I’ve been finding it hard the last few weeks to feel at peace. With demanding projects at work, a child going off to college, and with all our kids growing way too fast, I just wish I could push pause on life for a while.
But then I look at our kids, like my youngest here, and see him finding so much joy in every moment. He’s unafraid to pose silly for a picture or take on a new adventure — without any worry about tomorrow or harboring regrets. Having that opportunity to help raise these five incredible human beings is truly my happy place, and I’m so grateful to have that regardless of whatever else might be going on in the world.
“Happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony.” -Mahatma Gandhi
Last family trip before Mylee heads off to college!!! Costa Rica, here we come. 🇨🇷 If you have any tips or Costa Rica favorites, please let us know. #CostaRica #LaFortuna #Tamarindo #FamilyVacation2026 #LargeFamilyAdventure
Grateful to again celebrate this amazing young man. When we’ve asked him what he wanted for his birthday this year, he asked if he and his siblings could skip school and just spend the day together. He never really asks for much though. That said, whenever someone asks him if there’s someone he hasn’t met that he’d like to, his answer has consistently been @gkittle, but we love how he has no sense of entitlement or expectation – just a love for life. I think we’ve just seen that he has learned to value relationships, connections, and experiences over stuff. So if anybody has connections to coordinate a quick game of catch, Bridger would be in heaven.
Now for the UPDATE: Bridger is so great! His scar hasn’t caused any issues and is healing so well. Emotionally, he adores animals and never goes to bed without his pup by his side. He still practices jiu jitsu, Muay Thai, and boxing. More than anything, I think Bridger loves learning, cooking, meeting new people, going on adventures, and being helpful. Other than growing like a weed, recently he’s been working hard at soccer and his team has gone undefeated- with Bridger heading up the defense. Every day I thank God for the genuine privilege I have of raising this incredible human.
As a side note, my daily dad jokes are now falling flat with eye rolls and declarations of “Dad, that’s the worst one yet!” So I think I’m at least getting that part right.
“If parenting (or life generally) gave out trophies 🏆 what would you display?” This last week I was going through a bunch of old videos and found this one of Wit telling me, “You’re funny.” 😆 It struck me that moments like these are so much more meaningful than winning some prestigious award; rather, they mark and represent winning where it matters most. Then there is the little note that Wit left, unprompted, on my pillow a few nights ago 💕. . . . and I’m just so grateful for this little family God has entrusted me with. Sincerely, I’d love to hear your favorite metaphorical “parenting trophy” or happy moment that helps you know it was so worth all the hard days. #parentingwithpurpose #fatherhood #giggles #bridgerwalker #dailysmile
With the new movie coming out, it has been fun to look back on Bridger’s time on set with @tomholland2013 and @zendaya. I’m so sad we weren’t allowed to take our own pictures and videos (which wasn’t allowed for obvious reasons), but not even this clip captures how kind everyone was. Something we will never forget. Maybe we could get Bridger back sometime for a cameo in a future movie. 😉 How cool would that be for him!!!!🕷️🕸️ And in case this ever gets to Tom and Zendaya, we are so excited for you! Genuinely, the nicest couple. #spiderman #spidermanbrandnewday #spidermannowayhome #zendaya #tomholland
Bridger’s first time shooting clays at the @tepp_tx convention last week. After being instructed again on gun safety, each participant was given 50 shells. Of his 50, Bridger hit 6 targets which was awesome for his first try – especially considering the gun was still just a bit oversized. Thank you to Michael Gonzalez for making sure Bridger had a great first experience.
“Is this Instagram-worthy?” 🤔 This question is the reason I don’t post more, but probably not for the reason you might think. Our lives are so full of these fun little moments every day, but I don’t want my kids to ever start judging their own value by what others think or how many views they can generate. So if I’m going to err, it will be on the side of sincere and genuine moments of living. That said, I love when we do catch a special moment we can share, like Wit trying to prove to us he can punch every raindrop. 😂 #WitWalker #CowboyTough #FutureBoxingChamp #WBCBoxing #RaisingBoys #Fatherhood #FunnyKids
When we look at Bridger now, five years since his story went viral, he genuinely could not be doing any better. It hasn’t always been butterflies and smooth seas, but Bridger has worked incredibly hard on his own emotional and physical recovery. His scar doesn’t bother him at all and he recognizes that he is a better person for all he has gone through.
That said, we know we wouldn’t be here without so many of you. 🙏🏻 We hope from this short little video you can feel and get at least a small sense of the overwhelming love that our family has received.
Charles Dickens once wrote, “No one is useless in this world who lightens the burdens of another.” To us, it is hard to imagine that a child could ever receive a grander outpouring of support from all over the world. So thank you!!!
