September 23-25: CHOP Walk, Philadelphia, Pa.

It's that time again! September is Childhood Cancer Awareness month.  It doesn't seem to get the publicity of the Pink Ribbon but because of our personal experience we feel that we want to do our part to support the research and treatment at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia where Lily had her surgery and follow-ups.  Each year, usually the last week end of September, Chop has the Parkway Run/Walk on the Ben Franklin Parkway downtown. This year we stayed at the Sheraton which saves us the early drive into the city.

Evie flew out with me this year to participate in her very first walk and her first airplane ride since she was a baby flying here from Hawaii.  On Saturday we got to watch Luke play flag football.  Although it was a short trip, we had a great time!

I may be a little bias, but I think this guy had the cutest smile on the field!

Less than excited cheerleaders! They were making mud pies.

After the game we drove to Philadelphia.  It was a beautiful day, a little cooler than it had been the previous week.  We checked in and walked around until we found the Marathon Restaurant where I had my annual Philly Cheese Steak.  I had already had a chicken cheese steak at Giocomo's in Dover.

When we got back to the hotel the kids and I went down to check out the heated pool.  After starting down the steps into the pool we quickly realized that the pool was definitely NOT heated!  We did have some fun and made it back to the room and watched a movie, The Secret Life of Pets before falling asleep.  Race/Walk time in the morning is 8:30!

It's Race Day

Lily passed out stickers and gold beads to other walkers during the walk.  Even the boys got into the fun!

Team Lily had an Olympic theme this year.

The Finish Line!

Some of the over 10,000 runners/walkers on this sunny Sunday morning. It is actually quite humbling as you pass walkers that are walking in memory of a child who lost a battle to pediatric cancer but also very uplifting to see the support.

Tradition mandates a run up the art museum stairs!

Captain America

and the walk would not be complete without a team photo with Rocky Balboa!

Team Lily 2016

When we got home, we asked Evie what her favorite part of the trip was.  Surprise, surprise! She said, "letting Lily help her put make up on and dressing up!"  Girls!

Labor Day-September 5-Great Day for a Paddle on Madison Lake

This morning I decided to get the kayak out and check out Madison Lake.  I haven't been out for several months and it was a beautiful morning so why not?  I think today was one of the best days ever at the lake.  The sun, water and birds were all aligned for a spectacular show and I brought home some terrific photos.  Enjoy!!

The perfect day, water smooth as glass, and the first thing I see is a Bald Eagle

I was shooting into the sun but as luck would have it the eagle flew to the other side of the lake making for much better lighting.

I even managed to catch him in mid-air.

Great Blue Heron

The surprise of the day was this little Spotted Sandpiper who gave me some great pics

The reflection and the colors in the water made for some beautiful photos

Heron and Cormorants

Great Egrets in the tree, there were 6 total.

Great Egret

I stalked this poor guy all around the lake.  He was probably sick of me but I was so excited I couldn't help myself

I have titled this photo, "Feathers on Duckweed"

I saw no less than 3 Green Herons. These were my best photos though

I loved his head feathers in this one.

Belted Kingfishers were everywhere

The Osprey or Fish Hawk

Thanks for sharing my wonderful kayaking trip. Madison Lake State Park is just outside London, Ohio and is fed by Deer Creek.  If you enjoy fishing, boating (no motors except electric) or just relaxing, this is a great place to visit.