Wednesday, September 18, 2013

It's been a while....

Hard to believe we are half way through September and into Fall weather already.  This summer was a blur for our family and we definitely are looking forward to things slowing down a bit.  The good news is that everyone has been in good health to enjoy all the craziness!  We went to the CHARGE Conference in Scottsdale, AZ at the end of July.  This experience was so good for all of us.  Dakota enjoyed being on vacation and staying in a hotel, while I swear Dallas liked being at a conference that was all about him!  Scott and I learned a lot and met so many wonderful families.  Many of the families there are connected with us via Facebook, so it was like seeing old friends versus meeting strangers.  We instantly connected with people and we felt embraced and comfortable there.  The dinner conversations were always directed towards the children with CHARGE.  It was nice to be able to talk about it without feeling like you should hold back a little because whomever your speaking to may not be interested.  Everything was fair game and of course we had a lot to talk about.  I wish I had more pictures to share from our trip, but it was honestly so busy and packed that we only got a few.  We decided after this conference that we will do our best to make it to every conference.  They are held every other year and the next one is in Chicago!



Lots of little chargers!  Dallas is not pictured here.


Chillin' in the cabana

Hanging with buddy Victoria

After the conference we went into mega planning mode for the fundraiser that we held on August 24th. It was a tremendous amount of work and it all paid off because the day itself was tons of fun.  We had a wonderful turnout and we were so overwhelmed by the generosity of the people that came, that donated, that helped, and that just plain cared.  We enjoyed sharing our experience with CHARGE and it was really heartwarming to see and feel all the love and support that came our way.  BIG thanks to everyone who made this day a total success.  I can assure you that you helped make a difference for us and for the many families who will benefit from this fundraiser.











Here is the link to the article that was in the Hastings paper advertising the fundraiser.

As for now, it's back to school!  Dakota started Kindergarten this year and she is loving it!  I must say I miss her telling me what to do and not to do, where to go, what to buy, etc., but the boys and I are surviving. :) Dallas started preschool and is enjoying it so far this year.  He is going 3 mornings a week.



And she's off :(

Checking his temp before the first day

Yee-haw- got the cart and my mom ALL to myself!