Burning Down The House: What Caused Our Economic Crisis?

I'm not a political Blogger by any means, but this whole mortgage crisis just infuriates me & I felt I needed to do my part and share this with others. Here’s what happens when Democrats attempt Social Engineering with the Community Reinvestment Act. This video is probably the best 10 minute explanation as to how we arrived here and who is responsible. I've been saying it for years that this bubble was going to pop... reality... wake up, we're here...

The Shippee Wedding

This past weekend our friends Brian & Jessie were married at The Jacksonville Zoo. Both Sarah & I were in the wedding party and were happy to be a part of their special day. They are both great friends and very dear to both of us and they make a wonderful couple. We are happy for them and can't wait for them to return from their honeymoon.

The Rehearsal dinner was at Maggiano's on Friday night and the wedding was Saturday evening. After the ceremony the reception was held at The Range of the Jaguar at The Jacksonville Zoo. My sister-in-law, Bonnie, helped out with photos during the ceremony. Thanks you Bonnie!

You can view pictures from the Rehearsal Dinner by clicking on the picture below or by clicking here.

(Jessie & Brian)

You can view pictures from the Wedding Ceremony & Reception by clicking on the pictures below or by clicking here.

(Barry, Brian, Chris & Andrew)

(Brian & Jessie)

Back to School for the girls...

It' that time of year again, Back to School!!!

Both girls went back to school this past Monday. We took our beginning of school year pictures in the foyer like we do every year. Both girls are very excited, Laura has been counting down the days to the start of the school year. It's amazing at how fast they grow up.

You may have noticed Laura lost some length in her hair. Last week we took both girls in for haircuts and Laura wanted to have her hair cut short like mommy...

You can view Back to School pictures by clicking on the picture below or by clicking here.

(Laura & Caitlyn heading Back to School.)

Hoiberg Weekend happening's

This past weekend was one of celebrations, fun, and preparation. Friday night we went to Kan-Ki to celebrate Mom's (Sarah's mother) birthday with the family. It was nice getting to spend some time, adults only, with the parents. Needless to say we all had a wonderful time and the food was great. Happy Birthday Mom!

You can view the pictures from dinner by clicking on the picture below or by clicking here.

(Mom (Birthday girl) & Dad at Kan-Ki)

On Saturday morning Andrew, Barry, & I went out to Paintball Adventures to get a couple hours of paintball in. We ended up playing about 5 games and had an exhausting morning there. We all faired pretty well. There was one match that we played in which I was the "Terminator" (I had a 4" area on my leg that the other team had to hit t0 get me out, pretty much invincible) and the other team flanked us, I got up and ran them all down and took about 8 of them out, but in the process I took some serious body shots. Probably not the smartest move I have made on the paintball field, but it did prevent them from pinning us down. It was a great morning, and yes, I am still sore and feeling some of the shots I took, especially the one on my neck...

You can view the pictures from paintball by clicking on the picture below or by clicking here.

(Chris in his Paintball Gear)

Laura & Daddy's night out

Recently I took Laura out for Dinner, Dessert and some one on one Daddy time. With everything that is going on with our family it seems that the opportunity for Laura to have my attention & time all to herself does not happen as often as it needs to. Laura understands the situation we are in but she still needs her Daddy time too...

We started off the evening at one of our favorite places, Moe's... "Welcome to Moe's!" Afterwards we headed downtown to Friendship Fountain on the St. Johns River. We walked around and enjoyed the evening turning to night and I was able to take some great pictures. We then proceeded to head into San Marco for some Ice Cream at Marble Slab. It was an evening to remember; Laura keeps talking about it and of course is asking when the next Daddy night out is going to be...

I've posted some of my favorite pictures from that evening below, to see all the pictures we took at Friendship Fountain, click here.

(Laura on the bank fo the St. Johns River with downtown Jacksonville in the backdrop.)

(This is my favorite picture from that evening.)

(Daddy & Laura in front of Friendship Fountain.)

Hippotherapy Session

A couple weekends ago I was able to capture some great shots from Caitlyn's Hippotherapy Session at PhysioPower. Caitlyn is doing wonderful with this therapy, it helps that she absolutely loves horses. Enjoy the slideshow or click here to view the pictures individually.

