My Dear Son, Levi

Tomorrow is my beautiful baby boy's birthday.  Not a day has gone by without thinking of him.  Levi's birth was a special day and a wonderful memory. I cherish every pregnancy kick I felt and every second I held him in my arms.

Happy birthday my little one, mommy loves you.

My best friend

 

I hope everyone has one of these.   This is my friend Kris (nickname).  I have known her since, I don't know when, it's been that long....  Nearest we can tell our mom's were visiting teachers when my family moved to Washington in 1976 or soon after.

Every-time we talk it's just like old times.  I doesn't matter that I haven't seen her in years, or that we have husbands, children, obligations...  We can still sing the old songs, laugh at the funny stories, and reminisce.  

Kris, I just want you to know that I appreciated you coming to my dad's viewing and even though it was sad, it was SO good to see you.  Thank you for another memory!

My Dad

My first memory of my dad was riding the potato truck.  It was a REAL treat.  I remember climbing up the big truck and being not really able to see out of the windshield.  One afternoon we even picked up a hitchhiker and I listened to him and my dad visit.

I remember spending many Sunday's at my grandparents home in Othello.  We would leave for home at dusk, so the ride back would be in the dark.  We would all sleep and my mom and dad would visit in the car, but many times my dad would turn up the music and I would hear him sing along.  I still have a special place for the Statler Brothers, Eddie Arnold, and Marty Robbins.

My dad was very playful.  As my mom was trying to put us all to bed, he would tease us and say, "When you go to bed, that's when we get out all the good stuff."  My mom would be so irritated because it would get us all riled up.

I remember his sweaty, earthy smell when he came in from the fields.

I remember the feel of his cheek when I would kiss him.

I remember the smell of the aftershave he wore when he and my mom would go out for the evening.

My dad was very generous.  What ever he had and you asked, he would share.  He found out I collected little tourist spoons.  Where ever he went, even the next town over, he would ask if I had THAT spoon.

My dad was patient, my dad was even tempered.  My dad was humble.  My dad was strong.  My dad had a testimony of Jesus Christ.  My dad was wise.  My dad loved me.  My dad was proud of me.

When my son died, I wanted my dad to come and dedicate his grave.  I knew my dad didn't have lots of vacation time but I knew I didn't have to get a second choice because my dad wanted to do it.  He drove all day just to be there for me.

On Memorial Day, my dad was diagnosed with Cancer.  The cancer was aggressive and took my dad June 14th.  Five days earlier, we found out it was stage 4, pancreatic.  I was lucky enough to be there when he passed and will always be grateful.

After his passing, I learned so much about him.  My dad's brothers and friends shared stories I had never heard before.  My dad was truly a good man.

I love my dad, I am so glad that I am in an Eternal Family.  My son is so lucky to have my dad with him.  There has always been a part of me that has been afraid to die, but since my dad has passed, I know what it feels like not to be afraid.

I had a great dad and I will miss him very much.

Hilary's then on to Camp Bartlett

After almost a week of huge activities, we crashed and we crashed hard.  It was a good thing we were able to take a break at Hilary's house (where she spoiled us further).  But her family didn't get nothing in return, Abby was able to hook their dog up with a tail.  Poor Princess didn't know she was missing something until Abby showed her.

We were also able to cheer for David.  He played awesome!  Best yet, they won!!!

Going out afterwards to celebrate was a must.  We went to a Japanese steakhouse, oh yum!

We then went to Kathy's house, Camp Bartlett, to finish out our stay.  We were there for Easter so Abby was able to celebrate with lots of family.  We all chipped in to make it great!

Doesn't it look like she is suffering?  Yeah, we had that much fun!

 

She had lots of eggs to find!

As you can see, she also had her own private paparazzi.  Everywhere she turned there was a "pap" waiting to take a picture.  Uncle Steve was no exception. 

 

Have I said, "Family is the best, yet???"

Raise your hand if your spoiled!!!

Have I mentioned we have great family?  They make us feel like we are super-stars and often they splurge on us.  California was kind of like a splurge crescendo! (sorry mom, with all my piano lessons, that's all I remember...)  Hilary gave Mike, Abby, David, and I a helicopter ride over the Los Angeles area.  We flew over the Hollywood Hills and over the ocean.  It was truly incredible!  Here is the whole group...

The group that went on the helicopter ride...

We saw where Eddie Murphy, Drew Barrymore, Hugh Hefner, Alex Trabek, and Johnny Depp lived, to name a few.

 

 

Who knew Mickey was a cousin???

After we spent time with Rusty and Lee and Ronnie Reagan, of course...  We went on to see Mike's family, where we had more family "get togethers."  We started out at Disney Land.  Abby and I had never been and for Mike it had been so long he couldn't remember.  We had a BLAST!

 

We hit the day HARD!  There were characters we HAD to meet, rides to be rode, and shopping, shopping, shopping to be done!  First off, we met Snow White and the Queen, they were definitely my favorites.

 

Can you see the resemblance?

  

We were also able to go to Ariel's grotto, where we met Ariel, Cinderella, Snow White, Belle, and Sleeping Beauty.  That was a highlight for everyone, I think.

 

 

Toon Town

Mickey's House

Abby, Lacey, and Kathy checking out Mickey's mode of transport.

 

We had so much fun, at the end we were all a little tuckered out.

 

We definitely will be coming back!!!

California, Part I

We were able to stay with my brother and his family in California.  Not only were they great host and hostess, but we were to see more family than we have been able to in a very long time.

Lee and Ashly moved to Corona, Ca from Wisconsin with perfect timing.  We were able to visit with them and do what we love best.... EAT! ;)

Yes, Lee has a crush on Mike, but then, who doesn't????

Our kids all got along famously.  It was cute for them to hug and say, "This is my cousin!"  Then the other would say, "That's my cousin too!"

Later that week, we went to the Ronald Reagan National Library.  It was very impressive.  It covered every highlight from his presidency.  I didn't remember so many events from my childhood happening while he was in office.

 Here is the oval office during his time in the White House.  It was a full size replica and then they had several interactive things for kids and lots of things for their parents too.

  
Part of the Berlin Wall.  Abby looks like she is trying to break away into East Germany!

And finally we walked through his Airforce One and limo, very cool!  You can see how much fun we had by the look on Abby's face.  There is no denying that!

In an effort to update my blog...

I have gone back to my blog several times and thought; man, what am I going to write that's interesting to my friends and family?  So the blog has stayed empty...  On my way home from an evening with close friends, I realized since April, I have felt like Alice falling down the rabbit hole.  I will do my best to update you all!