I've raved many a time about time spent at our friend's cabin. It's 40 minutes door to door and immediately puts you in a peaceful mountain sanctuary. I've grown up visiting this little piece of heaven. And I love it there. Everyone does.
The cabin was Uncle Ken's place. He kept it organized and made sure it all was running the way it should. He made frequent visits up there with Peg. The cabin knew Ken. He was kinda like the cabin's alpha. And so, going to the cabin on Memorial Day was bittersweet. Maybe a little more bitter than sweet. It was just different. There was a hole in the midst of all the laughing, running, hiking, trailer riding, eating, and hustle and bustle. A sad hole. Uncle Ken and all he was and all he did for everyone was definitely remembered on this Memorial Day. His family didn't want to let Ken down and dismiss our Memorial Day tradition, so they all made their way up and did an amazing job of smiling through the day and making the best of a really sad time. I admire all of their strength. Don't know if I could have done it as gracefully.
We did have a fun day doing all the stuff we normally do. The kids were dirty beyond dirty and tired beyond tired. We ate well (always do), talked, hiked, played mountain boccie, bean bags, shuffle board, wiffle ball, Mouse Trap....you get the idea. We're just so grateful that we get to be a part of it. There are a boat load of photos below. Couldn't choose, so you get um all.
The cabin was Uncle Ken's place. He kept it organized and made sure it all was running the way it should. He made frequent visits up there with Peg. The cabin knew Ken. He was kinda like the cabin's alpha. And so, going to the cabin on Memorial Day was bittersweet. Maybe a little more bitter than sweet. It was just different. There was a hole in the midst of all the laughing, running, hiking, trailer riding, eating, and hustle and bustle. A sad hole. Uncle Ken and all he was and all he did for everyone was definitely remembered on this Memorial Day. His family didn't want to let Ken down and dismiss our Memorial Day tradition, so they all made their way up and did an amazing job of smiling through the day and making the best of a really sad time. I admire all of their strength. Don't know if I could have done it as gracefully.
We did have a fun day doing all the stuff we normally do. The kids were dirty beyond dirty and tired beyond tired. We ate well (always do), talked, hiked, played mountain boccie, bean bags, shuffle board, wiffle ball, Mouse Trap....you get the idea. We're just so grateful that we get to be a part of it. There are a boat load of photos below. Couldn't choose, so you get um all.
Aren't they just cute as mini sized buttons? They're becoming the best of buds. As they get older, they've decided that they really do like each other.
The boys (girls were certainly not invited) played their annual wiffle ball tourny.
The peanut gallery, cheering on their respective loved ones.
Aunt Peg wore an amazingly strong smile much of the day.
Note...the white object to Bruce's left is the ball he intended to smack out of the park.
Noly Boly.
My dude n me on a mini hike. He loves a good hike. Well, a good shortish hike.
Photo op break on our hike. At this point the big kids carried on and Abby and I took small fries back to the cabin.
This meadow is one of my very favorite places to be. Peaceful. Quiet. Calming. God's creation at its finest.
Baby Heath at his happiest! Could you smile a bit bigger next time buddy?
Uncle Ken gave the best tractor rides this side of the Mississippi. The tradition needed to continue, so Opa and Todd took the kiddos out for joy rides.
Do ya think Dude enjoyed himself. Um, yes. Yes he did. He didn't let go though - not even for a second.
Noly would only go if Dad hopped his adult bootie in the kid-sized tractor. And so, being the rock star dad that he is, he did just that.
Looking down on the picnic table area, where much of our quality cabin time is spent.
Dude.
Shuffle board baby.
We all have one common denominator. Hondas.
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3 comments:
What a nice remembrance of Ken! And great pics too!
What a fitting and well written tribute to Ken and to our day..you put into words what we all felt and I thank you for that. Thanks for being there and helping us carry on a tradition. It is important that we do so and you captured a difficult but special day. Oma said that it was a wonderful day for her too and that is so good to hear. Thanks, Gwen!
Gwen you definitely captured the day in words, pictures and feelings! It was a very difficult day but so glad we were all able to be at the cabin. It was a day that Ken would have loved.
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