IT'S HARD TO BELIEVE WE ARE ALREADY ONE MONTH POST BREAST CANCER 3-DAY.

REALLY...WHERE HAS THE TIME GONE?

FUNDRAISING, TRAINING AND WALKING 60-MILES HAS BEEN THE MOST HUMBLING AND INSPIRING EXPERIENCES I HAVE EVER HAD. I AM SO GRATEFUL I HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO PARTICIPATE IN SUCH AN EVENT AND I AM GRATEFUL FOR THE FRIENDSHIPS THAT WERE STRENGTHENED, RENEWED AND CREATED THROUGH ALL OF THIS.

HERE ARE JUST A FEW OF THE THREE HUNDRED+ PICTURES I HAVE DOCUMENTING THE 'LIFE' OF MY 3-DAY/60 MILE JOURNEY.



A WORLD WITHOUT BREAST CANCER...




FIRST DAY...ZERO MILES DOWN...LET'S DO THIS THING ALREADY!







THE COMMUNITY SUPPORT WAS PHENOMENAL. I HAVE NEVER SEEN SO MANY PEOPLE SO EXCITED ABOUT BOOBS AND ANYTHING PINK IN ALL OF MY LIFE.









60 MILES DOWN...YES...WE DID IT!





THESE ARE THE SEVERAL HUNDRED SURVIVORS THAT PARTICIPATED IN THE PHOENIX BREAST CANCER 3-DAY/60 MILE EVENT. THEY INSPIRE ME!

LONG TIME NO SEE...

Ok...yeah...so maybe that's my fault...

DO YOU EVER HAVE DAYS LIKE THIS?

Ray and I seem to be on the same schedule.

The "fall asleep as soon as you slow down enough to get comfortable" routine.

WOW--IT'S EXHAUSTING!!!

We have been keeping extremely busy over the last couple of months; enjoying the company of family and friends, holidays, spring, Spring Break, birthdays, traveling, vacationing (there is a difference) site-seeing, injuries, some illness, (all mild) and let's not forget the Regional Pinewood Derby Race. It's been good--mostly--and at times really, really GREAT!

We enjoyed having Steve & Madeline visit for a few days while Steve was on Spring Break.

Here's proof that we did infact celebrate Easter.

The kids had fun coloring eggs, (only spilled the yellow dye-not too traumatic),

and they scored some really tasty stuff from the Easter Bunny.

I am certain we discussed Jesus and the resurrection--I just hope the kids remember that.

Caleb & Jordan began Spring Break the first week in April. We started the break off by heading to Utah for my nephew; Mason's baptism. (Way to go Mason!)

It was perhaps the longest drive/shortest stay trip I have ever made. Carrie and Weston came back with us for a mini-vacation to experience a little bit of North-Western Washington and then travel down to Oregon. We had to give ourselves enough time to squeeze in several activities before Carrie's schedule flight home.

We spent a lot of time at the 'Tulip Festival' in Mount Vernon, Washington.

Ray, Jordan & Caleb

I have never seen so many flowers in my life. The scenery was absolutely beautiful!

Ray is tip-toeing through the tulips...

Much sweeter than when she and Wes were trampling through them. YIKES!

Gidd-y-up Froggy!

The next morning we took a ferry from Anacortes to Fridays Harbor.

The kids had a blast on the ferry ride and really enjoyed the Whale Museum and lunch at a restaraunt on the bay. Very cool! I would have loved to take a bike and spent the day exploring Fridays Harbor and all it's beaches. Maybe another trip on another day...

During our visit in Seattle we also stopped by Pikes Market Place. (sorry no pics)

That place is a bit overwhelming to tackle with two toddlers and two 9 year olds. But, I totally 'dug' the atmosphere. I could have spent the entire day there. (so long as I had a zillion dollars to pay for parking)

Jordan & Caleb watching from the ferry as we approach Fridays Harbor.

After our stay in the Seattle area we headed south toward Oregon. We took a little detour (approx. 3 hour detour) so we could ride along the coast and take the kids to some beaches. The detour was definitely worth it. It was quite scenic and the kids loved the beach.

Jordan at the Beach

Long Beach, WA

No matter the temperature; Caleb insists the beach experience must involve taking off those shoes and walking in the sand. Good luck with that...the water is freezing!

We rather enjoyed the scenery from Long Beach, WA to Vancouver.

We arrived in Vancouver, WA on Friday night. This is where the kiddos slept. Ray thought it was a special 'treat' to sleep next to her 'BUBBAS'.

