Back Home

Usually when a vacation ends I am excited to be home. This time is a bit different. We didn't go to Washington for a vacation, we went because David's grandpa passed away. Grandpa was a really great man. Someone that you admire because of the way he lived. He was a good person, and he was that way because that was just who he was. His acts of service and kindness were quiet and perhaps unnoticed by all except for the individual or group that was served. He had a talent for setting people at ease and really made everyone feel welcome and happy.
He also is one of those men that really loves his wife. Grandpa and Grandma have a great story. Honestly, I think that one of the reasons I am such a lucky wife is because of the example of Grandpa.
Anyway, this time it was nice to come home to have all of the stuff that I am used to having around me and to sleep on my own bed with my own pillows. However, while that stuff is nice, I feel kind of homesick. I miss the family. Samuel LOVED playing with his cousins. The weather was beautiful and it was just so nice to be around family.
Here is he whole family - all together for the first time in over a year! At the graveside. Grandma really is a classy lady. She is full of grace - I really admire her.

All of Grandpa's children spoke at his funeral. They all did a wonderful job. Wonderful stories were told of Grandpa and everyone in the room was touched. I say everyone because towards the end Samuel got very wiggly and I took him to the back so we would walk about without disturbing everyone. While we were back there Dad was speaking. The funeral director who stood at the back as an usher took one of the programs and just stared at the picture of Grandpa and Grandma - he had tears in his eyes. By the words that were shared this man who didn't know Grandpa could tell that Grandpa truly was a great man!

Because of Grandpa's military service in the Navy for World War II and in the Army for the Korean and Vietnam wars he was buried with military honors.

The bugler who played Taps

Samuel relaxing in the hotel room. For his first trip he did VERY well. He is such a little trooper.

On Saturday we went to Tolmie Park on Puget Sound. That was really fun! It was so beautiful. The beach was completely different from Florida beaches, I loved it. We found sand dollars, crabs, clams, oysters, and a starfish!

Four generation picture taken on the patio at Grandma's house. Grandma's house and yard is absolutely beautiful. On a clear day (okay so this is Washington and those don't happen too frequently) you can see Mt Ranier from the patio. The home is very beautiful and it was built by Grandpa.