All that said, Bridger has been a busy young man these last few years, and it was really difficult to cut the photos back to only 3 minutes (we’ll be posting a longer version on YouTube). As you watch, see how many places and/or people you recognize.
Bridger is excited to watch today’s fight between reigning Bridgerweight champ @kevinlerena and @radchenko.serhiy. Thank you Kevin for the message and to @realchicolopez for sending the video over. Prayers for the safety and health of both fighters.
Happy 20 year Anniversary to my Bride! Thank you for all your sacrifices and love. On my best day, I never could have dreamed you or our lives into existence. Reflecting on the little family we’ve created, and my time with you, has made for the most beautiful of days! I love you. 💕 #20yearstogether❤️ #foreverandalways #blissfullife #anniversary #marriagesecrets #parenthoodjourney #bridgerwalker #walkerfamily
This is how Bridger Walker, who saved his younger sister from a German Shepherd mix in 2020, looks today.
His family says his recovery has been miraculous, and they wanted to thank everyone for all the support, prayers, well-wishes, and love. That positivity made all the difference.
Bridger is now almost 11 and he loves Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Muay Thai, boxing, playing football (soccer) ⚽️, traveling, spending time with family, collecting rocks, learning about anything and everything, and taking care of his dog “Cyborg.”
Since his injury, Bridger has visited Mexico 🇲🇽, the UAE 🇦🇪, Germany 🇩🇪, Uzbekistan 🇺🇿, and Thailand 🇹🇭. He was able to attend the filming of Spider-Man: No Way Home 🕷️, and received the promised Captain America shield 🛡️ from Chris Evans. He also has his own museum exhibit in Laramie, Wyoming with all the rocks he received from around the world. And the WBC also named a weight division after him, falling between Heavyweight and Cruiserweight, called the “Bridgerweight” (200-224 lbs). The family even wrote a children’s book, focusing on how being a hero is about doing the little things every day.
When asked what he would want to share with those who care about him and his story, he said: “I would just want everyone to be kind and find something nice to do for someone because life is just better when we are nice to each other.” ❤️💕 #BridgerWalker #BridgerStrong #BeNice #HeroUpdate #Recovery #ScarHealing #BoyHero #brotherlylove
Another one of our favorite messages from around the time Bridger was still recovering. ❤️🩹 Thank you @prattprattpratt for taking the time out of your busy schedule to send a kind and encouraging word. Even though we’re fast approaching five years, I still routinely think of all the prayers and support we received. #bridgerwalker #bridgerstrong #youcanbeahero #ChrisPratt #avengersassemble #celebritymessages #inthenews
Have you ever realized after-the-fact that you just witnessed one of those life-changing, inspiring events. I hope you all can see the sincerity in the smiles, hugs, and gentleness that Billy (@billydib) extended to our little Bridger. We were concerned that we didn’t want to detract from his hard fought return, but Bridger being there was important for Billy. It’s easy to celebrate someone like that; so when Billy won the comeback fighter of the year from Ring Magazing (@ringmagazine), we couldn’t have been happier for him. I’ll forever remember Bridger taking a couple extra seconds at Billy’s corner between rounds to share an encouraging word – wanting to give something in return. We are also so grateful for the World Boxing Counsel (@wbcboxing @wbccares @wbcmoro) for the incredible people and events they have helped us to meet and be a part of. “Our greatest weakness lies in giving up. The most certain way to succeed is always to try just one more time.” -Thomas Edison #bridgerwalker #bridgerstrong #youcanbeahero #billyve #BillyDib #wbcboxing #cancersurvivor #knockoutcancer
Two sides of the same picture. The day after. ❤️🩹
On the left I am reminded how small Bridger was, still too young to see how harsh the world can be. More importantly, I still see that person he has always been on the inside – an old soul, thoughtful, innocent, and calm. He never lost that spark of enthusiasm for learning and life.
The right half tells a different side of the same story. On the outside we see a person torn and battered. Someone who survived an unimaginable challenge. The swelling adds years to his face. I lament that he had to grow up and confront mortality at such an innocent age. I see the determination of a warrior.
The two sides together tell his story, a contrast and balance between who he was and the spirit of a fighter. Bridger doesn’t see himself as a victim, defined by his scar or traumas. We celebrate his resiliency.
It has been said: “Come what may, and love it. . . . [E]very life has peaks and shadows and times when it seems that the birds don’t sing and bells don’t ring. Yet in spite of discouragement and adversity, those who are happiest seem to have a way of learning from difficult times, becoming stronger, wiser, and happier as a result.
How can we love days that are filled with sorrow? We can’t—at least not in the moment. I don’t think . . . that we suppress discouragement or deny the reality of pain. I don’t think . . . that we smother unpleasant truths beneath a cloak of pretended happiness. But I do believe that the way we react to adversity can be a major factor in how happy and successful we can be in life.
