Tristan Bowls the States

Our last stop on this leg of the journey was a HUGE milestone for Tristan and the whole family--this was State #48!! It was South Dakota's Sport Bowl in Sioux Falls.

SHOUT OUT #5: Hero Pullen, Caregiver

Our final shout out goes to the youngest in the family, our daughter, Hero. In February of this year, we learned that Tristan's maternal grandmother--who Tristan lovingly named "Meme" and who has Alzheimer's--was returning to us from out-of-state and would be needing 24/7 care. Hero "just happened" to be working as a senior caregiver in Franklin, was wanting to secure a single client to work with, and therefore agreed to become Meme's full-time caregiver.

To say that I (Kim) couldn't have made this trip without Hero is an understatement. Anyone who has ever cared for a family member in the disheartening later stages of Alzheimer's or dementia knows how challenging it can be, so Hero is definitely living up to her name.

Thank you, Hero, for being your family's hero and carrying the load of watching your grandmother full-time so your brother can fulfill his dream. You are OUR hero!

Tristan chose Strike Zone & Sports Den in Williston to represent the state of North Dakota. Thank you to the owner and employees who made Tristan's visit so memorable for him.

Coming down to the wire! Tristan's 6th stop on this leg of 8 states was to Victory Lanes in Deer Lodge, MT. This bowling center has string pin bowling and offered Tristan some unique challenges.

Tristan's 5th stop on this whirlwind Northwest tour was to the great state of Washington. His pick to represent the Evergreen state? West Seattle Bowl.

SHOUT OUT #4 - 3H Thrift Shop, Assistant Manager Chris Pullen

When our middle son joined the rest of the family in North Carolina after graduating from UCF in Florida, little did we know the invaluable place he would make for himself with 3H Thrift Shop. Chris has "owned" the family business, lending his ideas and hankerin' for organization to every corner of the shop.

Thank you, Chris, for joyfully putting your own life on hold and broadening your shoulders to carry the full load of the business for three (long) weeks while Mom, Dad, and Tristan were away. We are SO proud of you!