Zip Line Fun

For the past year, Phil has wanted to build a zip line in our backyard.  He mentioned the idea to his friend, and within a few weeks Mike had a zip line in his backyard.  Good plan.  If you ask me, it is much easier to enjoy Mike's zip line than it would be to have one at our house.  Thank you, Mike.

Obviously, the kids loved it!

TRUE DELIGHT!

Myles had to get in on the action!

We all know that Phil couldn't miss out on the fun.

I wish I could say that using Mike's zip line every once in a while would suffice, but I think it only made my four kids wants one all the more.  :)

Gasparilla ULTRA Challenge

 Phil recently accomplished an awesome running challenge,
and I was SO PROUD of him.

 The Gasparilla Ultra Challenge consisted of 4 races over 2 days...covering 30.4 miles.

On Saturday (in 78 degrees and 100% humidity), 

he ran a 15K (9.3 miles) and a 5K (3.1 miles).

On Sunday, he ran a half-marathon (13.1 miles) and a 8K (5 miles).

We hung out with him in between races, and the kids were his biggest encouragement!

He changed clothes and socks in between races,
and he finished every race with a pace of UNDER 8:00 per mile. 

He earned 4 finisher medals and a big Ultra Challenge Finisher medal and jacket.

 Phil, who still doesn't consider himself a runner, was the only one in our family who completed the challenge.  I love the way that Clare watches Daddy and wants to emulate his every move.  I love that Phil has such a spirit of adventure and drive.  I love that my husband is strong and healthy.

Way to go, Phil!

Do You Know Your Spots?

As of this February, my entire gang started wearing hats.

Learning about my skin cancer (Squamous Cell Carcinoma) was a wake up call.  You would think that living in the SUNSHINE state would be reason enough to take caution, but we (I'm sure like many of you) figured that we were young and careful enough.

Thankfully, we caught my spot early.  

Thankfully, Carcinoma is easily treated.

Thankfully, it didn't effect my quality of life.

Sadly, those thanksgivings are not always the case.

I had surgery on Friday, and everything went well.  They were able to find clean margins after only one layer was removed.  They reassured me that the cancer was gone, but they just short of guaranteed me that I will get it again.  I was, BY FAR, the youngest person there, and they said that I already had a "good" amount of sun damage. 
Take heed, friends! 

This lovely picture shows the hole in my face after they removed the cancerous layer.  This will serve as my reminder to apply sunscreen, wear hats, and visit my dermatologist on a regular basis.

Five hours, ten stitches, a swollen face, and a throbbing headache later, we went home.

I urge you to find a dermatologist in your area.  Know your spots.  Observe any changes.  Get a body scan so that you know your baseline.  Don't get too comfortable doing what you've always done.