Wanted to share some pictures of our trip in the UP. After the fundraiser we decided to stop at Lake Superior for a little sight seeing. Michael was pretty funny, he would not walk in the sand. He just stood there in one place and played with it. Sara was all over. Hope you enjoy these pictures as well as we enjoyed the scenery.

The fundraiser in the U.P. went really well. We made almost 2200.00. Ted's parents did a wonderful job. The spaghetti was yummy and so were the desserts. People were really friendly and they were very happy to see Michael there. Michael cheezed it up really well for the cameras. We had TV 6 and TV 10 the day before doing interviews. Unfortunately we didn't get to see either one, but we are trying to obtain copies of both. The girls who did the interviews were really sweet and did a great job.

The pictures turned out a little blurry so I apologize.

The first one is Ted's mom Jean, then we see dad & Michael.

Sorry this is a little late. Wanted to tell you about the Celtic festival. I will try to post pictures. I am not very computer savvy and I was trying to download them from Kris's Facebook page but somehow I messed it up.

The Celtic festival was a big success we made about $300.00 give or take. It was a lot of fun. There was music an Irish food as well as the Highland games. I had a dish called Bangers and mash. Please excuse me if I spelled it wrong but it was yummy.

The Highland games were fun to watch. Even some women were ivolved. One of the doctors I work with Dr. John stopped by and he even played some music.

We had a kids booth with games and prizes for the kids.

It was a little chilly out but a whole lot of fun.

What a great time Michael had at his birthday party. We had some really good friends over and Michael had a blast.

We had a lot of good food. A friend of ours made her famous potato salad, which was out of this world. Ted cooked hot dogs and hamburgers on the grill. We all had a really good time.

This one I call Joe Cool. He really likes those sunglasses.

Michael received some really nice gifts.

Good news and not so good news. We are now able to test people for potential donors for Michael. Not so good news is I am not a match. Apparently Michael has a rare blood type and it will probably be pretty hard to find a donor. We will test some family members and work from there he may have to be put on the list. We are really hopeful someone will be a match for him.  My family and Ted's family all want to be a donor. According to the transplant coordinator a live donor is better than a cadaver but a cadaver kidney still has good results after transplant.

Ted and I thought it went fairly well. We are pleased things are moving forward. No matter what happens or how it happens and/or however long it takes Michael will get his kidney. Of that we know.

Keep us in your thoughts and prayers and we will keep you posted of this blessed event. We are excited to see this happen and can't wait to keep the ball rolling.

The yard sale was a complete bust. It rained the whole time on Saturday. Everything got wet now I am drying the clothing and stuff so it doesn't mold in the plastic bags they are stored in. Don't worry we will have it again hopefully on a not so rainy day. So sorry to those who tried to stop by.

Our next fundraiser is August, 29. It will be at the St. Joe County Fairgrounds from 10-3. Not sure of the ending time. We will have a kids booth there. The kids will be able to play a game and win prizes. I am going to try to have Michael there for a little bit so come by and see us.

My campaign coordinator had a banner made with Michael's info on it. It turned out really nice. Really happy with it.

This weekend we noticed how Michael is able to reach things that he never used to be able to reach. Can't wait for Riley to measure him on Tuesday. I think he might have grown an inch since his last visit.

Had First steps in to see Michael again. It was encouraging. Although he needs some work with his speech and eating solid foods they said he was a very smart little boy. They also said that he was "very busy". No kidding, he really keeps me on my toes, he is always on the move.They were happy that his motor skills are above average we just have to work on getting him talking more.

Our yard sale is coming up this weekend. Details in the 'Activities and Events' section.

Looking forward to meeting with the transplant coordinator next Tuesday. Can't wait!

Here are some pictures of our funny boy:

Michael is doing really well. His infection is clearing up nicely but he will be on antibiotics for a little while longer. Looking forward to meeting the transplant coordinator. Ted and I are ready to see this through for him.

Of course  now that First Steps has come in and evaluated him for his speech he has been saying new words like crazy. The other night he just about broke my heart. He was in his crib hooked up to his cycler, looked at me with his beautiful eyes, held up the tubing and clear as a bell said "out". Knocked me for a loop, I almost cried I felt so bad for him being cooped up in there. I do keep a lot of toys in his crib and the rest of the family is so close he can see us. It does make it a little better seeing us and I do have a rocker next to his crib, I just pull it close and hold him. He loves it. He spends a lot of his time looking up at me babbling and touching my face. He is such a sweetie.

We had First Steps come in to evaluate Michael on his speech. Although they said cognitively he is doing excellent he could use some help with talking. He can only say about 20 words. He should be saying more and putting some two word sentences together. Not to worry, we actually had First Steps before when he was not eating foods very well. They do a wonderful job and we are confident that he will be talking our heads off in no time. He actually babbles a whole lot. I just think he may be stubborn and will do it on his own time. We will see. Anyway the evaluation went well, Michael did a lot of showing off and running around. It was pretty funny.

Here are some pictures of Michael being funny:

We have four fundraisers coming up in the next few months. The first one is 8/22-8/23. Heather and I are having a yard sale from 9-5 on Saturday and Sunday. We will have a blip in the paper with the details and address. There will be kid stuff and lots of odds and ends. Heather is also thinking about combining the sale with a corn and sausage roast. Details to follow as we get closer to the date.

The second is the  Celtic festival on 8/29 and the Apple Festival on 10/1.

The biggest fundraiser right now is Ted's parents are planning a spaghetti dinner. This will be on 9/13 from 11-4 at the Marquette Masonic Lodge in Marquette, Michigan on Washington Street. Way up in the U.P. The cost is $8.00 for adults children 5 an under are free. The price includes a salad, dessert and a drink. There will also be a silent auction.

Thanks for all your support!!!