Pumpin Patchin It

Our annual trip to the Pumpkin Patch with the Hazletts.

Grayson and Greer on the train.

Brad and the kids.

Greer was soooooo mad he couldn't do it himself.  He threw a flinging fit.

Sheri riding a big kid trike.

For the Love of a Friend

My dear friend Lanell was diagnosed with breast cancer this summer.  She underwent a double mastectomy and reconstruction.  The cancer had spread to her lymph nodes.  Her treatment began with chemo and she was told that she would lose all her hair after the second treatment.  The night before her second treatment I cut off all my hair.  Anyone who knows me knows my hair.  It is really a big part of me.  A place I hide.  A place I feel safe.  It defines me.  People know me by my hair.  It was very long and blonde and very healthy.  I loved my hair.  But, I love Lanell.  What could I really do for her.  The answer was a profound one.  Cut my hair.  So I did.  On the day I decided to cut it I told my friend Amelia, also a co-worker and friend of Lanells, what I planned to do.  Without missing a beat, she replied, "I'm in."  Amelia also had very long, very beautiful hair.  So, we cut our hair.  When Lanell arrived at work a couple days after receiving her second round of chemo, there on her chair were two very beautiful braids in the shape of a heart.  Then, from around the corner we stepped.  She was shocked and touched.  She cried and cried.  We hugged and snapped photos.  Our gift inspired her.  She threw together a head shaving party.  All her friends gathered at her house on Saturday morning.  There was food and laughs and we all took turns shaving Lanell's head.  It is what she wanted.  She had changed a very upsetting event into a party.  Four men shaved their heads in solidarity.  Her dear husband Greg, now very bald, lovingly held her hand. She slipped on her new wigs and embraced her baldness.  I love Lanell.  She is an inspiration.  She will kick cancer.  It doesn't have a chance.  

Fall Fun



Greer and his buddy Lander enjoying the leave pile at Terri's house.



Papa Skip Turns 80!! Hooray!!

Papa Skip is 80!!  Do you know how awesome that is?  It is fabulous. It is wonderful and miraculous.  And, a definite reason to celebrate.  Sue and I had discussed bringing the folks to the Flathead for a few days.  Sue had checked out hotels and John had agreed to drive them up in his van.  To top off their mini vacation was going to be a trip to Spencers for steak, spaghetti and hopefully a chat with every ones favorite waitress Lynn.  Sounded good.  But, we were shot down.  And, I have to admit that I understand it.  When we drive to Dillon to visit, it is a major undertaking.  You don't sleep well and by the end of the trip there is the inevitable exhaustion.  They are comfortable in their home.  They are safe in their home.  They have their own beds and the stress level is much lower.  So, plan two.  Meet in Butte, dinner at Lydias.  Nope, shot down again.  In the end, Dad wanted to dine at the Den with his Family.  And, it was brilliant.  Uncle Mel and Bo came down and the lovely Lanes joined us.  It was nice.  Happy Birthday Papa Skip, we love, love love you!!



Uncle Mel brought the kids some great books.  Greer's favorite was Muddy Truck.



The Birthday Boy and his little Grasshopper.

Nana and her little man Greer.

Last Camping Trip

As the summer began to draw to a close we itched to get into the woods one more time.  The smoke was awful as fires burned all around.  We couldn't even see across the lake.  But, it was all good.  We did some trailer crafts.  We pug chugged up and around the campground.  And, the kids rode their bikes up and down the road.  Once the wind died down we were even able to paddle around the bay.  Very nice way to end our camping season.

Things 1 and 2

Picnicing with the Fam



Hrrummpf

 

Yay!!