REUNION FINALE, WATERFALLS, AND THE END OF AN ERA

I snapped this precious picture just before the last of the troops headed home!! We still reflect on fun moments of the reunion. I packed some boxes to send to Tobin and Susan with the last of the gifts from Aunt Marie, and I tucked in some of the unpainted bird houses for their families' artists to finish!! I have a few rocks to paint! I still marvel at the diversity and beauty of the garden rocks. Some of the rocks have been placed in the garden, and some are waiting for a load of beauty bark to be spread so they can be placed. I hope we'll all reflect on the beauty of the garden always, but, even more, on the beauty of the bonding time we had as a family. Yesterday, we went to a 50th wedding anniversary open house for Dewey and Bettie Lafevers, and she mentioned that she hoped we would also dance at our 50th--which couldn't be far away. It gave me pause for reflection; our 50th is 13 years away!! Hopefully, we'll be able to polka at the celebration. Life does have a way of marching on. We must savor the moments one sage called "the moments that take our breath away." Family moments do that for me.

Poor Vale has had a rather boring time since the reunion, so Thursday, we decided to go on an outing. We thought we would visit Mark's favorite spot--Wahclella Falls near Bonneville Dam. The brochure describes the Falls as: "This is a nice family hike for any one with the ability to walk a mile, rest, and walk a mile back. The trail starts out very broad and easy, climbs a bit and has one or two steep spots, but overall it's quite easy. " For me the easy hike wasn't too easy, and we were often passed by other hikers, but we had a great time. We capped off the day with lunch at the "Mommy/Daddy Indian" restaurant in Cascade Locks.

Friday Dad started a project that he's just been itching to get to--the sun deck. I honestly couldn't watch!! My knees got weak every time I watched your seventy year old dad leaning over the edge to pull off another board!! I had more fun watching Vale watch Dad; he was a one man cheering section. He hoorahed for every board thrown into the junk pile and cautioned Dad if he got too close to the edge. It is odd to look out the window and not see the familiar railing--the end of an era.
Life is beautiful and wonderful. This has been a nostalgic week. We've attended a bridal shower, a 50th open house, and a wedding reception. In each case, we were able to visit with friends we haven't seen for a while and reminisce. Dad keeps saying, "I think I'm getting old!!" Our second mission ends officially on September 15. Although we've been asked to extend, we've declined. We're tired, and we feel that we can best serve the Lord by rejuvenating and resting. Of course, we won't stop. The ward needs people to fill callings, and there's always genealogy and temple work to do. Onward and upward, Senior Birdmen, as they say. We could serve the Lord every minute of every second of the rest of our lives and not repay Him for the rich and abundant blessings which He pours out to us!! Each of you is one of those blessings we have in such abundance. Take care. Love, Mom