And the winner is... (Plus our hike for the Relay)

 Thanks to everyone who donated to our team for the Relay for Life.  We raised over $500 for the American Cancer Society!

I just drew a name from the list of donors to win one of my necklaces (see the last post).  And the winner is...

...Patricia Place!!!

I'll be contacting her, getting her mailing address, and sending this off to her this week.

Thanks to everyone who donated, walked, or helped in some other way!!!

We couldn't make it back to Texas for the relay so the California portion of the team was allowed to walk here.  I first thought about walking a track like the rest of the team, then the park, then Lauren wanted to hike up Mt. Diablo.  

Last week Glenn watched an episode of "Best of the Bay" where they listed the best beaches in the Bay Area.  One of the beaches was a beach with a waterfall right onto the sand... Alamere Falls.  So we set off to find it.

The hike started out along the coast (see Jo in the first photo) and then moved inland under the redwoods.

That's where we met this little guy -- a banana slug.  These are popular at science camp.  The kids dare each other to lick them.  Not sure why... anyone know?

I almost stepped on this one but I didn't lick it.

 After a two-hour hike we made it to the cliff where the falls start.  We stopped for lunch then climbed down the first cliff.  It wasn't too bad.  Here you can see me & Glenn coming down.  

The view was worth the hike!  There were three falls at this level.  But then an even steeper cliff went down to the beach.  We started but Glenn & I decided that even though we probably could do it, we probably shouldn't do it.  :-)

So the girls went down without us & took a picture of us at the top of the falls. 

I think we're all a little sore today but it was a great hike and a fun day with family & even met a few people along the trail.

Necklace Raffle & Drawing

 I'm afraid those of you who have been asking me about my "big announcement" are going to be disappointed.  No one's having a baby, getting married, or anything like that.

Actually, I have 2 things to share.  First, Jordann got into Berean Christian High School.  And we found out yesterday that she got a scholarship.  Not a full scholarship, but it will cover a big chunk of the tuition.  Yay, Jordy!!!

Second, my sister started a team for us to walk in the Relay for Life next weekend.  We are walking in memory of my mother, who died last year of liver cancer.

 If you look at our team page you'll see that my sister has done a good job of raising money.  But the rest of us are lagging far behind.  So we came up with the idea of raffling necklaces.  

My sister will have the first necklace at the relay next weekend.  You'll be able to see it there and buy tickets from her.  I did make one little change... I switched the "peace" and "hope" charms so that "hope" is hanging from the key.

You can enter the drawing for this second necklace by making a donation on our team website.  After the Relay I'll write all the donor names on pieces of paper and have someone draw a name.  So even if you've already donated your name will be in the drawing.  The size of the donation doesn't matter.

Let me know if you have any questions.

Thanks for your donation!!!