For Linda: September 2010

A busy summer since my last post, way too long ago...

We have had a great summer with trips here and there and much time with family and friends. We did have another story just published in the Samaritan Health (hospital network) newsletter called "Heart to Heart" - a copy was in today's local newspaper as an insert but it's also available at the link below. Go to page 5 of the pdf for the story and there is also a photo at the very end of Ava and us.

Link to Heart to Heart Magazine

Ava had her 2 year checkup and continues to do well. She is small for her age but full of spunk and has no problem telling Daddy what she wants and when she wants it. I try to remind myself this stubbornness is what brought her into our lives through all the turmoil, and I need to appreciate it but I'm sure it will challenge us when she is older! Her language and motor skills and development are all within normal ranges for her age (non adjusted) so we are very happy for that!

Linda passed her 2 year mark since diagnosis which is a wonderful milestone which we celebrated and continue to celebrate. Her lymphedema comes and goes but she manages it through exercises and some lymph massage.

Some of the rest of our summer is best described through pictures:

Linda threw out the first pitch at the Knights game and fired a strike down the pipe! It was a fun game and we saw many friends there so thanks for coming out to support her!

A quick trip to Pacific City at the beach (with her big Bro' Austin who she adores):

Ava and Mom in Pacific City

We had a quick crawfishing trip with some friends of mine from high school and college and their kids. Ava did eat the crawfish with us afterward and enjoyed it (Ava is in the diaper in the middle of the photo)!

Let me in! A quick trip to Sisters, Oregon:

A bit worn out after some fireworks at some friends' house:

Ava's first horseback ride at Aunt Tina and Uncle Brian's house!

A boat ride on lake Billy Chinook during a trip to Bend. We went to Bend to speak at a Defeat Cancer meeting and share our story there. It was a good experience and we talked with many other cancer survivors!

Ava on the Farm near Redmond with Linda's dear friend Sherry (fellow survivor):

Ava's already trying to be in the driver's seat. This is her friend Powell who is the same age as Ava:

All dressed up for a get-together at a local restaurant. Is it just me or is she no longer a baby?! Now she is pointing to babies and saying "Baby"...