4th 5k - May 2010

WOW!

Another succesful event. We are still counting, but I guestimate about 300 people in all. Troop 780 provided the best food we have experienced, including breakfast burritos, hot dogs, burgers and a stellar spread of baked goodies!



The twins were excited and Cheryl was giddy over Sporty from Sport Clips and the Cows from Chick-fil-a!



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2010 5k on May 2, 2010

live BIG Fund announces its 4th annual 5k family run/walk.

Castle Rock, CO, May 2, 2010:

What: The fourth annual live BIG Run/Walk is a 5k run/walk event to raise funds for the live BIG Fund. The event includes a family festival: live music, face painting, food, safety awareness, bounce houses, and much more.

Why: Nicholas Speights died tragically on July 4, 2006 just three weeks after his seventh birthday. He was struck by an automobile as he tried to cross the street in front of the family home during a community block celebration. Even at his young age, Nicholas' engaging personality and infectious energy made him a recognizable and popular kid in the close-knit Castle Rock community.

In his memory, Nicholas' parents, close family and friends created the live BIG Fund. The main purpose of the live BIG Fund is to support outdoor learning and growth opportunities for youths and young adults in our greater community in a way that inspired Nicholas. Since Nicholas loved camping and wanted to be a Boy Scout just like his big brother Chris, the Fund's first project is to refurbish the Rock House at Camp Tahosa, a Boy Scout camp outside of Boulder. After restoration, the Rock House will be renamed "Pickle's Eyrie" in memory of Nicholas, and serve as a welcome center to enhance the experience for future campers. Pickle's Eyrie will be the place other aspiring Eagle Scouts begin their outdoor adventures in the Colorado Wilderness just like Nicholas dreamed for himself. Proceeds from the run/walk will support the Rock House renovation.

This live BIG 5k run/walk is the third event for the live BIG Fund. In addition to our first three 5k’s, we have also sponsored four successful wine tasting events in the fall. The first 5k attracted 300 participants and 50 volunteers and raised over $16,000. In 2008, we attracted 400 participants and 60 volunteers (20% came from outside the Castle Rock Zip codes). In 2009 we again achieved 400 participants.
A sponsor drive is underway for a Title Sponsor as well as Gold, Silver and Executive level sponsors. We expect to reach 5,000 impressions for our sponsors in 2010.

When: Sunday, May 2, 2010. Check-in starts at 7:30 am, race starts at 9:00 am, Street Safety Program at 10 am.

Where: Butterfield Park in the Meadows of Castle Rock, Butterfield Crossing, Castle Rock (include map). Parking will be available, just follow the signs.

Who: EVERYONE!! Including, local families, including Nicholas' friends from his Cub Scout Pack, members of the Castle Rock community who knew Nicholas, and anyone else who wants to get some exercise or support the Fund will walk or run to raise money for the live BIG Fund.

Event details:
Registration website: http://www.livebigfund.org
Entry fees:
Individuals: $25 prior to April 25, $30 after April 25 or on race day
Family and Teams of two or more: $20 each by April 25, $25 after April 25 or on race day
Runners will receive a t-shirt as part of the entry fee.
Donations: Runner registration fees are considered a donation and may be tax deductible. Donations outside of the race are also tax deductible and corporate sponsors can be recognized on the t-shirt for a qualifying donation of $250 or more.

Star Lighting 2009

I almost forgot ...

liveBIG will have a booth at the Castle Rock Star Lighting. Saturday, November 21st from about 2 to 6 pm. The goal is to promote street safety and raise awarness of the liveBIG Fund mission in the community.


Hope we see you there ...

I am starting my 6th month with Service Experts and the pace has increased dramatically! I am addicted to the energy and it fits well with the idea of living BIG. I will be traveling 50% of the time until November for training ... great program, but time away from the family is difficult. Thank goodness for Skype.

Now for some girl news! The first couple are camping at Rifle Falls on Labor Day - the weather was terrific:

Sabrina is working on her balance (above and below):

Look Mom - NO hands, I can sit up now!

We're 8 months now and it seems like last week we were in the NICU.

GREAT Bubbles! They make me look like I have some hair ...

Way too long!!

I started a new job at the end of April 2009 - General Manager of Service Experts of Denver. A small HVAC company specializing in residential and commercial furnace, air conditioner and water heater repair and replacement. I love the environment, culture and the people. The learning curve is steep, but the work is rewarding!

I have been remiss in updated pics of the babies - so ...

July 4th 2009

Our anniversary (July 25 - the 11th year)

The new tree and bench planted by the Town for Nicholas!

In the NEWS

This is the link to a very nice article about the liveBIG Fund and our family:

http://www.coloradocommunitynewspapers.com/articles/2009/04/16/news_press/news/23_rm_live_big.txt

Pictures by Everlasting Images Photography

Sabrina with her 'fuzzy' hair.

Sabrina makes a face.
Abby and her anchor "tattoo" - God was sending us a tool to tell them apart. The doctor says it will disappear in a couple of years.

Now that you know the secret - can you guess who this is?

Nancy Dudley of Everlasting Images Photography took these pictures (and many more). She spent the better part of three hours helping us get some memories on film (actually digital pics).

Nancy was very patient and flexible as our girls squirmed, cried, peed and generally expressed their impatience. When we returned to view the photos, a very mature young boy (about 2 years old) hugged Nancy's husband Mark in a goodbye show of affection. I think the gesture speaks volumes of their ability to connect with kids and make the sitting very comfortable and natural.

You can contact Nancy at (719) 210-2053 or on the web at http://www.everlastingimagesphotography.com. They do weddings, pets, senior portraits and of course KIDS!