4th of July

Hope everyone had a happy and safe 4th. We spent in the day in Leopolis again. Below are some of my favorite pics. Another hard day as it was another first for us, but great friends and family made it a bit easier.   

Annual Trip to the Cabin..

We made our annual trek to the cabin a few weeks ago.  Although the weather was a bit cool, we all enjoyed our time relaxing and fishing.  It was a tough trip, the first without mom. It was hard not to picture her there and remember her last visit last July, just a month before she passed.  All the memories came flooding back as we approached the last few miles before the cabin, bringing tears to my eyes.  I could see her sitting on the porch crying on that last day, saddened that it would be her last family vacation to the cabin and being ill from the cancer.

When we arrived, we began unpacking the vehicle.  As I was passing by the living room window, I thought I saw something flutter past and thought, no it couldn't be.  Then I saw it again...a hummingbird in front of the window.  I felt an instant peace.  See, when I see a hummingbird I always think of my mom because she loved watching them out her window.  There have been a few times over the past 10 months that I have been thinking about her and needing her when I am at her house and I will see a hummingbird.  So the fact that I saw one at a time when I really needed to, without a feeder, etc., was such great feeling.  To me she was saying, "Its O.K., don't be sad, I am here with you in spirit...enjoy your time."  I was still missing her many times over the days we spent there, but the hummingbird certainly made things much easier.

Here are a few of the MANY pictures I took.  Until next year heartburn haven....

After being lost in the Northwoods for awhile, Paris and Nicole (aka Heather and Taylor) and their 12 suitcases made it to the cabin. :)

 For the first time ever, a bat made its way into the cabin. I have always been able to hear them in the ceiling and after residing and putting in new windows we had hoped that the cabin was sealed tight and they couldn't get in.  Well I didn't hear any in the ceiling so I thought it might have worked, until Jenny, me and the kids were in bed and we heard the guys start swearing and lots of movement in the other room.  Soon after the noise stopped in the kitchen, Rick came in and said that he had killed a bat with Will's light saber.  Too funny.  Luckily we didn't see another bat for the rest of our trip.

 New siding and windows look great!

Happy Anniversary Todd and Jenny...

Happy 10th Anniversary to our good friends Jenny and Todd. 

We wish you many more years of happiness together!  I can't believe it has been 10 years since your wedding day.  We have been through so much since then  and yet it seems like it was yesterday. 

 Now here you are 10 years later..have 2 boys..on your second home and some of us don't have much hair left. :)  Here is to another 50 great years of marriage and friendship.  I can just see the four of us in our 80s still hanging out..lol.

Love you guys!  Rick, Melissa, Lexi and Will

Happy Birthday Leighten..

Happy Birthday To You...

Happy Birthday To You...

Happy Birthday Dear Leighten..

Happy Birthday To You!

Happy 13th Birthday to our niece Leighten.  I can't believe you are a teenager!!  I hope you had a great birthday.  We love you very much and will see you soon.

This photo was taken at the cabin 11 years ago.  It is hard to see, but that is when your blanket was in one piece and still had some color. :)

 This photo was taken just last week at the cabin.  Seems like just yesterday you were only 2...time needs to go a little slower!

Love Ya ~ Rick, Melissa, Lexi and Will