(Hippotherapy at PhysioPower)

CBS: Follow the Money Investigation "How Independent Are Vaccine Defenders?"

Friday night CBS ran a story "How Independent Are Vaccine Defenders?"; seeing as we are the parents of a Vaccine Injured child, we are well aware of the ties as it is evident in their behavior. It sickens me that all this money is being given to push the agenda of vaccinating and making sure the medical community is behind the Big Pharma train as it comes barreling down the tracks on our children with these unsafe vaccines. It is obvious to me, a parent of a child that was standing on the tracks when the train came by, the reason they are doing it... 

If the vaccine manufactures and the medical community that stands behind these manufactures (with their thick wallets) are 100% positive that vaccines do not cause injuries, why won't they release the data and allow testing by independent, non-bias, no tie to Big Pharma researchers?

I will say this, in Big Pharma's defense, if they did allow the truth about vaccines and their role in the injury of Tens of Thousands of children, there will be backlash, retribution will be demanded, and the public will demand action. 

Until then, the best action for them is to continue the cover up.

And for now, the parents of children that have been injured by childhood vaccines will be the only ones realizing there is going to be backlash, that are looking for retribution, and trying to let the public know what is really going on.

The truth in the matter is this, until you have a child (or know a child or family) that has been injured by a vaccine, your eyes will not be open to what is really going on. Until our daughter was injured, we were clueless... just letting our children stand on the train tracks.

Related CBS News Story: Debate Over Vaccines And Autism\ADD 

Orlando trip to Aquatica & SeaWorld w/ the Hoiberg's

Last weekend we packed up the kids, Grandma & Grandpa, & Kate; and we all headed down to Orlando for a weekend of fun at SeaWorld. We headed out Friday night after work and made our way south. We stopped for dinner in Palm Coast, and seeing as it was Friday, we found a pizza place. The pizza was great and the kids were in rare form. I took some funny pics of Laura there. Afterwards we made it back on the road and arrived in Orlando. The kids were awake and after we were checked in and settled, we went for a walk down International Drive to Friendly's for some well needed ice cream...

You can view the pictures from our trip down to Orlando by clicking on the picture below or by clicking here.

(Daddy & Laura acting goofy at Friendly's)

Saturday morning was an early rise seeing as we were heading to Aquatica, SeaWorld's new waterpark. We purchased tickets the night before which allowed us to enter the park an hour earlier at 8am. This turned out to be the best decision we made. By 9am, the park was filling up, and by that time, we already had a locker, had found some chairs to set our towels, & were already in the water. By 11am, they had closed the doors to the park...

We were able to take the girls on several different slides in addition to the ones in the kiddie sections. The park was amazing; they had several areas for the kids. One of everyone's favorite was Roa's Rapids which was a lazy river... that wasn't lazy. It was great, they kids strapped on their life vests and we all jumped in and went for a wild ride around the river several times. Everyone had a blast and the weather was great, we had an overcast day and the sun wasn't beating down until noon time, just before we left the park.

You can view the pictures from Aquatica by clicking on the picture below or by clicking here.

(Laura & Caitlyn in the Wave Pool at Aquatica)

We left Aquatica & headed back to the hotel for some much needed naps. Afterwards we rounded everyone up and headed out for a nice dinner before heading to SeaWorld for the evening. Once we arrived at SeaWorld we made our way to the Wild Arctic where we took a trip to the South Pole. We walked around the South Pole for a while before heading to Shamu Stadium to see Shamu Rocks. This is one of our favorite shows and they only do these shows during the summer when the park is open for extended hours. Then we made our way to the other side of the park to ride Kraken before heading home for the evening.

Kraken is SeaWorld's amazing Roller Coaster; it is probably one of the best coasters I have been on. I found this video on YouTube, if you've never experienced Kraken, this is worth watching: Experience Kraken

You can view the pictures from dinner and our evening at SeaWorld by clicking on the picture below or by clicking here.

