Grandpa

My dad's dad had been living with cancer for quite some time. Things started going down hill for him in mid February. I hadn't seen him since before we moved to Germany and my Grandparents offered to fly me down to Southern California to see him before he passed away. All four of his kids and my Grandma were by his side...my brother and I got there just hours after. It was really hard not being able to say "goodbye" but I'm glad I could be there for Grandma. I know nothing can help a loss like that...I just hope I offered some comfort.

Grandpa and Grandma
(May '07)

A bear on the wing of my first flight.

I love the colors, it still amazes me to be up that high.

Palm trees. Haven't seen those for a while!

The evening that I got there, Grandma, Nathan and I went up in the attic to go through a couple boxes. We found some of Grandpa's old ski gear. Sometimes laughter is the best medicine.

Nathan and I went on several walks up the hill that we used to hike up with Grandpa. Its amazing how rocks can be so familiar.

I've always thought this looks like a butterfly.

It was overcast most of the time I was there. Sun rays fascinate me.

Playing games with our little cousins.

That Sunday my cousin had a kite flying contest in San Diego (all kites entered had to be hand made). It was his first year entering the contest, and he won second place for the smallest flying kite. We spent most of the day there enjoying nice weather, the site of hundreds of kites, and most important each other.

Just some of the kites flying when we got there.

Practicing before it was his turn.

She had fun flying the kite she made too.
(She was born on our wedding day!)

Half way through the day she got a bunch of splinters in her feet so Uncle Ron carried her around.

Grandma and Nathan

The last contest was for the biggest/longest kite. It was really cool to see these actually get off the ground!

Everyone watching.

After the awards were given out my uncle, dad, brother and I drove around a bit. It had been a long time since I'd been down there and Nathan and I really wanted to see the ocean again.

I took a picture of the "high" gas prices there...too bad our cheapest gas is now more than the highest price on the pic!

Palm lined road to the ocean.

Before I had to leave for the airport, we wanted to take some group pictures. It was finally sunny, so there are a lot of squinted eyes and shadows, but I love the pictures regardless.

Nathan and Grandma

Grandma, her four kids, Nathan, Me, and two of our cousins.

Granmda and me

Nathan and me

Cousins
(This is the first picture like this, it was actually the first time I'd ever seen Jen!)

Grandma and her kids.

I know its probably weird, but I also went around their house and took some random pictures of things.

This was Cookie. She was a really cool dog! This is just one of the times that I dressed her up when I was little!

Grandpa and Grandma.
(One of my favorite pictures of them together.)

I didn't have time to ask about this camera...I was intrigued.

I've always loved this stationary. It has a display case and drawers. I think I asked my grandma to show me how the drawers worked every summer I was there! My favorite part are the pictures on top. My grandparents in the middle and pictures of their parents on either side.



Grandma.
She is so strong and beyond amazing. I am so grateful that I was able to spend some time with her and the rest of the family that was there.

I wish I would have been able to see him again. But I am content with the thought that maybe he knew I was on my way and would be there with Grandma for a few days. Saying he will be missed is an understatement.