sum-sum-summertime

Can't believe it's already well into July! Where did our spring go? Katie is very interested in the seasons, which she associates with certain holidays (and the candy that comes with it) - winter is, of course, Christmas and her birthday (chocolate), spring is Easter (chocolate), summer is just swimming pools and not wearing shoes (chocolate), and fall is Halloween (chocolate). Katie is a lot like Guy - hard for her to enjoy the moment, always looking to move on to the next thing. Now that it's summer, she can't wait for fall because of finally starting preschool.

Jack is going to be busy with camps. This week he's at Art Camp, which, if it wasn't so expensive, we would probably do every week! He's also got his first overnight scout camp coming up which I think he's a little nervous about. But he knows his friends and adult leaders (and it's only 2 nights) so I think he'll be fine.

We just enjoyed our 2 vacations which came and went quickly! We had a great time in Cincinnati and were busy, busy. Attending Guy's reunion, visiting family, King's Island (I'm about 6 inches shorter after riding the devil-coaster "Son of Beast"), the aquarium, the Cincinnati zoo, and attending a very fun Red's game (which they miraculously won). Was home for a busy week and then off again to Salt Lake City.

We have been planning for Mom's burial in Eureka for many months and it was just perfect - she stood out there exactly one year ago and told Paul where she wanted to be buried and how she envisioned it. Maybe she knew her time was coming or maybe she just wanted to just make her wishes know at the time. I really don't think she planned for it happening so fast. But I think we got it just right - beautiful monument that Paul chose, lots of family and a BBQ afterwards. Margo and Banny have done great things with the cemetary; despite being in the middle of nowhere it's a beautiful and peaceful place.

It was a hard day, but a nice day. And the rest of the week was nice, just spending lots of time with Dad, Grandma, Paul and Nicole and the kids, and Margo. Saw lots of old friends at my reunion and reconnected with one of my best friends who, 10 or 15 years ago, thought I'd never see again. Facebook is the greatest thing ever!

These two trips did get Guy and me thinking about our families, and how nice it is to just be nearer to parents, cousins, siblings. We love our home, Oregon, our neighborhood, but when holidays, birthdays, and other events roll around, it's just us. It can feel lonely sometimes. Mom was a big part of our lives and it feels that much more empty without her. We're talking again about moving where families are - whether that is Ohio or Utah - but could be awhile with this economy. Who knows?

As of now, we're planning next year's trip - Hawaii! Maybe people can join us there.