(Caitlyn, Grandma & Laura at Bogard's for Dinner)

Sunday morning came along and we packed up from the hotel after breakfast and made our way back to SeaWorld. We spent the afternoon in the park taking in the Sea Lion & Sea Otter Show as well as the Whale & Dolphin Show. Later we took the girls over to the kids area where they rode the Shamu Express, the kids roller coaster, and some of the other rides. We headed out just after noon and grabbed a quick bite to eating before making the drive back to Jacksonville.

You can view the pictures from our afternoon at SeaWorld by clicking on the picture below or by clicking here.

(Sarah & Kate all smiles at SeaWorld)

Happy 4th of July from the Hoiberg's!

Happy 4th of July!

Ok, so the 4th of July has come and passed, but what would a 4th of July Blog entry be without pictures?

This past Friday we went to a 4th of July Bar-B-Que with friends and family from our church. Afterwards we all headed down to Mickler's Landing Beach Park to watch the fireworks. This was actually the first time we had Caitlyn up to watch the fireworks for the 4th of July. Previously she didn't care too much for the loud noise, but that is no longer the case. Caitlyn sat and watched them all and was having a great time. Laura of course had a blast and fell asleep as soon as we started heading home.

You can view the pictures from the 4th of July on the beach by clicking on the picture below or by clicking here.

(from left to right: Caitlyn & Sarah)

Little Star Center Annual Poker Tournament Announced!

It's that time of year again and Little Star Center is hosting their Annual Poker Tournament at "The Poker Room" in Jacksonville, Fl which is located at the end of Race Track Rd. near US-1 (The old Greyhound Race Track). This event is put on by the school that Caitlyn attends and the funds raised go towards helping local children and their struggle with Autism and other developmental delays.

You can more clearly view the Flyer by clicking on the picture below or by clicking here.

If you are interested in coming or would like more information, you can contact the number on the flyer above: (904) 928-0112 or you can email me directly: choiberg@gmail.com

Caitlyn's Birthday Weekend

This past weekend we celebrated Caitlyn's Birthday. Caitlyn is now 5 years old!!!

On Friday we celebrated her birthday at Pump it Up with all her school friends from Little Star. All the kids had a blast and seemed to be fairly exhausted afterwards. Caitlyn was in heaven getting to jump on all the bouncy's and going down the huge slides.

You can view the pictures from Pump It Up birthday party by clicking on the picture below or by clicking here.

(Caitlyn sitting in the Birthday chair at Pump It Up)

On Sunday we had friends and family over for our traditional birthday party for Caitlyn which has turned out to be a big celebration with our close friends, their children, & the grandparents. This year was no exception; we all had a great time and ate too much food. We inflated the waterslide in the back yard for the kids and I grilled out like I normally do. We did get a bit of rain just as I started to cook on the grill, but I managed and afterwards the sun came out again and the kids were back on the slide.

You can view the pictures from Caitlyn's birthday party by clicking on the pictures below or by clicking here.

(Caitlyn getting ready to blow out her candles)

2008 HEAL! Valley of Dreams Gala

Last night Sarah & I attended the HEAL! Valley of Dreams Gala at the TPC Sawgrass in Ponte Vedra, Fl. The evening was wonderful and we had a great time. The event raised over $400,000 for HEAL!. We had a great time talking with our friends that the Lord has put in our path on this journey that our family is going through. Many of Caitlyn Therapists were there, her attorney, as well as other friends we have met along the way. We also had the pleasure of meeting & talking w/ Tony Pashos from the Jacksonville Jaguars and Sarah was able to meet and speak w/ Jenny McCarthy.

You can view the pictures from 2008 HEAL! Valley of Dreams Gala by clicking on the pictures below or by clicking here.

(from left to right: Sarah & Chris)

(from left to right: Linda, Alan, Sarah, & Chris)

(from left to right: Chris, Tony, & Sarah)

Caitlyn is out of the hospital & back home...

Caitlyn gave us a scare earlier this week; she had a seizure the other night and we had her rushed to the hospital via ambulance. She seized for a close to 2 hours; they were able to get them under control after we arrived in the Peds ER. Shortly after, we were moved to Wolfson's Children’s Hospital for the evening. Caitlyn slept all night, needless to say, Sarah & I didn't.

