Family Pictures

Thomas

In a little town near Cincinnati, Thomas comes once a year to take the kids on a train ride. Aiden was so excited!!

First Purdue Game

We took the kids to their first Purdue football game. Luckily it was a beautiful day and not so crowded so the kids could have room to move.

First Day of School

Aiden attends Geist Christian two days a week from 9:30-1:30. He loves going and I love sending him. Here are pictures from his first day. I'm now babysitting Emma during the week. They are in class together along with their other pal, Megan.

Fun Pictures

Future olympic diver!!

Just like her mom!

Just another day at the pool unti Daddy got mad :)

Aiden & Megan

Zoe

We decided to expand the family but this time we went with a puppy. Zoe is a 7 week old jack russell terrier. We picked her up yesterday from a breeder in southern Indiana. Aiden loves running around the house while she chases him. Mackenzie's not too sure what to think yet. I think Jeff is most excited. He slept downstairs on the floor so she wouldn't be scared! We'll see how long that lasts.

Breast Cancer 3-Day

Sara & I decided to participate in the Chicago Breast Cancer 3-Day. For those of you who aren't familiar, it is a 60 mile walk that takes place over 3 days. Sara has done this a few times now so she knew what to expect. She kept telling me to train but of course I didn't listen. Besides, who has time to walk 30 miles over a weekend. The kids surely weren't going to sit in a jogging stroller for 6 hours. I decided one long was a good idea. I took the kids to Chicago so Sara and I could walk around the city. We actually made it about 8 miles but not consecutively. We then headed to the suburbs so Mrs. Skaggs, Sara's mom, could watch the kids while we headed out for a 15 mile walk. It started off good but about half way through I began doubting my decision. At one point, I begged Sara to call her mom so she could end our misery. Despite all my whining, Sara made me finish and I didn't quit. I made it through the 15 miles but wasn't sure how I was going to do with 60. Of course, that exeprience didn't scare me enough to begin regular training.

August 8 finally arrived and I was nervous. The walking wasn't bad at all. There are so many walkers and people cheering you on so your thoughts aren't consumed with how many miles you have remaining. Now don't get me wrong, they do hand out route cards in the morning so you know exactly at what miles you get lunch, snacks and bathrooms. We slept in tents and showered in semi-trucks. Actually, we only did that the first day and night. Sara's parents were so kind as to pick us up the remaining two days so we could stay at their house.

The walk was an amazing experience!! We are going to participate again next year. This time I"ll train more.

The first morning

Opening Ceremonies

This sign was a shot of adrenaline. There were signs all over the route. Some even had jokes and riddles.

Because all the tents were pink, it was crucial to decorate. We saw a lot bras over the course of the weekend. Even cars driving around cheering had bras hanging out the windows.

The end of the first day.


These were the shirts we wore with the names of survivors and those that have passed.

People were so very supportive. Lots of people were dressed up, carrying signs or just cheering. Many people sat outside their homes handing out drinks and snacks. It was amazing to see the amount of people who took time to support our efforts.

This trailer was pulled by an ambulance. They followed us around the three days singing and dancing even through the busy streets of downtown Chicago. In fact, the route took us up Michigan Ave. on a busy Sunday afternoon. That was the roughest part of the walk. Try weaving your way through hundreds of angry shoppers.

These were some of the men that served as crossing guards. Notice the pink helmets. In Des Plaines, all the police officers wore pink uniform shirts.