Black Canyon on August 29, 2008

SO HERE WE ARE.

What a great way to spend a birthday! I enjoyed Black Canyon with Cooleys, Golds, Duffins, and Beardens. The weather was ideal and we had the place almost to ourselves. Cold was to set in on Labor day so LUCKY US.



Let's get right to the volley ball game. Dig in the sand too.



Anne and Molly hold up (or about bring it down) the net for the volley ball game.



That white streak actually has Carol behind it on skiis.



What a hit, David. It went right into the other court!



Emily, Madelyn, Brenda and Emmaline have a great place to relax and just watch all the activity. I busied myself taking photos and counting 1,2,3,4 etc. over and over to make sure each child was accounted for.


Oh, oh take that stick away from Philip! The kids think I've too protective, but I've seen enough to know that there's a possible danger lurking almost everywhere!

Sarah, Anne and Madelyn enjoyed floating in the pink (a great hit to have pink) raft. Whenever a boat would pass they'd try to jump over its waves or 'surf' through them.


Mike took small groups out to ski or ride on the tube.
Lunch time. . . The huge trees provide shade across the wide expanse of grass.

Madelyn and Isaac spent hours digging holes and even bigger 'dams' which they tried to keep full of water. The other kids all helped in the projects.

James had a wonderful thick sandwich. We had plenty of chips and drinks.
The time to leave came all too soon.

Thanks to everyone for making the day one I'll remember fondly as long as I have a memory.

WHAT A SUMMER!

FOURTH OF JULY

Hawes are here.

Linda and Chris joined us from Texas. The flag in the grass is placed by the scouts, one in every yard on all the holidays. That, with the bells marking the hour make it a very special place to be.


Forever chasing Andrew.




Dad was invited to represent the veterans in the parade. He rode on a 'hard seat' in a jeep, but the overcast kept the weather pleasant. He looked very distinguished.

Dad before a Kiwanis meeting. I enjoy being with him at the meetings.

Mom, Tutu enjoyed having Joanne, Laura and Devin for a visit. They, with all their cousins, were always her 'pubbies' even as they grew up.

Just days before her death, Tutu lovingly cradled McKenna.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

MOM'S GONE . . . . . . . . . .



Mom's condition continued its downhill slide and I fought with myself over the inevitable. I thought she would live like that indefinitely, years maybe. My interior battle must've been what brought on my 'heart attack'. (Which I genuinely thought was killing me) After undergoing a series of expensive tests, I'm taking a drug for acid influx, though I've not had that problem before or since. It was all too strange to have it happen on the day Mom died. I'll never forget the ineluctable drive I had to get home as she was exiting this realm. All I knew was that I had an unprecedented need to be with her, at that moment! Thankfully, (due to Karen's intervention because she knew the Drs. wife) I was discharged early. It was still strange, one of those moments when I'm just an observer not feeling totally there physically. Now Mom's gone and all the wishing that she could be free of pain doesn't take away the emptiness. I'm remembering her many wonderful qualities so vividly. It's almost like the last two or so years have faded and she was just her young, singing self. I'm reflecting on my childlhood at Stratford Sunday School with Mom standing tall and beautiful, directing "Give Said the Little Stream". I followed along so proudly, dutifully. I have a deeper compassion for those whose Mothers have passed on.

With Mom, Dad and my brothers in 1989


The dearest sisters ever, Ruth and Beth


The greatest love story I have known.


With her adored and adoring brother, Andy.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

MIRACLE McKENNA
Laura and Mark's adoption of Mckenna, born July 18, marked another dramatic event. It was a disguised blessing that it took Utah and Ohio four weeks to get the legal work completed because it kept Laura close to care for Mom. Laura was the one who did the lifting and coaxing.
It also let Mother enjoy holding the baby and in the last days have her lay on her arm. Once Laura came in without the baby and Mom said "Where's your baby. Take care of your baby". Forever the Mother who cared for the little ones.

What a wonderful thing for McKenna to have big brothers to protect and defend her. It's already happening. How loved we feel and how our capacity to love has multiplied!

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

MIRACLE PHILIP

Always on the move.


Everybody loves Philip.

Wow, a quiet moment.
We got word that Philip has Indian blood and so the Sioux tribe had to release him to our nation for adoption. Just today we received word that he could be ours! We're ecstatic!!!!

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

BACK TO SCHOOL


Jacob loves standing on the high side of the slope.
Jacob's on the debate team and doing Lacross come spring. Michele's on the volley ball team.

Emily's the best tender ever. . . Here she is with Emmaline and Brenda at Black Canyon. She's been coming over after school this past week and she promises to come ocassionally to keep me company.

For my birthday the kids took me out to dinner and then to see McBeth at the Idaho Shakespearean Festival. Much to my delight and surprise, it was the best production of it that I have ever seen! Awesome witches. . . and drums.. . . not to mention McBeth and his Lady. . . Hmmmmm. Wonderful production. Best company ever!!!! Neat present!!!! Many thanks. . .

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

So summer fades. The weather has cooled. The children are energetic and busy and glad to be back on a schedule. Brenda left on Thursday (4th). Emmaline has started smiling and cooing easily so I'll miss her awfully much. I held her almost too tightly whispering 'nothings' into her ear for my last time in who knows how many months.



Philip is to be raised by Carol and Matt.



McKenna is Laura and Mark's.



All are safely gathered in. . .
ere the winter storms begin."