MS Walk 2011

On Sunday April 10th, Kevin's Heroes set out for our 7th time to participate in the Tri Cities Walk for MS. Not only did we have rain for the 6th time, but it was the wettest year since we started doing the walk. It rained from the time we hopped out of the car until we crawled back in. Despite the required rain gear, squishy socks and soggy shoes, we braved the elements and had a great time. I am proud to report that our team raised over $4,100 this year, which brings our 7 year total to over $34,053 raised for MS research.

I found out last week that the Tri Cities walk raised over $64,000 and that Kevin's Heroes came in 3rd place (the top team raised $8,850). I am so proud of us and extremely grateful for all the love and support we received (and continue to receive!). Thank you again to everyone who participated by walking and pledging our team. Maybe if we all start praying to the Gods now, it might be sunny for next year.

Kevin's Heroes 2011 (front to back, left to right): Natasha, Bradyn, Ita, Claudia, Brenda, Dallas, Lara, Bobbi, Ismael, Brittany

Dallas & Ita, smiling despite the downpour.

Bobbi & Claudia, modelling the MS Society-issued rain ponchos.

A motivating milestone as we started the walk.

I got out in front of everyone this year! At the beginning of a very long, wet walk.

Natasha and Lara, making sure they have enough energy to make it through.

I think this was around the first time that Bradyn started saying she wanted to be carried. She even gave up her coveted ladybug umbrella because she didn't want to carry it anymore. We managed to keep her motivated by promising snacks at the half-way mark. It wasn't until we were on our way back that the tears came. However, Natasha was able to distract her by suggesting we walk along the water on the way back. Despite the few moments of whining, I am so proud of Bradyn because she walked the entire 5 km on her own two feet. That's a pretty amazing accomplishment for a 5 year old!

Brotherly love.

Back home, dry and full of food.

Thanks to Jane & Glenn for helping Kevin get the brunch ready.

We hope you can all join us again next year.

The Carnival

Last Sunday, Kevin & Bradyn headed over to the parking lot of our local mall to meet up with two of Bradyn's classmates and their moms at the carnival that had come to town for the weekend. I can't tell you how excited she was. In true Kevin fashion, I received a few pictures via Blackberry Messenger during the time they were gone. (I was at home LOVING the few hours of quiet) Our girl loves having her face painted and you know, it is VERY serious business.

I don't know about you, but I looked at this photo and thought "You have GOT to be kidding. You did NOT take Bradyn on this ride." I was wrong. The funny part is they only did a few turns on the ride before the operator stopped it. Long story short, Jenna's mom had heard Bradyn saying "Daddy I'm scared" and told the man he had to get her off there. Thinking she was Kevin's wife, he must have figured he better listen.

Guess it's a good thing they got off. (OK - I'm sure this was one of those photos snapped at the wrong second, but isn't it perfect considering the ride they were just on?)

Having a fabulous time with Jenna and Anjali.

Showing off all their loot from playing carnival games.

Day Of Fun

Two weeks ago, Bradyn and I headed to West Vancouver for our semi-annual trip to the dentist. It's quite the drive, but Dr Mackie is well worth it. This is the 4th (?) time that Bradyn has been to the dentist and she is really good about cooperating so they can clean and check out her teeth. Unfortunately, they found a soft spot on one of her molars, so she has to go back in a few weeks and get it filled. No freezing or anything, just a plug of sorts. Even though they're baby teeth, they'll have to last her 6 more years so Dr Mackie would rather be safe and take care of it now. After our appointments we had some lunch at the mall, went to visit the girls at my work (Bradyn had to raid Bobbi's candy drawer) and then headed home to have a candy picnic in the yard. Since Kevin always sends me pictures of his adventures with Bradyn, we thought we'd send one to Daddy.

We spent two hours in the yard that afternoon - playing badminton, baseball, looking at the clouds... The best part was the bubble blowing.

This is the look of a little girl who has just inhaled the bubbles instead of blowing them out... priceless!