I'm so thankful for...

my freedom...

and all the men and women who have made it possible for me and my family to live happily and safely. I will never forget the sacrifices they and their families make in service to our country. My father, my grandfather, my father-in-law, my brother-in-law and now my nephew pledged their lives in service.

This picture is of Jared's dad, Dennis Whitney. Katie was looking at the picture, and I was explaining that it was her grandpa. She whispered "Pop Pop..." and then yelled, "Daddee!!!" There is kind of a family resemblance.

Semper fidelis. Adapt and overcome.

I'm so thankful for...

this smile...

and all the giggles, silliness and fun that goes with that smile. I'm grateful that my girl has such a sunshiny soul, one that appropriately balances her need for structure, and her independent, stubborn streak. My girl is my world, and I'm thankful that world is so often such a happy one.

Popping out to say hi!

Happy Halloween!

Katie was a kitty for Halloween this year, but we didn't get many pictures of her. She's always on the go, and doesn't stop to pose for pictures.



We went Trunk or Treating on Friday night at the church, and Katie really enjoyed the cornbread! She buzzed right over and grabbed a plate, the little punk. She also refused to try saying Trick or Treat, but would say please, take a piece of candy, and say thank you.



Making the rounds to visit family on Saturday. Love our kitty!

PDX

Finally made it to Portland to visit C & D. We had such a good time! Dennis had to work Saturday when we were there, but Colleen was free and came with us to the zoo! She showed us how to ride the Max, and it was great how convenient it was. Katie was even interested enough to keep the gymnastics to a manageable level.

The zoo was amazing. The animals were all out putting on a show, and since it was a little chilly, it wasn't too busy. We forgot our camera, so these are all pics Colleen took.



These bears are at the entrance to the gift shop. Katie high fived the black one!



Riding a mountain goat!



Not this one, though.



This was a bubble into the salmon river. K obviously thought it was flat, and got a surprise when she leaned into it.



Checking out an eye level starfish.



They had a baby elephant with his mama.



We could see almost all of the animals. The zoo is set up really well.



We could even be eye level with a giraffe!



This orangutan made me laugh. He was all stretched out, munching some snacks, playing with his cardboard box... sounded like a good plan to me!

The Lorakeet Landing was definately Katie's favorite. She is really into birds right now, and they were so bold! As soon as we walked in, one swooped down to get a treat!



The birds let me move all around with them on my hand. So Katie got up close with them.









Oh yes, the birds were bold, indeed.



Colleen bought Katie a stuffed Lorakeet to remember the day! She chews on the beak and drags that poor thing everywhere!

We were able to catch up with Dennis for dinner that night and hang out a bit. We can't wait to visit again soon!

Happy Birthday, Jared!

I love you so much!



Also, I like your new chaps.

Pink Week

Pink Week is an event put on by the leadership classes at the Kennewick high schools to raise awareness of cancer and money for cancer research. This is a bittersweet week for me. It's really hard, because cancer has touched my life in numerous ways, and at this time of year I always think more about what I have lost. It's hard to be bombarded with pink, always thinking about Mom. I spend a lot of the week feeling like a raw nerve ending, angry that this disease has taken so much from me and people I love and sad because it makes me feel very lonely.



But then I look around, at all these teens wearing pink, and it makes me so happy to be able to be involved with such awesome kids. They are pouring their hearts and souls into raising money, raising awareness. They were at school at 4:30 this morning, kicking off the city-wide events. They were at the park this evening, decked out in their Value Village pink best and their glo sticks, linking the Cable Bridge to the Blue Bridge. They brought their parents, their brothers and sisters, their youth groups. They were proud to be a part of something bigger than themselves. And they were doing it, most of them, for someone else. For a mother, for a father, a grandparent, their best friend's mom, a neighbor. And, though most of them will never know it, they were doing it for a teacher. A teacher who is so hopeful that these kids are helping find a cure.



I have hope.