Where Has the Time Gone?

Not quite sure where the time has gone this summer.  It has been non-stop since school let out in May.  For those that do read my blog...I do apologize for not posting sooner; but for now I hope to catch all of you up and let you know what we have been up to these last two months.

School let out in May, ending with Field Day, a day spent at a local park in Eagle River, where the kids played games and shared in a BBQ feast.  The kids played all sorts of games like Tug of War, egg racing, relay races and this year the kids were even surprised with a petting zoo.  What a treat that was.  Bill and I helped set up for this event, and Bill even got to help with the animals by carrying a goat that refused to walk on his own and also leading a miniature horse around.  Wish I got a picture of that...it was too funny.

"Tug of War"

"Sara, Sophia, Ms. Ogden & Daddy"

The night that school let out the three of us hopped on an airplane and flew to Arizona to not only visit GG & Papa, but to also pay respect to my sister-n-law, Jackie Meeks, who passed away on April 22nd.  With GG not being able to travel easily, the family organized a beautiful 'Celebration of Life' in which all of Jackie's kids (Amanda, Rick & Becky) were able to attend, as well as Duncan (Bill's brother), and Duncan's daughter, Alyssa.  It was a small ceremony, yet beautiful.  The funeral home even prepared a tapestry of Jackie from a wedding picture...it was just amazing how well it turned out.

Our time spent there seemed too short, but it was nice to spend time with GG & Papa and also visit with all the other family that we do not get to see often.  We even made a trip to the famous Arizona Zoo where the little ones got a chance to run around and see all the cool animals. 

"Jackie Meeks...Beautiful tapestry made by the funeral home"  You will be missed, but not forgotten...We Love you Jackie"

"The Family....Sara, Bill, Me, Papa, GG, Rick, Duncan, Alyssa, Amanda, Becky, Aurora & Allie (not present)"

"Sara, Me, GG, Papa & Bill"

The day after we returned from Arizona, we received more bad news regarding a very close family friend, GG's best friend, Sara Rounds.  She had lost her battle with cancer that morning that we returned.  We are deeply saddened by her lose, but are thankful she is no longer in pain and is now at peace.  We are also very thankful that Bill, Papa & GG were able to visit with Sara a couple of times the week we were down there.  Sara's funeral was the Saturday following; and though we did not make the trip down again to attend, we like to think we were there in spirit.  Sara was an amazing woman and I am just proud to had met her and for my daughter, little Sara, to have known her.  She too will be missed, but not forgotten.

Shortly after arriving home the three of us decided to get away and go on our first camping trip to Williwaw campground in Portage.  We were even more grateful that my brother, Sean and his family joined us.  It was a wonderful first camping trip despite the hurricane force winds and down pour of rain.  Thanks to the motor home we were able to keep dry, have warm food and lots of laughs.  When the skies did part, if only for a short while, we were able to go for a nice hike to an avalanche area in the Portage Valley.  It is just amazing how beautiful this place really is, even despite all the clouds and rain.  We had so much fun with the Whalens' and hope that there are some future trips that we can do in the future. 

More adventures are coming up.  In fact we are heading North this weekend for July 4th with friends to not only have some more fun, but to also try our luck at salmon fishing.  Sara is also participating in a one day a week horse camp, which she is enjoying thoroughly and Bill & I are still plugging away at our jobs.  So in the mean time, that will hopefully bring this blog current.  Enjoy the pics below...

"Walking the trail at Williwaw...Can you say Beautiful"





"Taking after her Daddy"

"Self portrait"



"Sara, Cousins & Uncle Sean hiking up an old Avalanche"



"The Bunny Ear Bandits strike again"

"Elsie, Sara, Uncle Sean, Denali & Sandia hiking through Williwaw"

"Black Bear Paw"