We Did It For Collin!

On Saturday, April 25, our family participated in the March of Dimes 5K Walk for Babies in honor of Collin.

The March of Dimes supports programs in our communities that help moms have healthy, full-term pregnancies. And it funds research to find answers to the serious problems that threaten our babies. The March of Dimes has been walking since 1970 and have raised an incredible $1.8 billion to benefit all babies. You can learn more at www.marchofdimes.org. Some day, every baby will be born healthy!



We partook in a little nourishment before the walk.
TEAM COLLIN AZ before the start of the walk


Sophia thought "walk" meant "race" and ran most of the route! We walked at a pretty brisk pace, but still couldn't keep up with her.

There were so many cool booths & family oriented activities at this event. I highly recommend anyone creating a family team and walking together next year, there are walks in most cities & it supports such a wonderful organization.

We had a great time and we were so glad that Ryan and Abby joined us. We were proud to have walked in gratitude for what the March of Dimes has done for all babies, especially those born with birth defects like Collin's. We were also proud to have walked in his honor; even though we're far away from him, we were able to show our love and devotion to him by walking for him.

Easter Blessings

We had the best Easter ever! Our Easter weekend was kicked off with Chris and the girls volunteering at the Tucson Big Brothers/Big Sisters Easter event on Saturday. (A group of Chris' coworkers ran the event.) It rained throughout the event, but the kids enjoyed helping out and participating in the fun.

I stayed home and made enchiladas, beans & creme brulee french toast for the following morning. Around 6, Abby & Ryan joined us for dinner, then all of the artists gathered for marathon egg-dyeing. (If it had been up to Sophia, all three dozen eggs would have been done in about 5 minutes!)

Sunday morning we were greeted with a "surprise" from the Easter Bunny; full Easter baskets and a plethora of eggs & candy hidden around the house. A full search commenced, and most of the treats were found quickly. (Not all, however, as I am still finding "sweet tarts" and other wrapped candies in various spaces!)

Ryan and Abby soon joined us for brunch, then we went to Mass. In order to SIT at our very large church, we arrived 30 minutes earlier than usual. After sitting sweetly for about 10 minutes, Sophia asked Daddy, "Where are those guys?!" and pointed at the altar. Daddy explained that the Mass hadn't started, that we were there a little early. Twenty minutes later, as the Priest and Deacon sat on the altar, Sophia smiled excitedly and said, "Now I can't wait for my favorite part to come!" Chris whispered,"What part is that?" Without skipping a beat, she answered, "When we go home!" Ah, the honesty of children!

Earlier in the week we'd had a hard time deciding what food to prepare, and we finally decided on an eclectic menu. Our family in Nebraska had celebrated Easter mid-week with a Mexican theme...it sounded so good, we decided to borrow the idea. However, the traditional ham, scalloped potatoes and green bean casserole called to us, too, so we compromised and made both! The enchiladas, beans and rice were as popular as the other items and no one left the table hungry. In addition, Abby made a delicious blueberry crunch dessert, I made a rumcake and lemon-buttermilk cupcakes. Some wonderful friends joined us and completed our perfect holiday!








Alexa gave up chocolate, donuts and soda for lent. We were VERY proud of her committment to her sacrifice as she was diligent and faithful for all forty days. She was pleasantly surprised by a bag of chocolate donuts in her Easter basket...that Easter Bunny, what a card! ;)

The Easter Bunny wrote a note for everyone's basket, and signed each with a self-portrait. Sophia confided in me later that "the Easter Bunny draws better kitties than 'Easter Bunnies'"!



Today our Easter blessings continued. Our close friends, the B's (whom we vacationed with at Thanksgiving time) came to Tucson and joined us for breakfast. The kids love spending time together, and of course the adults had a fabulous time as well!

In the afternoon we joined our friends, the G's, to celebrate Orthodox Easter. They have the most amazing backyard, nicknamed "The Garden of Eatin'" and it's an apt description. Fruit trees of every sort line a multitude of paths throughout the property. Grape vines & climbing rose bushes adorn an arbor that meanders around the garden. It's a magical, beautiful place, and as you can imagine, the perfect location for a giant Easter egg hunt! About 25 children searched for the 500 plastic eggs hidden amongst the lush scenery.




Afterwards we dined on a variety of baked treats and then had some delicious watermelon and watched the kids play. We reflected on how blessed we are to have such a wonderful life; with such a great family & such interesting, kind friends. Life is good!