Dangit! The insurance company has denied our claim for the helicopter airlift that took my daughter to the hospital with a dislocated hip. They said that it was "medically unnecessary". We went with the advice of the EMTs that were on the scene. How can they deny that this wasn't necessary? If insurance doesn't help, it means that we will have to cover the entire cost of the helicopter ride which is.............................................................................................................................. $52,000!!!! Ack!

Lots of updates:

1) Portland vacation totals came in at $5,023 which is $977 under budget We had a great time! Our youngest daughter has already started planning for next year's vacation which she is determined will be overseas somewhere. I have to start saving my pennies!

2) A couple of weeks ago, our oldest daughter went tubing on the lake with her friends. Long story short, she ended up with a dislocated hip of all things! The medics had to air lift her to the nearest trauma hospital. We had quite a scare but everything turned out as best as possible. She is fine now with no broken bones/tendons or any permanent damage. I was warned by the hospital that the bills will be hefty though... will update you guys as I get those.

3) I had to make our first college payment the other day and it hurt! Between tuition and room/board, we had to shell out about $12K for the Fall semester. Ouch.