Sarah & I both stayed the night with Caitlyn and she woke up the next morning a bit sluggish, but that was due in part to the anti-seizure meds they gave her the previous night. After a couple hours of being awake, Caitlyn started coming back to us as the anti-seizure meds started wearing off. It wasn't much longer before she was signing "all done" and wanted out of the crib.

Kate, her ABA Therapist, spent the morning and afternoon with us. She worked with Caitlyn and continued some therapy with her and was able to affirm she was back at baseline as far as Caitlyn's abilities. -Thank you for all your help Kate, you are wonderful!- Eventually Caitlyn got her strength back and was running around and wanting to play.

Later that afternoon we were given the all clear to go home. Caitlyn slept great through the night and woke up with the wonderful smile we are used to seeing when we get her up in the morning.

Many thanks to our family & friends who came up to visit Caitlyn, that sent their concerns, and for those that were praying for her quick recovery. Thank you all! Praise the Lord for the quick recovery!

You can view the pictures from the hospital by clicking on the picture below or by clicking here.

(from left to right: Kate, Sarah, & Caitlyn)

While in the ER, we were telling the Dr.'s & nurses that Caitlyn was "Vaccine Injured" as they were asking for general information. They all seemed to pause and looked at us like we were speaking another language. You almost wanted to tell them that "She was Injured from a Vaccine, hence the phrase "Vaccine Injured"...". It amazes us that in this day and age how the medical community in general is not aware that Vaccines can & do cause Injuries. You get used to explaining this to people outside the hospital in the general public and think that you shouldn't have to explain it in a hospital... Aside from that little frustration, the staff that attended to Caitlyn in the hospital were great.

Alan Pickert chosen for Florida Super Lawyers & Florida Legal Elite

You may have heard Sarah or me brag about Caitlyn's Attorney that won her case in Vaccine Court last year. Well, Alan Pickert has done it again proving that we stand correct in our continued bragging about his abilities as a lawyer...

Alan Pickert of Terrell Hogan has been chosen for the 2nd year in a row as one of "Florida's Super Lawyers" for 2008 and has also been chosen for the 3rd year in a row as one of "Florida's Legal Elite" for 2008.

Sarah & I can not express how greatful we are to Alan, his family, and all the time & hard work that he put into Caitlyn's case. Alan played a key role for ensuring the decision that Caitlyn is going to have the care she needs for the rest of her life.

Alan,

You are a blessing and we appreciate everything you have done and continue to do for our family.
Congratulations on these 2 awards Alan, you definitely deserve them!!!

-The Hoiberg Family

(from left to right: Laura, Sarah, Alan, Caitlyn, & Chris)

Related Stories:

• Local Family Warns about Dangers of Childhood Vaccines - Video (First Coast News NBC 12 / ABC 25)
• Judge Says Vaccine Hurt Local Girl - Video (CBS 47 / FOX 30)
• Vaccine award brings parents slight solace - Video (The Florida Times-Union)

HEAL! Valley of Dreams Gala & Charity Golf Classic

The HEAL! Valley of Dreams Gala & Charity Golf Classic is this week. The event is being held once again at the TPC Sawgrass in Ponte Vedra, Fl. The Gala is being held on the 26th and the Charity Golf Classic is being held on the 27th on the Dye's Valley Course. Jenny McCarthy is attending as the celebrity guest again this year. Both Sarah & I will be attending the event this year.

For more information on the event, you can click on the picture below or by clicking here.

HEAL! is a non-profit organization founded in 2004 by Bobby and Leslie Weed in collaboration with local pediatrician Julie Buckley, MD, all parents of children with autism. Together, they recognized a need in the community to assist the families of children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders, a condition that now affects one in 150 children.

The Foundation is predicated on five conceptual pillars: Education, Awareness, Treatment, Research and Prevention. In addition to assisting with therapy and support services for children in need, the Foundation brings educational seminars and conferences for families, therapists and educators to the Jacksonville area.

For more information on HEAL!, you can click on the picture below or click here.