Update, and then some

My niece Avery is out of surgery- she did so well and the doctors are pleased. You can visit Hillary from here on out to keep updated- she PROMISED me that they would keep us all informed on Avery's recovery. Keep her in your prayers- they have a 12 day hospital recovery ahead of them if all goes smoothly.

As for my little family, (it feels very insignificant considering) we have been doing lots of summer things that little girls do.
Abby has started her summer soccer camp with the Celtic Storm. She was so nervous the first day but ultimately has had a wonderful time. (I don't have any pictures, but I will take some!)

All three have been through their first session of swim lessons.I say first because Eva is the only one that passed and advanced to the next level.Liv did learn to do this with out fear:For me this is a monumental victory- but to pass Level 2 she has to glide on her back and front with her face in the water without help and she is still too nervous, but those sweet goggles are helping!Abby has done really well in Level 3 (she has the only boy teacher and informed me that "Boy teachers are the best, they know so much, plus he is a real lifeguard. Anyone else think she has a crush?!) She is stroking across the pool, but keeps stopping mid stroke and she still needs to float on her back. Anyone know a trick to get her to do this? My advice doesn't seem to be helping. It is funny to watch these girls learn. It feels like I have just always known how to swim, so I think- just do it girls, but I guess everyone has to learn in their own way and I am very proud of the steps they have made. We will be taking round two at the end of July.

Lastly but not leastly I wish a big GOOD LUCK to the Team Griffiths ITBanders going into their Bone Relay Race in Idaho tomorrow!!! Smoke those Jardine's and bring home the victory medal!!!!

Delicate Heart, Enduring Spirit

I have many family, friends and neighbors who have been wanting an update on my dear sister Hillary's baby girl Avery. I thought I would link you all up to her blog today and let everyone know that 10 month old Avery is going in for her open heart surgery tomorrow (Thursday June 24th). Go over to Hillary's blog and give her and her husband Rand words of support and encouragement. All your thoughts, prayers, and concerns for this bundle of sweetness and joy will be wanted and needed to get them through this distressed time. Paul and I and the girls just love this little one so much, even though we haven't been able to meet her in person yet. Our hopes and knowledge are that she will come through this with flying colors! Her little body will be more healthy and strong and she will be more able to reach her full potential in life. Not to mention she will then be able to make the trip out west to let us smother her with family love that only Aunts, Uncles, and cousins can give!!!Avery you are in our prayers tonight, tomorrow and throughout your recovery process. May your doctors hands be guided and inspired, may your heart be strong, and may your parents be given the peace in their hearts that they so desperately deserve- We love you!!!

Speeding to the finish line

Last Saturday June 19, 2010 was the big Strawberry Days Race. Abby has been anticipating this day for a year and was so determined that after taking 3rd last year she wanted to take second this year. So she started training with me two days a week for the last month. Sadly my IT Band injury wouldn't let me compete in this race either, but I was totally on board to help Abby achieve her goal. My Dad and Abby were the lone competitors to continue in the Griffiths tradition of meeting at the starting line bright and early.
With the sounds of multiple rifle shots to the air and lead by the police siren escort, my Dad was off like a rocket, in fact even with my rapid fire shutter speed I missed his take off!
Having the PG Police and Fire Department sponsor the race this year was very fun, in fact, for the first people rounding into the finish line the police would announce their approach by lighting up and sounding the sirens. True to form my Dad came cruising in at the top and as we all began to cheer for him to "GO GO GO Grandpa!" a lady next to Abby said "Wow! That's your Grandpa!!" Yes it is and we were all so proud of his 20:16 finish!!!

Next up was Abby who was now getting so nervous that she was doubling over and telling us she shouldn't have eaten her breakfast!! My Dad took her to the starting line and together they talked through the nerves, did a few stretches and then the guns began to fire- she was off!!! I couldn't believe her speed, I almost missed her too!
The next thing we new she was rounding the corner 4th in line and inching up on her nearest opponent- seriously, this girl is competitive!!!
When it was over she was delighted to find that she had taken 1st place in the 7-8 year olds and 4th overall. My Dad of course took 1st place in his division continuing on his legacy of domination.
I think it was so great that they were able to do it together- we are so proud of our speedsters!!!

It begins

Summer has hit and I am sure you can tell by my drop in posting we have just been out having lots of fun.

First of all we spent part of Memorial weekend out with the Davis'- we kind of like them alot!

(Paulene, these are for you!)

You know I love me some red, white, and blue!

Bike rides, pools, parks, play dates, BBQ, Primary parties, family visits, and picnics galore. Boy I do love summer- it only stinks that when the temperatures outside decided to spike into the 90's our AC decided it would go back into hibernation mode. So we have basically been sweating ourselves silly until the repair man can fit us into his schedule tomorrow. I am surviving, Paul not so much. He is just opting to stay up and work all night instead of trying to sleep amid the heat. Hopefully tomorrow we will be singing a new tune. In the mean time I think a round of Popsicles are in order and a cool dip in the pool!