Our trip to Vancouver/Portland area was to include attending a wedding for our Aunt Irene and new Uncle Brant. (congrats you two) We were all dressed and nearly ready to head out the hotel door when Rachel took a tumble off of the bed and smashed her ear into the night stand. Baby screaming and blood flowing, we instead headed to the emergency room. (sorry to miss the wedding) But, grateful that the hospital was less than a mile away. By the time we got to the ER Rachel was no longer screaming but...you could see a gaping hole in the mid-section of her ear. Several hours, an IV, and 5 stitches later we were finally released.

I have to say...my baby girl was super tough and super brave. She didn't even cry when they tried to put the IV in her hand and failed miserably. (the IV ended up in her foot) She just kept telling them softly (but somewhat crankily), "its huwts, its huwts, yu huwting me."

On the way home Ray kept telling us all about her ear and what happened.

The stuffed bear, balloon and flowers that Aunt Carrie and the kids got for her kept her preoccupied for several hours. Thanks guys!

Last week...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BOYS!

CALEB & JORDAN

celebrate their 10th Birthday

Wowzer--What happened to my babies?

Boys I love you so much! You are awesome kids and the best big brothers!

On Saturday morning; while I took Ray to get her stitches out, Mike took Caleb and Jordan to the Regional Pinewood Derby. Caleb placed 1st -and Jordan 3rd- in the initial derby they participated in...the boys were excited to give their cars another run. I'm not sure how their cars performed the second go around but I know they thought it was pretty cool to be able to participate. WAY TO GO GUYS!

Most recently; (yesterday actually) Mike, my super sexy husband had a birthday. I do have a picture of him blowing out his candles but haven't loaded it yet. That's ok---just scroll up to the boys blowing out their candles and squint your eyes a little--that's pretty much the picture. I swear those boys are total clones of their daddy...

MICK--Hope you had a splendid Birthday! WE LOVE YOU!

OUR FAMILY TRIP...

Unfortunately, I don't have pictures of every stop that we made and every person that we visited. (What was I thinking?!) So, my word will have to suffice as I describe some of the eventful and very non-eventful experiences of our trip. After several hours of driving we arrived at Stephanie's home and spent the night. We played Guitar Hero until the wee hours of the morning. It's a pity and shame that no evidence of this evening exists as I was a 'PHENOM' at Guitar Hero. In all the history of this game I can assure you that there has been no other like me.

We awoke early the next morning and made our way several more hours to a mansion in the desert. Upon arrival at the mansion we were greeted by family-o-plenty. It was a spectacular three days with Mike's entire family.

Here are some pictures of the weekend events:

Rachel loves babies and had a chance to hold cousin Lexy. She was very overprotective of Alexis and demanded, "Give my baby back!" every time I tried to hold her. Cousin Jenna is waiting patiently for her chance to love on the baby too.

Me & Karen

I'm confident there are random pictures of everyone hugging somebody and saying, 'here get a picture of us!' It isn't very often that you get all of the siblings, spouses and grandkids under one roof. Talk about insanity and heaven wrapped up in a nice little package--I truly loved every minute of it!

Mike & Ray pose for a 'quick pic' while waiting for the real family picture to be taken.

Steve & Madeline

"Bringing Sexy Back!"

I love this picture! Steve is hilarious!

Jordan, Aunt Karen and Caleb

One of the favorite activities of the weekend was making use of the indoor pool.

Rachel & Aunt Karen

You can actually see Ray mouthing the word: cheese

Greg & Kylie

She is growing up so fast. What an absolute sweetheart.

With this many kids in the pool...

well...you can imagine why I'd be reluctant to get in the pool...right?

Rachel & Grandpa

Grandma & Grandpa and all the Grandkids

We decided to cease the opportunity and have professional pictures taken. (This is my amateur version of our professionals.) Olivia is our professional everything; she is a great photographer and the most talented graphic designer I know. She spent countless hours taking photos of the family in it's entirety. Individuals, groups, bridals, weddings etc. As soon as I get copies I'll post them.

Pictured: Caleb, Jordan, Gabe, Jenna, Grandma w/ Lexy, Kylie, Grandpa w/ Dallin, Marin, Caden, Jasmine, Rachel & Alex

Mom celebrated her 65th birthday--shhh---while we were all together. She looks amazing!

SHE IS AMAZING!

PROOF: Check out the amazing-'mess' she (and Dad) made below...

8 kids in 10 years...

This is Mike w/ all of his siblings

Pictured: Steve, Dave, Karen, Russ, Greg, Mike, Doug & Jeff

(youngest to oldest)

Here's Ray posing with her new Aunt Jafia

She and Dave were married on January 5th--another part of our trip.

TO BE CONTINUED...

HAPPY HALLOWEEN--ER!

