Our family has lost a dear friend/family member Ron. He was so special to us, he was always there for us. He drove me up to walk down the isle in his fancy car. He lived nearby us and would not hesitate to check on us if there was a nearby fire. He's been my sister's father in law for over 16 years. He was a second dad to my sister, and my brother in law's last living parent. He told stories with such ease, and he loved life every day. Chris and Ron shared a birthday and we celebrated a few together. Chris saw him in the hospital, every day he was working, as his last 7 weeks of life were in the hospital. When Chris would walk around the corner he would say "There he is!". Those visits meant a lot to both of them. I even asked Chris to go to Target on his break once and he denied me as he had to visit Ron.

One of my favorite memories of Ron was his awesome personality and ability to give it to you straight. I always looked at him as being a very conservative, successful man with all his ducks in a row. Since I met him when I was a pre-teen, I've learned I looked at most adults that way at that time in my life. Regardless my story is still good, I promise. So I knew he had his act together, even more so, as he retired around age 50. He was above and beyond "together". 

I remember talking with him about Chris and I being young when we were getting married (we were, just 21!). His words of wisdom? "There's never a best time, Chels. You never have all the answers, nor have it all figured out. Pam and I married when she was right out of high school, had two kids within 1 year, and I was in and out of the service. We didn't have much money, we rented, and moved a lot, and I made my way in life. And I wouldn't have had it any other way."

I just assumed that because he was so successful he was so cautious and never took risks like marrying young for crazy love, having kids super close, or anything like that. To hear those words meant so much to me, and my perception of him changed forever that day. He was so for the passion, the drive, and the life of it all.

He is so missed. I am so bummed that he is gone, and honestly still in shock.

Also, he was super cool, and he had an actual juke box in his house. I've always wanted one of those. I better add it to my "always wanted" list and then name it Ron when I get one.

We miss you, Ron.

2016: A Year in Review

Making photobooks for the children's birthdays allows for some time of reflection a few times a year. There has been some major ups and downs in the world, community, and losses for sure. I have to say, in our family unit, we have had one hell of a year- in a good way!

We've busted our buns to travel as often as we can. We have not wasted weekends, nor been bored. The household projects may pile up but who needs a new gate or a perfectly poop scooped yard? I read once that "A clean home is a sign of a wasted life." Please do not take offense if your home is clean!!! I think this is something people with messy homes remind themselves... Ours functions and is cozy and lived in... The second half of the year I made a conscience effort to complete dishes sooner than in the past. I succeeded more than I failed. I'll call it a win.

This year's traveling pants and launching a new business led to less time devoted to our family blog. I was going too many different directions. There was beauty in this. There was stress in this. As with all choices in life, something gives. I've missed documenting our family adventures.

For my own sake I'd like to document our travels this year all in one post. This is going to be fun! Yes this is my idea of a wild Monday night! A small glass of wine, followed by tea, writing, and photos. Here goes!

 Our first trip as a family of three when Owen was a baby was to Bodega Bay with the rest of our family. It is a special tradition.

 Goal line crew. Bryce and Austin were truly contenders as grown adults, versus the 8 & 9 year old versions.

 Next we took off to Monterey for 2 nights.

 The kids were in heaven!

We went to Santa Rosa to visit with our dear friends the Maine Family.

Sand Mountain

Outdoor adventures

Pipi Valley

Cisco Grove Camping June 2016

Nana makes biscuits and gravy every time

This guy!!!!

Garden picnics

We hiked lover's leap for the first time ever!

We went to Tahoe for the night!

Britton Girls trip to Tahoe

Road trips

Cisco Grove August 2016

Walker River August 2016

I just found this post that I never published!

There were 3 more trips-

Disneyland in August
I went to Maui with my mom and sisters in October
Chris went to Baja in November for a bucket list trip.

2016 was the year of family traveling, camping, work hard, play harder!