ALS WALK 2010

In Honor of my Grandma Dortie, many of us walked in the 1st Annual SD ALS Walk at the Empire Mall in Sioux Falls.  Many of the faces were familiar gathered around my Grandma, but a few were not. 
Hundreds of people congregated there because she has touched their lives in a significant way and I was truly inspired and a bit emotional as well.  It was a glorious site to see "Dortie's Angels" milling about, talking with her, giving their time, donations and overall support for my Grandmother. 
I know how she has impacted my life, by teaching me lessons and traditions, but mostly by giving me unconditional love and support. The same way she has a special place in my heart, she also has a spot in the hearts of hundreds of others.

It was an honor to walk for my Grandmother because she cannot walk that distance anymore.  She cannot feed herself, comb her hair, brush her teeth, or give me a hug.  It's a devistating disease, ALS, and I don't wish it on anyone.  She has so many gifts and talents and they are gone.  No more piano, organ, singing in the choir, sewing, crossword puzzles, baking, cooking or dancing.  All the committees she dedicated herself to are there, but she is not.  It makes me wonder why something like this would happen to her, but that is not for me to know, not yet.  She has impacted my life and now the tides have turned and it's time for me to support her and show my unconditional love for her as well. 

So, I walked 2 miles, a seemingly easy task really, to show my support and love along with hundreds of others.  It was quite a sight and I hope to continue the tradition again next year.
Thank you Grandma for another wonderful tradition.

Football and Pumpkins 2010

Camden is loving football, but did not enjoy the last game due to a serious pummeling!
Overall, it was a great game to watch and he played well.

After the game, we went out to eat, then attended the Pumpkin Patch Harvest Festival.     
We visit the pumpkin patch every year and closer to Halloween we carve our pumpkins into various patterns.  I think we already have this years patterns chosen and now it's just waiting ....

The pumpkin patch was very busy this year and the day was perfect for such an event!
Corynn played on inflatables, then we walked to the pumpkin patch to choose the perfect pumpkins!  Corynn only cared about the little ones she could pick up and carry around.
Although too small to carve, they are displayed on our front porch.

Camden is a veteran pumpkin picker and he selected a large pumpkin to carve this year!
We always have a good time there.

We also took home a large carmel apple and shared it between us while Kevin enjoyed a fresh apple turnover.