Who needs pumpkin carving templates when Olivia is around--she is quite the artist! Per each childs request, Olivia drew a picture on each pumpkin. By the end of the night not only did we have regular jack-o-lanterns we also had a scary skeleton, pirate ship, and Super Mario pumpkin. Talk about a diverse display!

Mike and the kids 'gutting' their pumpkins.

Jenna, Liv and Marin

(If you look closely-you can see Caden in the back ground.)

JUST A FEW DAYS LATER...

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!

Caleb and Jordan are at the age now where they like to pick out a hodge-podge of items and create their own unique costumes. I'm not exactly sure what they are supposed to be...

'Phantom-Skeleton-Reeper-Ninja's'...whatever they are...they are INTENSELY SCARY!!!

As for little Miss Ray...she refused to wear anything princess-y or too girly she insisted on wearing the tiger costume. She'd literally growl, "I tigo--rar, rar!"
And of course---let's not forget our super cute 'doogie' DAISY!

Her costume: Clean Dog!

Just days before Halloween she spent several hours with the best dog groomer ever. Daisy was washed, clipped, brushed (maybe even massaged?) and she returned smelling more than acceptable--she actually had a very pleasant scent and her fur was so white and soft. (The Halloween bow and bandanna came complimentary of "D-Divas!" ) What a spoiled puppy!

FALL...and then some!

New city, new season and new experiences. (OK...so this post might be a little late.) This is our first season change here. We went from summer to fall in what seemed to be a BIG hurry. However; the last several weeks (with the exception of today--it's rather rainy) have been just lovely. We've had some high 60's and low to mid 70's temps which have been perfect for all sorts of outside activities.

We took the kids to "The Merc" for the old hay-ride, pumpkin patch, corn maze experience. I'm hoping this is our first of many tradition to come -at least for as long as we live here- the kids seemed to thoroughly enjoy themselves!

Mike, Ray, Caleb & Jordan

waiting for the hayride to start.

So many pumpkins to choose from...remember guys you've gotta carry those back to the tractor.

Cabe, Jord & Ray

Kings (and Princess) of the Hay Castle!

Mike & Ray

"Daddy, could you please carry me AND the pumpkin...PLEASE....?"

Somebody has Daddy wrapped around her teeny-tiny pinky. These two are so sweet together.

Last minute, Olivia and the kids decided to come up for a visit. In the wee morning hours; Super-Woman herself (Liv that's you!), loaded three kids and her pregnant self in the car and made the long drive to stay with us for the weekend. Eight hours later (about noon my time) one of my "best girls" and cute nephew and nieces were here hangin' with us.

What a nice surprise and a super great time!

Vomiting, Visitors and Explosive Diarrhea. How could it get any better?!

I have been thrilled to have my parents, Haydn, Carrie and Weston come to visit. What an exciting time! My family must really love me...four days of driving for two days worth of visiting. I surely wanted to make this trip worth everyones while as I knew the amount of travel that was involved and I wanted to make sure that they might be inclined to make the trip again sometime. So, how much stuff can we cram into two whole days? We did quite a lot considering my crew had been battling some sort of stomach bug -off and on- for the week prior to their arrival and their crew had some weird diarrhea symptoms on the way up. It's kind of strange to throw all of these various germs in a bottle-so to speak-shake it up and dump it on everyones plate. It's like a game...how sick can you get...?



The good news: I DIDN'T GET SICK, AT ALL. (maybe that's cuz I'm the only one that washes my hands--hee, hee!) Pretty much everyone else; with the exception of Mom & Dad (although he has a chronic headache--and they might be sick now?) spent at least a day barfing, or pooping or a combination of the two. How awful! I really, really hope this doesn't ruin our chances of having repeat visitors in the future.



Anyway, below are some pictures of everyone feeling healthy and having fun. We mostly did a lot of haning out. We went to the local mercantile; this place has the best homemade fudge, ice cream and a deli. They also sell all sorts of crafts and other locally grown or made items. One of the days activities was a three mile walk around the neighborhood (for the fun of it) which turned out not to be the most fun for everyone. (a little harder walk than anticipated w/ little kids and hills, etc.) So, it is probably fortunate that I did NOT have my camera to document that particular event.

How cute are my parents?

It was really awesome to be able to spend time with them.

Haydn, Ray and Weston

Despite the fact that these three little cuties didn't feel great they still seemed to enjoy playing together.

My little buddy Haydn was the master chef.

"Anybody want an egg?"

Haydn has always been so tender towards Rachel. He and his parents stayed with us for a while when Rachel was a baby and he seemed to have a close bond with her.

He said she was his 'sister'. Cute!

The kids are just taking a little rest and watching some "Blue's Clues" in my bed. One of Rachel's favorite places to relax.

HEY GUYS! Thanks for making the LONG drive for us. We hope you are feeling better.