Disaster Strikes

For Memorial Day weekend, the kids and I, with a few friends, decided to brave the cold raining weather and be adventurous, camping up in the Uintahs. Well less than 10 miles from home, on our maiden camping trip of the year, our trailer blew a tire. Not a big deal you would think, we have a spare, but this turned out to be quite a ordeal. The tire blew with such force that pieces of the rubber tore a whole in the bottom of the trailer and shredded cabinets, water lines and wiring inside. It also crumpled the wheel well which got jammed between the tires. After changing the tire and getting the trailer in movable condition again, we abandoned the idea of going to a far off high country location and instead camped at the campground adjacent to Lagoon Amusement Park. It was not a serene location, but was less than 10 minutes from home and the kids had a blast playing anyway. The trailer has seen better days, but should be repairable with a few bucks and some elbow grease.

One Month

It was one month ago today, April 24th, that Heidi returned to her heavenly home. As I sat at her grave site this morning, it was hard to believe that much time had passed by already. Memories of the bubbly spirited Heidi are still so fresh, it seems like yesterday she was among us, full of life and living life to the fullest. Gratefully, thanks to many of you who have supported us through this difficult time, my family and I are doing OK. We miss her dearly, but life is still full of tender mercies and joyful moments that get us along. As we look at this day, an anniversary of sorts, we are striving to follow Heidi's own counsel to us, "do not be sad or feel sorry for me but rejoice in the life I lived" and I would add, rejoice and remember all she was to each and every one of us and the happy times she brought into our lives.

Cameron, now an eleven year old Blazer Scout, got to go on his first overnight hike, with Dad, this past weekend. It was about a 4 mile up and back trip in the hills behind our home. It was a quick, fun but cold trip. He had a blast out there with the other scouts. He is sure growing up fast.

Heidi's Tree

The children's elementary school, Centerville Elementary, through the work of their principle, Mr. Forbush, their teachers and donations from classmates, family and friends, purchased a new tree that was to be planted in memory of Heidi. Mr. Forbush spent many hours removing the old stump, and then Saturday morning the kids were able to help plant the tree right in front of the school. It is a Redbud Tree that will bloom pink buds all up and down the trunk and branches each spring and will be a great reminder to family and friends about Heidi. A small plague is being placed next to the tree that will say "Heidi's Tree." Thank you too all how helped contribute to this special moment.

Boys Having Fun

Dallyn and Kyler wrapped up their soccer seasons this past week and Dallyn is now in full baseball swing. All thee boys also tried their hand at boggey boarding at a wave rider machine at their cousin Zach's birthday party. They had a blast.

Race for the Cure

Continuing the tradition of the past 5 years, we and many friends and family gathered to run/walk in the annual 5k Susan Komen Breast Cancer Race for the Cure. We had over 30 people take part of team Heidi and it was a memorable and meaningful time. Though we all participated in her honor, it was definitely different than years past without the bubbly cheerleader of Heidi urging us on. Thanks to all who got involved.

Welcome to the family

This past week, in a moment of emotional weakness and insanity, Dad, decided to let the kids add a member to our family, please meet our newest addition, Rhino, the hamster. She has been a great attention grabber for the kids, who adore her and love to watch her run all over the floor in her plastic ball.