Making Strides

Well, she did it! Molly became a walker! Enjoy!

This past weekend we had the opportunity to attend a Tacoma Rainiers' game and throw out the first pitch. Well, Megan threw it. We were invited by the triplets' physical therapist, Kirsten, who works for the Puyallup Elks. Every year she chooses one of her families to be the honored first pitch throwers. Bless her heart, she thought of Megan and how special it would be for her to have the spotlight for awhile. I'm so proud of Megan. I was a little nervous when I found out that we wouldn't be standing right next to her, but she took it all in stride and did a great job. After the pitch we managed to stay through the 4th innning, but being on day 2 of fudged naps and on the go activity, it became clear that our fun was coming to an end. We appreciate all the family and friends who came out to see Megan and I have to say, what a beautiful day to be at the ballpark!!

Vashon Island 2009

Yesterday we went to visit our friends Emmett, Megan, Annelyse, and Lilyanne on Vashon Island. It was a gorgeous day and the kids had an absolute blast playing in the sand and chasing birds. It could not have been a more perfect day for being out there by the water. My Megan spent her time searching for sea shells and rocks, then she and Annelyse spent a good hour or so cleaning all of the treasures. Andrew just loved the whole experience, Hailey had a great time chasing birds, and Molly really enjoyed playing in the sand. Overall, it was a great day! Anytime I get to watch my kiddos having fun and being happy is a perfect day! Of course, I took way too many pictures, but I did manage to narrow it down for the blog! Enjoy!

Thank you Emmett and Megan for welcoming our entire family to your place! We really had a great time.

Chasing Flies

All I have to say is, "Thank goodness for cheap entertainment!" And make sure your volume is on, the sound effects are priceless!

Mother's Day Weekend

I had a fabulous Mother's Day this year and wanted to share a few pics...well, a few in my book anyway! It started out on Friday with Muffins with Moms at Megan's school, then gardening on Saturday, and ended on Sunday with a delicous brunch at Mama Stortinis and a walk along the river in the beautiful sunshine! My hanging fushcia baskets look wonderful on the front porch and the gifts that Megan and Tim made are just great! I feel amazingly blessed to have such a fantastic family and as a mom, I couldn't ask for more!!

A Few Favorites

I had to post a few of my favorite pictures from the March for Babies, since I couldn't really explain them in the video. But several of them have great stories to go with. So here ya go...

Here is Andrew with his cousin Tyler, pointing out the "aipane" (airplane) up above.

This picture is so precious...I just love the sweet look on Molly's face, the t-shirt that fits like a dress, and the way she is white-knuckling Tim's finger. To see her in the midst of all the walkers, standing so tall and proud, was amazing.

This where the story begins...before the walk the little ones were out of the stroller, running around and having a great time. When we started to leave the stadium, I tried to put Molly back in the stroller, but she was smart enough to know that the other two were out somewhere with their aunties, so of course she threw a fit. Tim decided he would carry her for a while. Well, that wasn't good enough either! She threw more of a fit and insisted on walking, just like the rest of us, out of the stadium.

More walking along the viaduct...

The intense determination you see on Molly's face in this picture is what has gotten her as far as she has come today! It was a very proud and touching moment for me as a mommy. It's difficult to describe in words. Who would have thought that 2 years ago the fate of this little girl was very grim...

My only neices, Alex and Rylie, came out for the walk and it was so great to have them there. I thought this picture was so good of both of them.
A perfect way to leave the stadium...daddy's girl Hailey holding daddy's hand!
I can't say enough how great it was to be at the walk this year and see the thousands of people marching to help save the lives of babies! It's inspiring, humbling, and memory forming! I can't wait until 2010!

March for Babies, 2009

Here is a look at our March for Babies event this past weekend. It was such a great success and we couldn't have asked for a better day to walk. We raised over $4000, earning us a 5th place finish for family team fundraising. I didn't even know we were competing :-) We had 38 walkers, including all the kiddos, and it felt amazing to be surrounded by so much support and love! I am so proud of the Miracle McCanns and the effort that was put into raising money so that we could make a difference for babies and their families.

The Wall of Love, Hope, and Rememberance is where families can share their stories and pictures. Every year that I stand at that wall, tears well up in my eyes, both for the blessings I have received and for the families that have experienced heartache. No one knows why some babies survive and others don't, so having my children with me reminds me everyday that miracles do happen.

I'm already thinking ahead to 2010 and looking forward to doing bigger and better things for the March of Dimes. It's so gratifying to know that we are giving back in a way that truly makes a difference.

Thank you all for joining us on this journey. I hope you enjoy the pictures, but trust me, they are nothing compared to being there!

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