SHAUN'S ACL (anterior crucial ligament) Knee Surgery (July 22,2008)

3 weeks after Shaun's knee surgery-he smiles through the pain! Ugh!

This knee brace will be Shaun's "friend" for several months.

Interesting pictures taken during the surgery. The top left picture shows the torn ACL. The bottom left picture depicts the new ACL graft. The medical technology today is truly a miracle!

SHAUN'S ACL (anterior crucial ligament) Knee Surgery (July 22,2008)

Unfortunately, this summer during football camp, Shaun tore his right knee ACL. He was tackled at the knee while carrying the ball. 18 months ago, while skiing,he tore the left ACL and went through surgery. After another MRI on his right knee, it was determined that he needed surgery to replace or graft (take actual ligament from his own hamstring) and construct a new ACL. We went back to University of WA Orthapaedic Surgery with Dr. Roger Larson for the repair. This type of graft, literally, takes 18 months to completely. Intense Physical Therapy is necessary throughout this time. The biggest disappointment is that Shaun will be out of Football, Wrestling, snow skiing etc. for a year. He dealing with this reality a day at a time for right now. He will have 2 very strong knees when he serves his mission!

A Day at Boulder Beach, Silverwood Theme Park (August 8, 2008)

We spent a fun day at Boulder Beach Water Park! Hot sun and cool water! The wave pools and slides were a "hit" with Carmen!

Nathan and Brian are taking a break after being "water-logged"!
Carmen is always up for her picture being taken! She was energetic until the late night hour when Silverwood closed! She ran from ride to ride exhausting the rest of us! Fun for her!

Hiking in the Cabinet Mountains, Montana (July 2008)

Don and Brian went on the Venture Hike through the Cabinet Mountains with the Venture Scouts. They hiked 27 miles at 7,000 feet. What an adventure!

Brian attempted to catch some fish... Don caught them all! Definately worth the trip!

Nicole's BYU-Idaho Graduation (July 18, 2008)

Nicole graduated from Brigham Young University-Idaho with her bachelors in Elementary Education. We began the night with a banquet honoring the graduates. Sister Julie B. Beck, General Relief Society President, and President Kim Clark, President of BYU-I, spoke at the banquet.

Henry J. Erying presented the diploma to Nicole.

What an accomplishment! We are so proud of her.

The girls after the ceremonies.
All the boys!
Nathan is proud also :)

Bradley James Duffy Called to Serve a Mission in Tijuana, Mexico!

On July 15, 2008, Bradley James Duffy was set apart as a full-time missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latterday Saints. We call him Elder Duffy now for 2 years! He will be serving the Lord by sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ with the people in Tijuana and the surrounding area in Mexico. We are so thrilled for him and are anxious to hear about his experiences.

Elder Bradley James Duffy entered the Mission Training Center (MTC) in Provo, Utah on July 16, 2008. He will live there for approximately 2 months before he leaves for Mexico. He will be learning the Spanish language and preparing to teach the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Megan and Bart picked Brad up from the airport and took him to the MTC. (Bart served his mission several years ago in the Spanish speaking Arizona, Tempe mission. ) How sweet it is! Officially, Elder Duffy, full-time missionary with this name tag!

Alaska Fishing Trip (July 2008)

One of my boys' favorite things to do in the summer is fishing! Well, this time they got to go with Dad (Don) to Alaska to fish! Sportsmans Cove Lodge on Prince of Wales Island by Ketchikan offered this "one of a kind" fishing experience. Brian and Shaun experienced "a little bit of heaven" here.

Brian showing off one of his many catches! Salmon and halibut galore!

You can't wipe the smile off Shaun's face! So many fish to catch! He was very busy!

The whole boat crew! Can you spot the large halibut in the middle? Shaun reeled in this 35 pounder! It was a happy and intense 30 minutes! Life couldn't get any sweeter right then!

ALOHA! "Once in a lifetime" trip to HAWAII! (June 2008)

Carmen's favorite thing about Hawaii: being with all of her cousins! She especially enjoyed the babies! She is holding Natalie Brooke Hill. Precious!

The luau was marvelous! Love the food, love the company, love the matching reunion shirts! Love Hawaii!!
Dad and Mom (Grandpa and Grandma Hill) made this amazing trip to Hawaii possible. Their 8 children and spouses and all of their children=55 of us! What a grand memory! Thanks, MOM and DAD! We love you!

Brad and Shaun "picking on" the younger cousins! Glad that Kyle is smiling!:)

Chillin' in the pool with Tatum and Taylee, more of Carmen's favorite little cousins!

Hanging with Grandma! (Back row: Shaun, Brad, Brian. Front row: Nathan, Grandma Hill, Bart)

The ocean offered snorkeling, waves, tons of fun for Carmen and her cousins!

We couldn't get enough of the ocean! Here are we are at Turtle Rock, Kaanapoli Bay! Fun in the Sun!

What a treat to go parasailing with my sister, Melanie! At least one of us was screaming with glee or terror or both at all times! The view was absolutely delightful!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DON! He turns 50! (June 10, 2008)

Surprise! It was truly a surprise! We cannot believe that he didn't know anything was up! The look on his face when he strolled in and we yelled "Happy Birthday" was priceless! Well, at first, I thought I was going to be taking him to the Emergency Room, but the color did come back into his face.

Yes, he is blowing out 50 candles! We counted twice!

Loving the attention from our dear friend, the Zauggs and Bruce Owens!

Laughter and birthday wishes all around as hysterical "gag" gifts were opened! We are so lucky to relish in friendships with Chris and Grant Oyler and Jerry and Pam Meier! These wonderful people are "dear to our hearts"!

More friends and birthday fun!

Author, Jerry Meier treated Don to a "tongue in cheek" specifically tailored birthday poetry reading. After much laughter, Don's and Jerry's eyes were wet at the conclusion of the reading!

What a party! Great friends, great food! Don is loved!

You couldn't wipe the smile off of our faces! One happy family with a wonderful husband and father!

Another spectacular sunset in Hayden Lake at the end of a wonderful evening!Happy Birthday, Don!

Washington DC in April 2008

Visiting the Iwo Jima Monument, a memorial to WWII veteran soldiers was awe-inspiring. We are so grateful for the sacrifice and service of men and women who fight for our country's freedom!

The Thomas Jefferson Memorial awakened incredible feelings of patriotism and gratitude for this inspired man, Thomas Jefferson, who wrote The Declaration of Independence.

Carmen standing in front of the stately statue of Thomas Jefferson.

The Washington Monument was also a highlight in the center of the National Mall.

The Lincoln Monument "gives honor where honor is due" for our country's past president, Abraham Lincoln. We will be forever indebted for his foresight to keep this nation and its citizens free and united!
One of the most reverent places in WA DC is Arlington Cemetary. Our hearts were full with respect when we visited this resting place for those who have represented and fought for our country and its freedom.

Spring Break in Moab, Utah

Intense Fourwheeling (Shaun)! A great adventure for all!

Taking a little break after climbing a steep trail to overlook the beautiful desert country!

Moab offers grandeur scenery with its spetacular arches. Carmen, Brian and Shaun are standing underneath showcasing the immensity of this grand arch.

Incredible formations including this one "The Balanced Rock".

Short day hikes continued to offer up unbelieveable scenery! We felt like we were placed in an actual painting or movie scene set! Unreal!