Relay for Life

First of all, I wanted to say thank you to (Aunt) Karen, (daddy) Brian, (grandpa) dad, and (grandma) mom for helping out with Alison, Nolan and Kate while I did the Relay for Life on Friday and Saturday. Without your help, I wouldn't have been able to be a part of this wonderful experience......so thank you! Also, thank you to everyone who donated money on my behalf......it was a last minute decision and all of you came through for me and helped me out by donating money to this wonderful cause......and I thank you for that. I also wanted to thank my team members who welcomed me with open arms. I didn't know anyone going into this and it couldn't have been a better match. God works in mysterious ways......and He brought me to this team.

This was my first year participating in the American Cancer Society Relay for Life event. I will have to say it was a wonderful and moving experience. It meant the world to me that my family was with me for most of the time and my dad (a 3 year cancer Survivor) was able to participate in this event. He is the main reason I participated in Relay for Life.......and there are other people in my life and in my heart that will keep me participating in this event for many years to come. But this one was for you.....dad. I love you!

My dad......my Survivor....I love you!

Okay, not the greatest picture of me......but I'm with my mom and dad and babies......what more can a girl ask for?

Dad watching the opening ceremonies.

The balloon release during the opening ceremonies.

More balloons!

Nolan during the Survivor ceremony.

Dad watching the Survivor ceremony.

Survivor ceremony.

Kate!

Mom and dad during the ceremonies.

Nolan fell asleep!

Mom and dad going to walk the Survivor Lap.

Ali with Jan (one of my team members). Ali loved her hate, it had all of the cancer color ribbons on it.....it was cute.

Venita (one of my team members) a Survivor walking the Survivor Lap.

Here come mom and dad during the Survivor Lap.

There they are!

Mom and dad walking the Survivor Lap. Dad was afraid he would fall into the Lagoon. I assured him I would come and rescue him : )

Kate at Relay.

Ali with Mr. Purcell.

Ali playing "Blastoff" with Mr. Purcell.

Getting dark.

Daddy carrying Nolan like Superman!

One of the Luminaries.

More Luminaries honoring those who lost their lives to cancer.

These pictures don't do this justice. It was beautiful.

The next morning......around 5am.......there weren't very many people walking with me, but these ducks were up and ready to go!

Some of the Luminaries still lit the next morning.

The Lagoon at sunrise.

So peaceful.

Time for the Youth Lap the next morning. Here is Cate with our Kate.

We're ready to "walk" our lap!

Our (very big) t-shirts. We'll grow into them, someday!

Kate.

Nolan a little sleepy.

The ducks decided to join us during the Youth Lap.

Walking the Youth Lap.

Jan, me and Laurie. Come to find out, Laurie and I went to grade school together. And her step mom was my 4th grade teacher......she was there too. Such a small world!

Next year, Grandpa Liesen will be walking in the Survivor lap with my dad.........we love you grandpa Liesen!