If we approach adversities wisely, our hardest times can be times of greatest growth, which in turn can lead toward times of greatest happiness.” -Joseph B. Wirthlin
My wife and I have been blessed with five incredible children – each with their own unique abilities, talents, and perspectives. We are grateful we get to share a small part of them through our new kids book, “You Can Be a Hero.” Publishing it has been an incredible learning experience and truly a labor of love. Please keep us in mind as you look for gifts for your children or grandchildren this holiday season. Bridger also loves reminding people to look for the hidden hearts in every scene. 💕
“One of the greatest ironies of life is this: He or she who serves almost always benefits more than he or she who is served.” -Gordon B. Hinckley
With a 5 star rating, “Customers find the message beautiful, inspiring, and important. They also appreciate the vibrant, colorful illustrations. Readers describe the book as inspiring, perfect for kids, and interactive with hidden Easter eggs. They say the story is uplifting and wonderful.” Thank you again to the incredible @angelofrance for bringing the project to life for us!
One of our absolute favorite get-well videos! It was shocking to us (no pun intended) how quickly the world rallied around Bridger to provide him and the family so much love and support. When his story was first shared, we were thinking it would be a long shot for Bridger to receive even a get-well card or letter from one of his favorite actors. All this is still so surreal to us. Thank you again @chrishemsworth ⚡️#bridgerwalker #bridgerstrong #youcanbeahero #avengersassemble #herothings #chrishemsworth #thorgodofthunder #emotionalhealth
We are really seeing, feeling, and sometimes lamenting, how fast these kids are growing! Raising children is such a hard, often chaotic, wonderful, precious, and heavenly adventure. Makes me so happy to see Bridger and Brielle in their element – just being normal kids.
Gordon B. Hinckley quoting the columnist Jenkin Loyd Jones once said:“Anyone who imagines that bliss is normal is going to waste a lot of time running around shouting that he’s been robbed. The fact is that most putts don’t drop. Most beef is tough. Most children grow up to be just ordinary people. Most successful marriages require a high degree of mutual toleration. Most jobs are more often dull than otherwise. . . . Life is like an old-time rail journey—delays, sidetracks, smoke, dust, cinders, and jolts, interspersed only occasionally by beautiful vistas and thrilling bursts of speed. The trick is to thank the Lord for letting you have the ride.”
Many of you have been following our family adventures for a few years now. Thank you for being part of our virtual village. 🙏🏻 I’ve been thinking a lot lately that it was kind of sad we hadn’t made more of an effort to connect. It feels like a bit of a loss that there was all this collective wisdom, and all I had been showing the kids are sports bloopers and goofy AI generated videos.
So I decided to just ask the question – who are you and what matters most to you? What is that secret ingredient that brings your life purpose, meaning, and joy? I feel like if social media had more of these safe spaces for empowering messages, we could maybe find more common ground – rather than being pushed apart by politics and extremism.
We try to gather the kids up at least once a week to check in and see how they are all doing, and to share some sort of inspirational story or message. So please, please share so we can read your comments to the kids. Thank you for taking a second to share. 💕
“I’VE LEARNED THAT PEOPLE WILL FORGET WHAT YOU SAID, PEOPLE WILL FORGET WHAT YOU DID, BUT PEOPLE WILL NEVER FORGET HOW YOU MADE THEM FEEL.” – MAYA ANGELOU
I personally believe a child needs three things to learn and grow: (1) to be challenged; (2) to have a safe environment to fail, explore, and do their best; and (3) to have a friend or mentor encouraging them.
With that in mind, I can never thank Kru @bryan_dobler and @phuketmuaythai enough for being the perfect teachers. And to have @enriko_the_hurricane_kehl as a special guest instructor our second day way unforgettable. It’s funny how sometimes you meet people who feel like family you just hadn’t met yet. Unfortunately our luggage wasn’t big enough to bring the gym home with us.
And thank you again to @wbcmuaythai and @tourismthailand for this once in a lifetime experience.
Bridger on the news!!!! 🤩 Please watch to the end since it takes a little for Bridger to warm up. It is amazing to me how much he has grown and matured.
Bridger and Teila were invited to talk to @goodthingsutah and @niceadegering about his recovery, our new book illustrated by the amazing @angelofrance, and some of our family’s favorite things like the World Boxing Council (@wbcboxing @wbcmoro @wbc_usa @wbcmuaythai @cvt_boxing @josejasbox) and Bridger’s recent trip to Thailand (@tourismthailand). And thank you again to @shield_labs for the amazing custom Thor’s hammer.
Even though Bridger has some new orthodontics that makes it harder to talk – I think he did incredible!!! And proud husband moment – isn’t @teilawalker just glowing and absolutely amazing!!!!
If you are in Utah – please swing by their book signing in American Fork Saturday evening at Hideaway Books from 6:00 to 8:00.
