Gleason Movie Premier in Seattle July 2016

Here I am, the person who was not going to watch this movie because it would be too hard to watch, watching it a second time. The first time was before it came out.  A lot of it was the same as the first time we watched it.  There were some changes too.  Things added and subtracted.  My whole thought process had changed.  I really wanted to go see this premiere in Seattle.  I looked forward to it and for good reason.  Yes, it was hard to watch but it was put together beautifully!  It is everything that you have heard.  You have to go see it.  You will cry and laugh and your heart will ache a lot.  You will walk away with a new view on your life and you will understand the struggles Michel and Steve go through every day.  I think we all know we should value every minute we have but we don't always do it.  You never know what tomorrow will bring so don't live there.  Live in today.  In the moment you have at the very minute you have it and go see the Gleason Movie.  Open your heart and let it change you!

I was so very proud of Mike in this movie.  He was real, honest, funny and his love for Steve shined so brightly.  There was one scene in the movie with Steve and Mike that I just sobbed through even though I knew it was coming.  

 Showtime, almost.  First dinner with Katie and Mike.

 Michel has arrived!

 The crowd is gathering!  It was open to the public too.  One theatre was for those invited and the other was for the public.

 I just happened to run into Seahawk Jimmy Graham.  Actually a few of us were invited to a small room before the movie.  He was there and it isn't hard to run into him.  He is very, very tall.

 Katie and Mike McCreedy (from Pearl Jam) not paying any attention to me or each other.

 Stone, Me and Eddie from Pearl Jam!

 Great picture of Katie and Eddie!

 Family!

 Here we go!  This was a new experience.  We went into the movie theatre first with Steve and stopped for the reporters and photographers for pictures!  It was actually a new and fun experience. Lots of people shared that they saw us on the news in this area.  Well, saw Steve and Michel and we were with them.

 I gave my camera to someone so I could have a couple of these pictures.

 Oh, yeah! Marcus Trufant!  Seattle Seahawks!

 And here we go up on the big screen.

 Steve was introduced and he got a standing ovation.  Unreal but yet so real!  We watched the movie and it was amazing.  So emotional!  I wish it wasn't so and Steve didn't have ALS but what he and Michel are doing in the midst of the hardships is truly amazing and inspirational.

After the movie there was a party to celebrate down the street from the theatre.

As we were walking out of the theatre Tom Skeritt from Top Gun came up to Mike and he told him that he wished he had Mike's courage.  So many people came up to Mike and talked with him about the movie and his role in it.  They were all complimenting Mike on his courage and how he did in the movie!  He doesn't want me to put anything else!  

 Mike under the marquee!  This was the party location.

 Tons of people celebrating the Gleason movie.

 Steve had body guards!  Really he did!  This is one of them.  I wouldn't mess with him.

 Mike had a nice conversation with John Schneider, the GM of the Seattle Seahawks.  He was such a nice man!  He asked Mike to pray for a couple of things.  It was pretty obvious why John and Pete mesh so well.  They have the same values and beliefs.   Two cute smiles!

I really don't know how to express how seeing my family in a movie like this feels.  Proud of all of them.  Their courage and perseverance is beyond imagination.  I will just say this.  Go see this movie and you won't be the same when you walk out of the theatre!

Seahawks, Football, Olympics, Star Wars, Golf and Birthdays!

Sunday was dedicated to Seahawks football.  We were all geared up.  Mark and I were wearing different things than last week and pretty much were trying to convince ourselves it didn't matter.  We went with what we were wearing until half time when we took this group picture.  We knew things would turn around because of the picture and the change of gear.  It did but it wasn't quite enough.  

Easton went to his football practice before the game. 

 Football practice for 6 year olds!  

We love our Seahawks and we look forward to the season next year.  Go Hawks! Mark  had to leave the flock Sunday night on business.  Easton's birthday is on the 30th so we celebrated early before Mark left. We had to put the candle in the cake and sing again Monday night or no cake!

 Easton is saving his money for something very special.  Some sort of a race track that costs a lot.  He is very determined to save his money up for this!

The boys woke up Monday morning and played Animal Olympics Couch Jump.  Consists of piling up your stuffed animals and throwing them on the couch.  Not sure how the winner is determined.

 

 And when your mom wants you to come downstairs this is how you do it.  I love it!!!!

I really had no desire to see Star Wars until Keri told me it was old school.  We were in!  Oh my gosh, are you supposed to cry in a Star Wars movie?  I did.

After we recovered from the movie we headed out to Top Golf.  It is a game of luck and some skill.  I cannot say I used to be good at that about golf.  Never was and it showed.

You aim at these targets.  All balls have a chip in them so you get a score for every ball.  There are big elastic bands in these circles that create different sections.  The closer the section is to the center the more points you get.  The farther away the circle is the more points you get.

 Ryland and Easton brought their own clubs.  They are super golfers.  They really are!

 Better get it just right!

 Geez you two look a like!!!

And so it ends.  A trip to Texas that was unforgettable.  Keri and Mark are such good parents and Easton and Ryland are a pleasure to be with.  We had soooo much fun!  Thanks Doolittle's for a great vacation in Texas.  I already want to come back!