finishing off a great summer

What a weekend of sporting events!  Calvin had 3 soccer games on Saturday,playing with his own team and helping out another team that his coach asked him to help out on. We went to watch Nik and Peter start their fall soccer games. In the mean time Jake and Layla finished 5th and 3rd in their sprint triathlon in Tahoe, while Derek, their dad came in 4th in his 1/2 Iron man in Tahoe. We watched Natalie an Mariah run in their cross country meet on Thursday. Also on Saturday Valerie came in first in her 10 mile run in Detroit.
All the rest in Michigan are getting in one more trip by traveling and camping to the North part of Michigan.

But all was not well a few weeks ago, it was the week of crashes. Mariah was in a t bone crash, sitting in the worst seat and ending up with a concussion and plastic surgery on her face. A few days later Calvin and I were coming home from another soccer game when we were involved in a 4 car crash. We were blessed with nothing but an alignment problem of body and soul. Mariah continues to have issues with her healing. We pray for all the safety of our family.

We welcome our first grand great,,,boy! August Chatterley, born Aug 1 to Tanner and McKenna. They are living close by so hopefully we can see them more often.

Hiking has been my new favorite  activity, Here we are hiking to Timp cave.

Another hike on the other side of Mt Timp. near Salamander flats. I love being out in nature, Going to many of the kids activities has been great fun. Seeing them healthy and happy is my greatest joy.

McCall Idaho with Karina and Dan and family

Karina and Dan have been going to McCall since their honeymoon there many many years ago and They have almost made it every year since. One of the traditions is Ice Cream alley. Here we all are enjoying high amounts refreshing treats.

We celebrated Jim's 75 birthday and Karina and Dans anniversary. Nattie provided the creative candles 

Kayaking is one of my favorite activity

We also love playing games

Almost everyone tried water sking

Many of us did the swim to the Island, which is about 1 1/2 miles, depending on how straight one swims

Jim gave it the good old college try

Food always brings us together

On the drive back we enjoyed extra time and visiting with Andrew

We are so glad that we were included in this great family retreat. Thanks for sharing McDonalds. We love our time together.