.

Looking back on our anniversary weekend, we had a wonderful time. During the thick of it, we were quite exhausted. Zane, as sweet as he is, is quite a handful. His new "toddler" phase is very interesting and he is active to say the least. Zane can run and climb... and instead of halting this developmental stage, we decided we are very happy to have a healthy and athletic infant. Besides, it is getting Mommy back to shape. Zane sleeps in the backpack, and then runs around when we are pooped after our hike. His sleep cycle will change with just one plane or long car ride. He really is a schedule monkey. Plus when he is tired, Zane throws temper tantrums. Yippi!

But having stated all of that, we really did have a fun time. Some memorable experiences are:
* Zane's first time in a pool at Paris Hotel in Las Vegas, underneath the Eiffel Tower.
* Hiking Kolob Canyon, Zion NP for the first time in over 10 visits.
* Going to Gus and Dianna's "Happy Place", Zion National Park, with their beautiful son.
* Witnessing a bride and groom enjoy their moment while taking wedding photos at Zion Lodge and reminiscing.
* Taking an inside tour of Hover Dam.
* Searching for decent coffee for Gusti.
* Truly enjoying Vegas, even if it was just one day. GREAT food and fun walking.
* Making the most out of what could have been a disastrous weekend.

Lesson learned, Gus and I will be traveling duo on our next anniversary. Anyone up for babysitting Zane next year? Think about it grandparents... you do want more grandchildren, don't you? Up for a vacation to bond with Zane?

All our love,
Dianna, Gus and Zane

Road trip 2007

We're home! Wow, what an awesome vacation! Crossing 7 different states, the Zeiners have returned after a whirlwind tour visiting family, friends, and amazing places.

Our trip began heading north to Oregon for a wedding. Our friends, the bride and groom, gave a heartfelt celebration, one that we will always remember. Dianna was reminded that once again the Northwest coast is beautiful, not knowing that so many shades of green even existed. The pictures of the waterfall, were from Multnomah Falls, on our way out of Portland, OR. Traveling east towards Idaho we were shocked to see that desert can exist this far north, and that when you stop at Hungry Redneck Cafe, that you should actually expect to meet some rednecks.

After arriving in Moab, UT and only having 4 hours of sleep, Dianna woke up at 6am to see the orange rust landscape she missed since the Zeiner wedding. The Arches were spectacular and even though we only had 1 day to visit them, we snapped numerous pictures. A moderate hike up to Delicate Arch was appreciated after being cramped in the car. The desert heat reached almost 100F that day, and although we were well hydrated and sunblocked, Zane did receive his first sunburn. Luckily SPF50 allowed only a surface burn to penetrate, he did not seem bothered and his skin was healed within the next 2 days. Since Moab is the mecca for mountain biking, Gus also got a morning ride in the next day before heading to Santa Fe, NM.

On the way to Santa Fe our route brought us directly towards Mesa Verde National Park in Colorado. Since we are suckers for National Parks, we made a quick pit-stop to see the Indian ruins from 800+ years ago. 2 hours later we were off to Sante Fe, but poor Zane could not handle the car and the altitude changes any more and the next 300 miles were unbearable, the worst leg of the trip. Luckily when we arrived in Santa Fe, Zane's sweet personality returned as he met long time family friend and talented artist Kate Palmer. The next morning we went to her studio and saw her neat environmentally green house (it was an actual house, solar panels and all) at the outskirts of town. Not wanting to leave so quick, but definitely wanting to see Nanny Pam and Grandpa Van we headed to Ruidoso NM for a Vandertulip family reunion.

At the reunion Zane met Meemee, his great-grandmother, and many Vandertulip cousins, aunts and uncles. Even the adults were kids again as we all played in the world's largest sandbox at White Sands, NM. Gusti's first Father's Day was spent along side our cousin Joe-Daniel's first dad's day and Grandpa Van first Grandfather's Day. Gus woke up to his son and wife giving him presents that we lugged across country for his special day. Books on hiking in the Bay area, National and State parks will be used with his new hiking backpack to carry Zane. A plan to spend our first camping trip together was also announced for Labor Day weekend, which we will travel to Kings Canyon NP.

But wait our trip is still not over...

After the reunion, we headed back to California. On the way to Arizona, we stopped at a Ghost Town called Stein at the NM-AR border. This was something that Dianna, Nana and Papa used to do on their road trips when she was a child. Stein was a town of 1200 people, but the advent of the diesel engine caused this booming metropolis to fade away, not needing this water stop for the outdated steam engine trains. Outside of Tuscon, AR we made a quick drive thru Saguaro NP, home to thousands of 100 year old 25 feet tall cacti. We were pleasantly surprised how neat this park was, especially for a day trip. Afterwards a starving Zeiner family ended up in what looked to be a neat Mexican restaurant. Although the Luchador decor was favorable, the food was not. It was the first time in Dianna's life that she thought Mexican food tasted like dog food, yuck! Although it took us a while to find a hotel that night we somehow mustered enough strength to wake up the next morning.

