CHS FOOTBALL "away" GAME (Moses Lake High)

A brand new stadium with "field turf" (first game of the season on it) at Moses Lake Highschool. Coeur d' Highschool holds off the #1 ranked team in Washington 23-13!
Brian played an exhilarating game! Good times!
Offensive line (Brian on left of bench) receiving instruction during the game. The win made the 2 1/2 hour bus ride home go by quickly! Go Vikings!

Coeur d'Alene Highschool "FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS" Football!

The start of school in the Fall also denotes highschool football games every weekend. Brian (#57) is the "starting" Center and "starting" Defensive End for Coeur d'Alene Highschool Varsity football team. Lining up and getting ready to hike the ball!

Go #57!

The First Day of School - Fall of 2008

Ahhhh...the first day of school, actually, Brian's first day of his Senior Year! He and Shaun begin the day with Seminary at 6:30 a.m.

Shaun really is looking forward to school! He just can't believe that he has to have his picture taken! Too early in the morning! He is beginning his Sophomore year at Coeur d' Alene Highschool.

And they are on their way! Have a great day at school, boys!

Carmen is thrilled and looking forward to fifth grade. (Shaun refers to this as "being at the top of the food chain"!) Her teacher, Mrs. Rude, commented to Carmen this morning that she was excited to have one of the many Duffy's in her class this year. Our children have been attending Hayden Meadows within a span of 17 years since it opened when Megan entered second grade. Lots of history and memories! In fact, Carmen is still reminded by the staff and teachers that everyone remembers when she was born. She was "show and tell" many times! I have to admit that it was just as hard for me to drop her off in her classroom today as it was when she entered Kindergarten. Luckily, Carmen gave me a kiss and hug assuring me that I would be fine without her for a few hours. It doesn't get any easier! (for the Mom!)

Memorializing the Wisdom Teeth!

This past 18 months, at one time or another, Brad, Brian and Shaun have had their Wisdom Teeth extracted. Brad, being the big brother, showed the way and went first. Of course, we took "after" pictures - it was a big deal. Brian had his taken out next, in fact, it was right before Thanksgiving last year. I obviously forgot to take pictures of him, but the memory of that Thanksgiving dinner for him will go down in history. Let's just say that he will make up for any missed "food" this year! Shaun finished up his summer with the extraction of his wisdom teeth. Can you tell Brad and Shaun apart in their "after" pictures?! Take note of the ingenius way to "ice" their cheeks! So, I realized during this period of time that I still get extremely queasy at the sight of blood - I will spare the details and Carmen is hoping that she doesn't have any wisdom teeth just like her older sister, Nicole!

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!