Clear Creek

Over the Labor Day Weekend our family went to Clear Creek and camped. This is truly a beautiful place. It was so nice to get out of the heat and be one with nature. Our first night there, right before bed we heard in the distance the roar of a bear, needless to say mom was a little nervous, however I did not show this emotion until after the kids were tucked into there tents and Ed and I where in ours. The next morning we were joined by Grandpa and Uncle Gary for our hike down the canyon. Now, this is NO ordinary hike, this is hiking down a steep slope of the canyon to get to the bottom. Once there you are greeted by extraordinary views that are hard to explain and only pictures can do this place justice. We spent most of the day hiking around the canyon and playing in the water. (Believe me when I say there was plenty of water), plus a few slips on rocks and my lovely slip on a log. Our hike up to the top was even harder then coming down and the kids made it look like it was a walk in the park for them. Ed and I however were sucking wind. Talk about a cardio work out!!! We finished our camping trip with smores and great talks as a family. We will definitely be back.

Clear Creek

Cj's Heart

This summer CJ went to the hospital. As part of his follow up care he needed to visit the Cardiologist. Dr. Nowlen had him do a stress test, CJ called it the "Gatorade Test", it's the ones that you see on the commericals where they show the athletes on the treadmill hooked up to a heart monitor. He also had him on a Holt monitor for 24 hours, this is where you are hooked up to electrodes and a monitor is attached and you wear it for 24 hours. It actually looks like a purse, CJ called it a "Man Purse". To cut a long story short, all the tests came back normal, CJ is in great health, this was all for precautionary measures. Needless to say, CJ has a beautiful perfect heart!!

A Great Heart

Chasing Cars

What can I say. The pictures pretty much tell you the story. Our beautiful 16 year daughter Amanda decided to be a Nascar driver for the day, as you can see by the pictures she did not win!!!! She is alright, but she gave Ed and I quite a scare. I am sure that when she does drive again (Ahhhhh!!!!), she will look both ways before turning!!!

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Wonderful San Diego

In July we took the family to San Diego for a well deserved vacation. We rented a beach house and spent a week of relaxing and playing. Russ and his family joined us as well Grandma and Grandpa Cunningham. We spent most of our time at the beach laying out, boogie boarding, collecting sea shells and burying Amanda and her friend Kenzie in the sand!! We also went to Legoland and of course mom's home away from home Sea World!!!! We also went to Seaport Village and Old Town San Diego where we ate amazing Mexican food. Overall it was a fantastic week, one that won't soon be forgotten.

swimmer girl

Our Swimmer

We started our summer off with Emma in Swim Club. This was her first year and she did amazing. I think we have found her sport. Emma qualified for regionals here in Phoenix and placed 4th overall in her age group of (41) girls in backstroke and 8th overall in freestyle and 20th in breaststroke. We are so proud of her!!