Finally we made it to our last stop of our road trip, it was time for Zane to meet his 95 year old great grandmother Nuki. We spent a very nice evening with Nuki and Aunt Mady catching up and hearing old stories. The next day for memory sake, we briefly drove around LA stopping at our favorite breakfast joint, Kings Road Cafe and the Santa Monica beach. Zane touched the ocean for the first time and we all got in the Prius for our final leg home. To our friends in LA... we miss all of you and were honestly stuck with a crisis of choice. There are too many to visit on a one day trip. We really wanted Zane to meet Grandma Nuki and we decided to end it there. Forgive us for not contacting anyone else, but do not worry we will visit again soon. We love LA!

So we are back and happy to be at home. We traveled over 3000 miles, 100% by car. Our new Prius was awesome as we frequently got 48 mpg. we never had to stop and get gas more than once a day. We saw 3 National Parks, 1 National Monument, a ghost town, waterfall, desert, and ocean. We laughed with family and friends and have memories to share for a lifetime. A photo album is above on the right giving about 125 photos of our 250+ photo vacation. Even though this is the longest post so far, we hope you enjoyed hearing about and viewing our trip.

Love to you all! Dianna, Gusti and Zane

4 Year Anniversary - May 25, 2007

Dianna and I were married over memorial day weekend in Zion National Park in southwest Utah. We chose the venue and date because we have a bit of a national park fetish, and we wanted a three day weekend to visit more parks on our anniversaries (1st = Zion NP, 2nd = Crater Lake NP and Redwoods NP, 3rd = Olympic NP). This year, with the arrival of Zane, we needed to stay a little closer to home, and chose to visit Lassen Volcanic National Park, which is about 5 hours away, east of Redding, CA.

Dianna managed, somehow, to fenaegle a just-canceled-room at a bed and breakfast in the booming metropolis of Shingletown, CA, which turned out to be a hidden gem. On the first day we drove to the NW entrance of the park at Lake Manzanita, where we stopped by the bookstore to get the details on what hikes were open and what were closed. We learned that unfortunately all the cool thermal stuff (this is a volcanic park, after all) was still under a heavy blanket of snow (not the first time we have run into this problem), and none of those hikes were open. Instead we opted to strap Zane into the Baby Bjørn and hike up to Crags Lake, which we later learned was lacking in the part about the lake. We met a couple atop the hike who had been hiking there every memorial day for 20 years, and this was the first time they had ever seen the lake dry. We hiked back down, and drove through the western half of the park.

To this point we were having a pretty good time, but frankly thought that Lassen was a little on the lame side. Don't get me wrong, it was very pretty, but generally national parks blow you away with otherworldly beauty (2000 foot shear cliffs, impossibly balanced rocks, huge trees, et cetera), which Lassen so far appeared to lack. We figured that at least the bed and breakfast was cool.

The next morning we decided to drive to the other side of the park to the Cinder Cone hike, which required us to do 7 miles each direction of driving on fireroads with our Prius. I was laughing on the inside for the entire drive, as I remember reading in Harper's that 87% of Ford Explorers have never been off road. The hike started off alongside the Fantastic lava beds (I didn't make that up, that's actually what it's called. It was indeed fantastic), and slowly climbed up to Cinder Cone.

The hike is listed as 'strenuous' in the trail guide, because it gains 750 feet in a little more than half a mile... and it's like climbing uphill on a beach, as the ground is basically sand. Although we had not planned on trying to get to the top with an infant strapped to my chest, on the hike to the base of Cinder Cone I managed to convince Dianna that it probably wasn't so steep, and we should give it a shot, as we could turn around whenever we decided it was too tough. She first responded by asking me if I had been sniffing glue in the parking lot. Ultimately her sense of adventure kicked in and she said sure, let's go for it.

Then the trail went straight up, and we slowly but surely made progress towards the summit.



Zane had really been digging touching the tree bark and pine cones and was awake for the majority of the hike. Once we got to the top we hung out for a while, ate sandwiches and checked out the view while Zane breastfed. The last part is because the bottle of breastmilk that we had stuffed in my pack conveniently turned itself into cheese on the hike, and looked too horrifying to feed to him. There are a ton of pictures of the hike here.

While the two of them were busy, I stared at the map, and realized that we could loop the hike by going down the backside of Cinder Cone. We were somewhat shocked to learn that the back was steeper than the front. The pictures don't do it justice, but it was crazy steep. We took our time and got down safely, and made it back to the car without being reported to child protective services. If anyone is planning on going to Lassen, this hike was really cool, and redeemed the lameness of the previous day.

It was a great weekend. Pictures are more better, go check them out.