Papa Joe

I have both wanted to blog, but not wanted to blog at the same time.  On May 31st, our last day of school, my dad passed away.  It was very sudden.  He was only 68, active and even still working.  We found a very lovely place to bury him, a place that I know that he would find peaceful.  He loved all of us with all of his heart and he will leave a big, big, space in our family.  The hardest part of all of this, of course, is as a mom.  My kids miss their papa and it breaks my heart to know that Matthew will never truly know him.  My dad's smile lives on in Matthew's smile, and his open and good heart hopefully lives on in all of our hearts.  We are all doing okay.  This is very hard for my mom and for Brian and I as well. 

The day after Papa passed away, Meagan's dance recital came around.  We debated whether or not to send her, but we decided to let her choose.  She struggled, but we reassured her that Papa would be proud of her dancing.  She did a great job.

We went to a new restaurant (new for us), the Reunion Grill.  I didn't so much like the food, but they had a fun band and awesome balloon creatures.  They also had a huge playground.

Meagan and Natalie went to Sun City camp as planned.  I know it was quite a bit of work for my mom, but the kids had a ball.  The camp is very well run and all of the Sun City clubs worked with the kids.  Meagan's shirt says "Future Resident of Sun City."  Pretty awesome.

Joe Topa is one of my best friends.  He and I are probably unlikely friends, but he and Alice, his wife, are two of the kindest, sweetest people that I know.  They are moving very soon to Florida.  I am excited for them to be with their grandkids, but I am so sad knowing they won't be here anymore. I wish that I could make this Gangham Style Joe work, but it is just a screenshot. :-)

Below: My Natalie is being her typical self.  Still obsessed with Moustaches!