Giant of a Man

David's dad died tonight. It has been a terribly sad weekend, but there was something purifying about being together as a family and sharing in such a loss.

Dad was a surgeon, a genealogist, a lover of facts. He researched anything and everything that caught his fancy and loved to talk about his latest find. He loved us. He gave hugs and kisses everytime he saw us, and we never never doubted that he thought we were special. He is a great spirit and lived a beautiful and full life.

These pictures are from the last time we were together in our favorite spot in Millcreek Canyon on June 15th. Dad loved sitting by the stream, watching the kids play and listening to the water. He loved life fully and we love him the same way.

We will miss you, Dad.

Hooray for the 4th of July

Summer is both wonderful and aggravating.

Wonderful: Sleeping in, playing on the front lawn with all the neighbors at night, getting to be with the monkeys all day long, barbecues, playing in Millcreek Canyon, running without gloves and a hat, weekly library trips, playing in water.

Aggravating: Can they GO a day without fighting?, the house isn't ever clean (but then, is it clean during the rest of the year?), worrying about not camping, not practicing enough, not enjoying ourselves enough, feeling like time is slipping by just way way too fast.

But really, the 4th of July is so much of what I love about summer. Patriotism aside, it's a holiday that doesn't take a lot of preparation, but gives a huge payback in fun and memories. What could be better?

This year our 4th of July began with our traditional parade down Stratford Avenue. Paul, Cindee, Bill, Rachelle and the kids all joined us. The girls traded off riding in the Barbie Jeep and Josh rode his bike. There are more people in the parade than are watching the parade, and that's the fun of it. At the end, on Alden Avenue, the neighbors have set out a street fair with snow cones, popcorn, a fishing pond, and all kinds of old-fashioned fun.

Paul, Cindee, Lexie, Ella, Alyssa

Look! I actually did cute hair...amazing.

Alysha, Sophie, and Lexie

Bill, Alysha, Rachelle

Later in the day we went to the Gateway water fountains to hang out with Paul and Cindee again. I was yet again SO grateful for waterproof casts.

Then that night we had a barbecue at the Bertolas with the neighbors. Eric, Nina, Kurt & Ashleigh all joined us. Food and fireworks...life is good.

I love the 4th of July. Can't wait for next year!