Relay for Life

We spent the weekend of July 10-11 participating in the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life. This is the 7th year our family has participated in this event. Our first year in the Relay was 2003, just 2 short months after we lost our sweet Grandma Vone to cancer. That first year was rough--I think we cried more than we walked, but it became a healing time for our family and it felt good to do something constructive with our grief. Since that first year, our team has (fortunately and unfortunately) grown to over 50 members. Fortunate because we have a great time together, but unfortunate because we keep having more extended family and in-laws affected by cancer. Our team raised over $4000 to donate to cancer research. Next year we're hoping to donate even more!

Most of our team--we're missing a few stragglers!

What a blessing it is to finally have a cancer SURVIVOR on our team! It's about time somebody beat this nasty disease! My cousin, Janalee, was diagnosed with thyroid cancer last Spring and is in remission. HOORAY! Jan and I participated in the Survivor/Caregiver lap and dinner. Jan designated me her "caregiver" because she was diagnosed with cancer shortly after Garrett was born. I was still on maternity leave while she was receiving treatment, so I spent most of the daytime at her home just hanging out with her. Jan and Garrett became BFFs and they would snuggle and take naps together. She's come a long way since last year and we're so blessed she's healthy and doing well!!!

Greg's dad, Willy, was in town and came over with Greg to check things out.

My cousin, Lorie, and her darling sister, Melissa, donated their hair to Locks of Love. What cute gals!

Sparky, Me, and Cousin Chad

Garrett enjoying a little attention from fellow redhead--Uncle Kevin!

Go Sparky! The ONLY member of our team who actually stayed overnight and participated in all 25 hours of the Relay!

My sweet cousin Tasha started a water fight with Greg (big mistake) and ended up soaked (and not very happy)! WARNING--NEVER start a water fight with Greg! You will not win. It's impossible. I know from experience.

Brooklyn had the time of her life at the Relay. She went missing multiple times, made some new friends, and enjoyed playing with her cousins.

This little boy also had a blast. I think his favorite part was getting drinks and treats from everybody (which you can see spread all over his face). He got a nasty "owie" on his forehead when he got a little out of control with his dance moves and took a tumble. (At least that's what Uncle Josh tells us. He's currently on babysitter probation.) :)

Garrett also discovered these lovely orange cones and spent a good chunk of the evening arranging and rearranging them. I can't think of any toy Garrett owns that fascinates him and holds his attention as long as these things.

Check out the sunset! It was a beautiful night--absolutely perfect and so much fun!

Who knows...maybe by Relay 2010 there will be a cure for cancer!!!