Summer Update

We are long overdue for an update!!  Its been a busy summer and time has gotten away from us.  We’ve had two more successful fundraisers – The Fun Guy Fundraiser in San Diego and the Justin James Concert to Benefit Jeff in Detroit.

The Fun Guy Fundraiser held at the San Diego Mission Bay Boat & Ski Club was an amazing event and we had a wonderful day hanging out with all of our friends and supporters.  Your support keeps us going when we are having a bad day!  Thank you to everyone that helped put the event together and that attended!  We were truly overwhelmed with the outcome.  Everything turned out so amazing!!

Jeff got thrown in jail

Sheriff keeping the peach

Kalli and Kendra working the craft/bake sale table

Amanda, Toni and Rene checking our bidders in

Fun game created by Andrew out of one of his old wheelchairs

Chris and Lisa drawing tickets for prizes

Crowd of supporters

We pulled off the travel Band-Aid and made our first trip back home to see our family and friends and attend the Benefit concert featuring Justin James that our family hosted.  Again, another amazing event!  So wonderful to see our family and friends!!  Words are powerless to express our gratitude!  We truly appreciate everyone coming out to see us on a work night!!

Hanging with Uncle Ronnie and Lori

Benefit flyer

Justin rockin' it out

My Parents:)

With the Chevrier Family

Natalie, Ava and Jeff

Stacey, Dan and Melissa

Joan and family

Julie, Jeff and Joan

We found that traveling was actually easier now because we don't have to wait in line for security.  We are first to board the flight and last to get off which means our bags were waiting when we get to baggage claim.  Overall traveling wasn’t too bad, but we found that we really missed our adjustable base bed.  It really helps when getting him up!  It was great for our family and friends to get to see us and see that we are okay.  We are survivors!!  

What a great trip!

Jeff getting a ride in a Cobra Mustang signed by Bill Ford

Leo Birthday Celebration

Niko enjoying a gluten free cupcake

Show me all your teeth Natalie

Leos

Dena and Niko

Niko hanging with Uncle Jeff in bed

Day on Orchard Lake

Parents going tubing

Let's go Tigers!

Fun Family Outing - where is the one with Ryan??

Love

Band of Brothers

Being silly

Jeff and the girls

Family time:)

 Jeff completed drivers training and is back behind the wheel.  Thanks to everyone’s generosity we were able to purchase a van for Jeff and have it modified for him to drive!  It's so nice to have a lift to pick up the chair!!

Driving his new van for the first time

New van

Of course he had it tinted out

And of course a fox sticker there is also a light up Michigan logo in the back window that turns on when it senses motion

We also purchased a Firefly that has given him more freedom especially when a lot of rolling is required.  Now he doesn’t have to burn his arms up pushing at sporting events, concerts or even the Grand Canyon making it easier on everyone.  Again, due to everyone’s generosity we were able to afford this purchase.  Thank you!!

Firefly at the Jason Aldean concert

Firefly in the Grand Canyon

Kunu likes to ride on his lap when he's tired

As you all know, we experienced major heartache when Ally & Jaks passed away this year, but after a month of no pitter patter of little paws in the house we decided to get a new puppy to keep us company.  We now have a new little guy named Kunu.  He’s a Finish Spitz / Pomeranian Mix that weighs 15 pounds with a big personality.  We love this little guy already!!  

RIP Jaks 4/29/12 the "Little Man"

RIP Ally 6/10/12 our "Pretty Girl"

New addition to the family Kunu

Kunu enjoying his first boat ride

Kunu in the Grand Canyon

In an effort to continue doing one of our favorite things that we can still do we put our boat in a slip to make it easier for us to enjoy.  We now keep our boat at Campland on the Bay and we love it!  We took a sunset cruise last night!  And did I mention that it’s just a short walk to the boat club.

Nice little Sunday out on the boat with friends

Paddle boarding with Kunu at Campland

 

We took Joan on a road trip to show our appreciation for staying with us for so long and helping us so much.  We wouldn’t have been able to do all of this without her.  She has been our rock!!  We took her to Las Vegas, the Hoover Dam, and the Grand Canyon.  We had a great time and Jeff drove almost the entire trip!!  So great to have him behind the wheel again!

Joan and Jeff at the Grand Canyon

Taking in the view

Kunu traveled well on his first road trip

Amazing

Harvest Moon

 

Next on our list is Project Walk.  Unfortunately, they don’t accept insurance and they are pricey so this will be a costly out of pocket expense, but we are hoping this will really build his strength so he can continue to gain his independence.  He has also been doing acupuncture, which is also an out of pocket expense.  Again, we are able to do all of these things because of your support and generosity!!  Thank you!!