Summer is winding down...

Like most of you, it looks as if our summer is winding down. Emma is excited for "school" to start the day after Labor Day. She is enrolled for her second year in the Little Angels program at First Baptist here in Blue Springs. Peighton talks about going, but she still has another year to wait. Both of them are doing very well. Emma is 4 1/2 years old going on 13 it seems. She continues to be a great big sister to Peighton and amazes me everyday with her intelligence. Peighton always seems so care-free. Her vocabulary is unbelievable along with a great sense of humor. I am blessed to have such great girls.

We actually bought a boat about three weeks ago and have spent several afternoons each week out on the small lake in our hometown. The girls love it. Both of them have a great time in the water. Of course Emma is hesitant to go to fast on the boat, while Peighton is always yelling "faster, faster." I'm actually kicked back in my recliner tonight nursing what I think is an abdominal strain from wakeboarding. I guess I went a little far when showing off for the girls. Hopefully it will only be a matter of time before I get them up on some skiis or a tube.

Work is going fairly well for me. My travel schedule has been light this year but is picking up here in the next month. It's not that I'm not comfortable with all the help that I have here at home. I think it's the fact that Em and P have such a need to cling to me as the only parent that it is difficult for me to go through the separation - even if it is for only two or three days. I can't thank Stephanie, Jan, or my dad enough for taking such good care of the girls when I'm away.

On the Jennifer Ireland Foundation front, we are drawing nearer to golf tournament day. Right now the tournament is only about 1/3 full. Our fingers are crossed that people are just procrastinating on getting their entries in. There are plenty of sponsorship opportunities still available along with lots of room for golfers. If you haven't visited the foundation website, please take a look: www.jenniferirelandfoundation.com. Brian Cole did a wonderful job of redesigning the site. There is still a lot of content to be added, but I think it looks great. Later in the week I will also post details about signing up for the Kansas City Crawl for Cancer in October. We will once again put together as many teams as possible in Jen's behalf. Last October was the one and only event that Jen participated in and we had a great time. I'm looking forward to a mild afternoon of hanging out with hundreds of friends and supporters.

Thanks again for continuing to check in on us. I took a short break from blogging recently, yet the blog traffic still continued to be unbelievable. In the next week or so, we'll surpass 600,000 hits and I am very pleased to see that Jen's name and story is still spreading. She deserves it.

Comments

[Dawn Thomas]

Hi Chris, the new web site looks fantastic - well done to you and all the people that designed the concept. Just checking in from sunny (for once) Wales. You continue to be an inspiration in spreading Jen's story and her legacy throughout the world. I hope that the Golf Tournament is a great success and will be thinking of you. Have a great week. Dawn and Glyn xx

[Paulette Clements]

Chris,
Thank you for continuing to update. I do not comment much but I do check the site daily. I went back yesterday to see the first time I posted a comment and it was February 18, 2006. It has become part of my routine to check on you everytime I check e-mails.You have also provided a list of others that need prayers and support. You are an amazing father. God knew the girls would need a strong Daddy. Lots of prayers and blessings being sent your way.
Paulette Clements
Louisville,KY

[C. Baker]

Chris-
It is great to hear how well you and the girls are doing. I am so glad to see that you are going on with your life and making the best of it--

[Francis Shanahan]

If I were closer I jump at the chance to participate in the tournament. I'm not a terrible golfer but I'm not good either. I will likely break my driver before I break 100.

I think of you and your family often.
God bless,
-fs