Look at me ... I'm kayaking! Never to be left behind her big bro & sis, Clare stepped in but never quite made it away from the dock. Check out that tummy!
Although not in this picture, the kids took it one evening at the lake in July. It's got to be one of the best sunsets we've ever seen.
August Long weekend ... fun to be had with Scott, Karen & Marshall visiting from NB. Based upon Marshall's idea, Scott & Dirk's carpentry, Karen and the kids' creativity and G&G's babysitting, we ventured out on the "Pirates of Lot 9" craft for some water excitement!
Pre and post 18 holes of golf with Cam Barker, Dane's generous and gracious host for the Believe in the Goal Invitational Golf Tourney. Dane had an amazing time ... we're not quite sure if Cam will recover from the trauma of Dane's driving, but we are hopeful! Top photo is Dane and Mason dropping the ceremonial puck to kick-off the event. When I get the photos from the professional photog we'll post some of Dane coaching with Jonathan Toews.
Dane's CCMB buddies hanging out in Souris during a very fun but chilly August weekend. Four of the five kids in this photo are kickin' leukemia's but and our host Jessie (far left) has recently beaten her fight with lymphoma. Way to go gang and LOVE all the new curls!!!!
Ashley, Dane & Clare with lake Superior in the background. This one was taken earlier this week during an end-of-summer get-away to Duluth and Minni for sightseeing, lots of swimming and some shopping.
Well, that's July & August in a nutshell. On the medical front, Dane started his fifth Maintenance cycle in mid-August. He has felt great all summer long and we can really notice the return of his strength, stamina and muscle tone. His blood counts have been excellent so he has remained on 100% dosages of all his meds. He and Ashley strap on the skates this week for hockey and ringette camps and we are anxious to see how they fare.
Late August and early September also signifies dragon boating season. As was the case last year, we are paddling on team Paddlestar Gallactica. If you are interested in supporting our cause, the following is the link to our personal page. Our team captain and me are the honorary spokespersons for the event this year. Apparently our team spirit (aka loudness and time spent in the beer tent post races) and Dane's story caught folks' attention in 2009!
http://convio.cancer.ca/site/TR/Manitobathirdpartyevent/DRAGON_MB_Winnipeg_?px=2893401&pg=personal&fr_id=8520Hope summer has been good to everyone - Janie & Dirk
Congrats on the new position Dirk. I hope you enjoy your new position.
ReplyDeleteGlad to hear you guys packed alot into summer.
Glad also to hear that Dane is doing great. Soon it will be time to start the never ending busy schedule we all love in fall and winter.
I hope you enjoy your time back at work Janie.
Do you remember how to get there? Jk
Take care guys
The Wilsons'
Heroes come and heroes go, always strong, rarely meek,
ReplyDeletefrom day to day, week to week,
a new one rises from among the throng,
their deeds oft told in story and song,
with fete and flourish they are praised,
their name and banner loftily raised,
but 'neath it all, this glory, this light,
their heroic deeds oft born of might,
yet heroes they are and heroes they'll be,
but never as true as those unsung I see,
Little soldiers every one, no sword, rifle nor gun,
they face a foe by day and by night,
in a battle, a war, cruel and merciless fight,
their only wish is for battle done,
for each are someones daughter or son,
these little heroes not the age of a man,
having hardly begun their allotted span,
barely babes in arms they face a foe,
an enemy full with pain and woe,
Young and innocent of this life,
they face a world with horrors rife,
conscripted by fate every one,
their ballads are rarely sung,
some will prevail while others are lost,
their innocence and beauty oft the terrible cost,
paid to neither man nor nation,
they cling hard to hope of salvation,
While those in their gilded halls,
with their fetes, feasts and grand balls,
hear not their pleas nor cries,
as the tears of pain pour from their eyes,
for their hearts are cold, their minds still,
to love these children they have lost the will,
their only thoughts their coffers to fill,
whilst this Cancer does our children so often kill,
So spare a thought ye men of power,
give a little of yourself each hour,
to these soldiers so very small,
show them they are loved by one and all,
save your promises so full of air,
show them you can really care,
no more procrastination,
honour these, the Little Heroes of our Nation
*written in honour of every child, past, present and future who has fought or must fight against Cancer.
Praying for you all
Don McGregor