Big GREEN Machine

Cars are overrated. They cost a fortune either way....buying or keeping them up. And, recently we have spent WAY to much money maintaining one. Not any more! GONE. No tears or regrets. But this one is different. I have grown to love this one more and more with each road she has taken us down...all 164,000 miles of them. She could get herself to Florida or Arizona with her lights off! If her doors could talk, they would share countless memories. First rides home from hospitals, first road trips, camping stories, first loads to college, victory rides after sporting wins, first trips to the ocean, chariot rescues, she's been a closet...bathroom...and dinner table, and she has even had to be an ambulance a time or two. Some of the most intimate "family meetings" have taken place inside her doors during our long journeys. She has listened to our laughter, screams, cries, singing, snores, and our prayers. Once again, we will all (not many of these times left, we sadly realize) climb inside her doors, pray our traveling tradition Rosary, and journey to The Grand Canyon State.

We love you, Big Green Machine.

"Boring Blog"

I received a text message today. It said simply: "Your blog is boring." Boring! Please. While she is busy in her nephrology world, she takes time out in her "slammed" day to tell me our blog is boring! Sad thing is, I concur. It IS just the blog, however, that has been boring! Life still seems to flash by at lightning speed...and most of the times we don't even have the camera on hand! So Karen, I love how you look to those who are most dear to you, sitting lazily at the pool for the 100th time this summer, and miles away, to "destress" your day... this one is for you!

Summer began with Craig's scouting. He and Mike traveled down to Big Bend to hike, swim, look at stars, see the bats, and camp with his Troop. Craig is weeks away from becoming a LIFE scout on his journey to EAGLE. Like his Uncle Brad, he "spidermaned" up the mountain...7500 feet!! Amazing that with asthma and his "out of shape/summer mode" heart, he didn't hesitate on his journey up. We are so proud of his accomplishments.

Coming down...Craig is the one blazing a trail in front!

The view!

Craig's Troop

Craig, Matthew, Jacob
Craig and Dad in tent...BEFORE the snoring began!

Scout camp was followed by baseball. Reed had a fun time playing "low-key" t-ball (which was hard on Dad) and Cole's team, the Lugnuts, came in 2nd in the season, and 1st in the championship tournament.

Reed, Daddy, Cole Cole and Jacob
Coach "Dad", Cole, Jacob, Coach Mix (Jacob's dad)

Cole's baseball season led to All Stars where he played short stop and second base for the The Branch! He loved playing sports into July...and so did his coach! :)

Pfaff men a.k.a. Cole's Fan Club

And then, recently we celebrated the 4th of July with friends and family. Annual Irving parade and swim with the Arringtons, followed by celebrating with family! Fun times.

Reed and Max

Walter and daddy, Mike

Before and After...the jump!

Mike and mom

So, there you have it! Summer through mid July in one post. Boring...nah. Slacker..yes ma'am!