We've been trying to spend fun quality time with the kids since dear husband is only home on the weekends. We stayed the night in Portland one night at the Embassy Suites, a much need get away. It was only for a night but felt like a week. The next weekend was the 4th of July so we went to a flag raising ceremony and pancake breakfast at our church. We took my dad and had a good time. We also spend some time at Lake Sacajawea on Saturday. It was crazy. People everywhere. There was barely enough room to take a full step while walking. Geesh. Not my idea of a good time. Last weekend we went swimming then took the kids to a small town across the river for Rainier Days. What fun. We watched the fireworks-totally awesome!!! We all had such a good time.
This weekend family is coming from Central Washington. It is my mother-in-law's 70 birthday. I'm not exactly sure what all we're doing but I know all of the local siblings plus the ones from CW will be going out to a restaurant for dinner. Hopefully we can fit something in with just our little family-like swimming or bowling or some other active thing.
My dad is not doing well. I hesitate to write anything because it's so real that way. His tumors are growing and the drs. say it won't be long for him. He certainly hasn't given up which has been so reassuring to me. As I watch his health decline I can't help but miss MY dad. The man who never seemed to get older. The one who never looked his age until this disease took over his body. The one who came to every soccer game, every birthday party, every celebration of my kids'. The one who loved skiing, biking and hiking. The one who still acted like an 8 year old boy every time he passed gas. The one who helped build our block retaining wall when he was 74 years old.
I love my dad. I will miss him so much. I will miss so many different things about him. I will miss my kids being able to spend time with their grandpa. I will miss seeing him on his front steps drinking a beer after doing his yard work. I will miss his big smile.
I am thankful for such a great dad. I am thankful for his honesty, his integrity, his hard work and his love. I am grateful for my memories.
