Rise up this mornin', smiled at the risin' sun,
three little birds pitch by my doorstep,
singin' sweet songs of melodies pure and true,

sayin' "This is my message to you-ou-ou-ou-"
~Bob Marley

Tuesday, September 13, 2011

Reflections

Can miles truly separate you from friends….If you want to be with someone you love, aren’t you already there?                ~Richard Bach

The countdown has begun- just 13 days until we leave for our Peace Corps training in Paraguay. It seemed like a good time to reflect on our summer and the amazing family and friends we were fortunate to spend time with and who included us in their life celebrations and milestones. Here’s a snap shot….

  • Our daughter Ashley and new son-in-law Eliot’s wedding!

  • End of the Year Bash and Farewell to my Maxwell team

  • Our son Tyler graduated from college with his degree in Civil Engineering

  • Whitnie’s Baby Shower; Lori’s Birthday Party; Ben’s Farewell Party; Dennis’ Wedding; Stephanie’s Bridal Shower; and Mike’s Retirement Party

  • Road trip to Washington to visit Bob and Kathleen- Hey Dinner for 10 group!

  • 22nd Annual New Brighton Beach Camping Trip with the gang!

  • A week at an Intensive Language Institute in South Lake Tahoe

  • 3 days in Yosemite checking out Tyler’s favorite climbing routes, hiking in Tuolomne, and having dinner at the “Mobile”. 

  • Laughing, eating, kayaking, talking, getting new “ya-ya names”, and hiking with 8 great friends of the SHCOMs.

  • Hearing all about our daughter Amber and son-in-law Dave’s crazy/amazing Burning Man trip

  • Alves- Abreu Family reunion at the farm

  • Farewell lunches with the RCIS gang

  • Packed up our home of 20 years, with some help from our kids, and found “foster homes” for our 2 horses, 4 chickens and dog.

  • Our awesome kids presented us with a 30th Anniversary/ Farewell party!
                 
What an amazing summer, spending time with the people we care about most! The circle of love created by this mix of family and friends is truly a powerful force- how fortunate we are to be a part of it all.

There is a saying, “You are drawn to those from whom you most need to learn.” The lessons, joy, and contributions brought to our lives by our family, friends and colleagues have been formative and lasting. In this way, we take you all with us. 

Abrazos