surprize!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Wow!!! My friend Marie orchestrated a surprize party for me for my birthday! I was so stunned - I didn't know what to do...I had some suspicions -but her 4 year old daughter so convincingly lied to me all on her own, I totally believed her. (something to think about in about 10 years)

summer days

Nothing says a Michigan Summer than a paddle boat on a lake - This was one of the first times 2 year old Toby was on a boat - he's a little nervous - but his mom, Marie, was close by to comfort - Helena who has a couple years on Toby was very confident and wanted to swim off the boat - ....frankly....so did I -

The Island

After a stressful week of watching the news on K2, my Mother and I took a retreat to the island. We are so fortunate to have a place where we can completely relax and see amazing sunsets! (my Mother is waving hello)

k2

Below is a photo of my brother Chris at the top of Mt. Everest. As many of you know he recently attempted K2. Unfortunately, or fortunately as the story is told he was not able to Summit K2 on August 1st. He turned around somewhere between Camp 4 and the Summit. Between time constraints and other issues he decided to turn around and wait for another day for a summit. A difficult decision, and one I am very happy he decided to take. Disaster struck K2 shortly thereafter and 11 climber did not return to base camp. Chris was part of the rescue efforts from Base Camp and assisted with the rescue of 3 other climbers. I am so thankful that my brother is safe, but it is with a heavy heart as my sympathy goes out to the families whose brothers, husbands, sons, friends did not return.