Closing the Loop

We buried Mom G today. I know I should write something profound, but words fail me. Often the best plan when one isn't sure how to express thoughts is to keep silent - for the most part, I will.  Other than to say Mom G is a woman who was in the Word until the last day of her life - I'd like to be the same. She was sharp until the end - and I find my memories are already fuzzier than hers. I must do something to stem this trend of mine.😏 I will long remember our season in Crescent City with Mom G- most of my best memories with her come from this time - laughing in bathrooms (what else CAN you do?), road trips to  connect with her brother and Mary K, discussions during work breaks, working together, celebrating her 88th birthday and Stacia's 11th too, taking her to visit old friends in town, her insatiable sweet tooth, Sundays in town, her long talks with Stacia and connecting with the boys - we got to know her best in that time between mid May and mid November 2016. 

Terrible photo - but fun memory

The story behind this photo makes me smile. I couldn't find my sweatshirt and went into the house to search for it. I sat down and Mom G looked at me, and said with her wry sense of humor, "Evidently you found it. That certainly isn't  MY sweatshirt." 😁😂😁We've been sad we had to move her to Rebecca's in mid-Nov and she couldn't have died in her home as she wished.  Hearing Reb talk about the benefits of her time with mom from mid Nov - Feb 6th eased some of the pain at failing Mom G. 

Because of past life choices, 2/5 of our family live in Colorado, 2/5  live in the Northwest....and 1/5 became vagabonds, moving every three years or so as students, pastors and, finally, a military family.  It was fun for this 1/5 to connect with everyone in CO. We've not seen them all since Dad G died, though Michael did come out for his 1/2 brothers funeral in Dec 2014 and we got to spend a week with Earl in Crescent City last fall.  We enjoyed a yummy meal in Alex's (Michael's niece) back yard.....

Jamin flew in late last night and we hadn't seen him until we were at Fort Logan. The other Gherkins are all flying, or driving out tomorrow. After we left Alex's we went to their hotel. We ended up watching a Spurs game and playing Dominion. It is always a blessing to gather - even when it can't be "all" of us or be in "perfect" conditions. It is enough for these parents. 😉😏😊

Krista came to my aide - we still didn't win - but I did better than I've done before

 

Alex won Dominion. The spurs won their game. We enjoyed spending time together. Win, WIN, WIN!!

Gingerbread Man Is On the Road Again

Krista and Gingerbread man 

I am much happier with my recent travels. I have finally broken free from the RV and the rain and snow.....

Today, I  attended  a family reception after the burial of Mom G.  

AND in the morning I am  accompanying Krista and Kent back to Mexico. I am excited! 

There is talk of going to boot camp with Krista. The matriarch around here may spoil that plan. She keeps mumbling about me earning Krista extra push ups at boot camp. 

Note -  the winners of our annual Gingerbread Village Competition hosts Gingerbread Man for a year. The girls are hosting him this year. 

Gherkins are Dropping From the Sky

Tomorrow, we bury Mom G at Fort Logan. Today, we picked up Gherkins at Denver International. Jamin will arrive late this evening.  JaRissa and BreZaak will not be able to make it. 

Michael, Cory, Cy, Krista, Arielle, Alex (back), Stacia, Nolan, Kent

 All were picked up, settled into the hotel and then went in search of dinner. We told Krista and Kent to pick a place. They didn't have a place in mind.....but when we asked what they miss that they can't get in Mexico, Kent immediately mentioned a cheeseburger. We headed for Red Robin. 

Waiting patiently for her Banzai Burger

 We are so grateful Kent drove up with Krista. 

Anticipating the cheeseburger? 

Arielle and Cory

 It's the only photo we got.....

Cy 

 We laughed when the manager came out to thank us for trusting them to meet the needs of "such a large group." Krista said, "This isn't even the whole family." There may have been some discussion about the upcoming Alaskan Migration.

Alex, Nolan, Me, Michael, Kent, Krista, Cy, Stacia, Arielle, Cory 

 They headed to their hotel in Denver. We headed back to Buckley Fam Camp.  Cy will pick Jamin up at 9 p.m. and tomorrow we'll meet at Fort Logan National Cemetery. 

Moving to Buckley AFB Fam Camp

Rather than get an early start, we decided to stay put and let the boys have their Japanese lessons without the world moving under their feet. 😀 When they were finished we tore things down, hooked up the toad (Nimo) and moved north. 

Hooking up Nimo and getting ready to leave the Springs for Denver area. 

Krista's first ride in Uchi

We arrived, set up camp, got a bite to eat and were rewarded with a beautiful sunset. 

Ah - two new Dominion players. Krista won. 

Gingerbread Man in CO

The world has been moving, moving, moving the last weeks. I am happy we seemed to have stopped for a bit. I enjoy this perch.....it's especially nice now that the snow is gone.

YIKES! What is THIS? 

I think Ingen and I could be friends

I enjoy Colorado. 

Note the winners of our annual Gingerbread Village Competition hosts Gingerbread Man for a year. The girls are hosting him this year. 

Krista is Here

We spent today getting odds and ends done.....Michael sealed a hatch that was collecting water as we traveled. Michael, Earl and the boys went for haircuts. 

The highlight of the day is that KRISTA and Kent arrived from Mexico. 

Earl, Kent, Krista and Michael with his back to the camera

Nolan's new cut - we need to do this more often. 😉

All this time I thought they were going back to OR from here...but they are going back to Mexico for another 3 weeks before their time is finished there.  We visited late into the night - these two didn't want to go back to the RV, but couldn't keep their eyes open. 

Alex and Stacia

Beloved Pet

This is a meaningful spot on Earl and Mary's place to our family. On our move from Texas to Japan, we lost a dear pet. I am glad we were in Colorado Springs and were able to bury her here.

Beatrix - 20 years well lived

Yuuki pays her respects

It was fun to walk in the sunshine and to stop and remember happy memories with Beatrix.