Thursday, May 30, 2013

Trippin' in the Northwest

We went to visit my side of the family for almost three weeks this month, and it was a lovely time.

This was the main reason for our visit:

Grandpa is in a care facility because of dementia, and it was special to go and visit him with my Grandma.  Difficult times, sweet times and good memories.  A reminder of caring for our own when they need us, whether they know us or not.  Not that I do that, but watching my Gma and the family who are nearby doing the difficult thing day after day is a poignant example.

The kids and I visited these two sisters and their families(got to see them each twice!):

Cora...


...and Tyler.


And my parents...

and bro...


and baby sis.


And my paternal Grandma:


And this sister's family:


And this sister with her M & M & M family:


Only missing one sweet sister on that trip!  Planning to see her soon, when her second bundle of joy joins the cousins in the late summer.

At the end of the trip, Papa met up with us at Arches Nat'l Park, where we had a super awesome wonderful time doing hikes.  The lovely thing is, you don't have to hike into the heart of wilderness to see amazing things all around.  The unlovely thing is: I'm out of shape for this kind of hiking, so I'd best fix that.  As it is, the kids will soon have to take turns carrying me back on the trail.
Some shots from Arches:







It was a great trip, and we are glad to be home. =)

Tuesday, May 21, 2013

Shane Says....

Those of you that talk to me know:

I always talk about what Shane says!  And it's always amazing and pithy.

Today I'm back after that long hiatus with a little story from this evening.

At dinner tonight, the silliness was infectious.  Usually, it makes me annoyed, but everyone was giggly.  Lucas and Julia noticed their Papa's haircut, which was funny, since he got it last night and has been home most of the day.  Lucas, always full of mischief, tried to scare his Papa by telling him "Ack! You have a small bald spot on top of your head!"

And Papa said, "I'd rather have a small bald spot on top of my head, than a large stupid spot between my ears."

Riotous hilarity erupted.