Our trip to Out West and Spokane

What a week, and what a trip! We drove two days out to Spokane, and wouldn't have it any other way. The 1200+ miles was worth it, to see all the beautiful scenery up north, and west. It was our first time this far west, and honestly, I wasn't looking forward to driving so long, esp. after our two day drive out east. But as we got to the Badlands in North Dakota, the wheat and sunflower fields in eastern Montana, the mountain views in western Montana, and Idaho, and the crystal clear lakes, I couldn't get enough pictures.We heard it was going to be in the 90's that weekend. I thought, Oh great, as I thought about our dress attire for the wedding-Earl, in a tux, and me in a long sleeveless gown with a 3/4 sleeve jacket. But it wouldn't be that bad, as surely the church would be air-conditioned, and the rehearsal dinner @ Maja's parents had air-conditioning.
I made reservations for hotels on the way, while we were in Spokane, and on our way home. All in all, they were good choices, esp. where we stayed in Spokane.
So, Saturday, before the rehearsal, and dinner following for my son, Adam's wedding, we were invited to the community pool near Maja's parents. Yes, it was hot out, and the pool was refreshing, though not everyone got in. Too bad! Adam relaxed some, too.
Then , the rehearsal was @ the university building upstairs, three flights, in the chapel, as there was a wedding taking place @ the church. No air-conditioning! upper 90's!
Afterwards, we were invited to Maja's parents, Priscilla and David, for lasagna, salad, garlic bread, cheese, grapes, and pie/ice cream. Again, no air-conditioning! They were re-modeling their house, and the air-conditioner went up. Who could have guessed it would have been that warm this weekend? But we all survived the heat, and had a good time. They were so warm(no pun intended), and welcomed us all. I really felt comfortable with all of them.
We relaxed in the hotel pool the next day in the morning, before the wedding which was scheduled @ 3pm. We were asked to be there @ 1pm for pictures. And believe it or not, it was 107 degrees that day, and not air-conditioning in the church, or in the room that was used to get ready. I sweated in places I didn't know I could. But what can you do about it. We were all going through so many emotions, seeing our baby, and only son, getting married.
As we waited in church, for the Mass t0 begin, my batteries went dead, and I couldn't take any more pictures. I could just kick myself for not being prepared with extra batteries. So I have to depend on my daughters getting some good photos of the couple, and pics of the reception.
More about that later.

Another Summer trip

I'm getting excited about this trip. We are headed to Washington state to see our son, Adam, get married to a wonderful woman, Maja. As I pack again, I have tried to plan out this trip, as to where to stay on the way there, and back. The time will go back so fast. Our daughter Sharyn is coming with us, and we plan to leave very early in the morning, to drive the 1200+miles it takes. I tried my dress on for the wedding, and it fits perfectly. I hear it's suppose to be in the 90's all weekend, and sunny. Can't wait to see everyone. Will get lots of pictures and post them when we get back. Chris, have a safe trip on Friday. Thinking about Lorrie and Danielle...they should have arrived @ Glacier by now. Love to all.

Our Anniversary

As we headed home, seeing the girls, and Julie & Greg, waving goodbye, we reflected on our trip. It's hard to go back, and see the family for such a short time, knowing you won't see them again for a long while, but with the help of the internet, we all try to stay in touch. And even though, things were tense at times, with the baby coming, Mara's food issues, I admire the challenges Julie and Greg face daily And the girls were a delight to be with, and we'll miss that daily interaction with them. And, of course, baby Rose... So we drove to South Bend, Indiana, where the national baton twirling competition was taking place, and hotel rooms were booked up. Luckily, the first hotel we stopped at, checked with a hotel down the street, and got us a room. We made it home safely the next day. We really enjoyed this trip...the Envoy was very comfortable, we stopped when we felt like it to rest, and stretch, and we enjoyed each other's company.

So Sunday was spent unpacking, and catching up on mail, and news. Then, after working the rest of the week, we again packed, and headed for Duluth. Steve and Kory, who were going with us, purchased a 2005 Toyota Sienna, and offered to drive us up there. We did fine til we got to Superior, and couldn't find Barker's Island, where we booked our hotel. So I called my youngest, Danielle, and she gave us directions to the place, and we then met her and her family for dinner @ The Shack. We've eaten there before, and they have good food! Seems the whole area around Duluth is booked up, and reservations for dinner were hard to come by at the popular restaurants. It was a nice relaxing time, and I finally was able to give Nevie her birthday presents, as she turned 3 on July 10th. Danielle, Shawn, and the kids were heading to Hayward camping with friends the next day. We did drive by their house on the way back to the hotel to see Shawn's new paint job. Nice!

So the next day, we decided to get up early to see the Tall Ships, as we heard there was a 5 hr. wait in line the previous day to get on the ships. Here are photos of the ships:
We decided it wasn't worth standing in line to actually board the ships after seeing them all being packed on board, but not going below deck. so we just took lots of pictures.

Then, we walked, and walked, all around Canal Park...watched a ship leave the harbor, and saw the lift bridge go up and down.

It was the most perfect weather that weekend, and we thoroughly enjoyed each other, and all the activities despite the crowds of people. Happy 40th Anniversary.
Now I know Earl wanted so much more for our 40th, but it was special because we spent it together. Maybe this winter, when the temps are below zero, we can escape to warmer climates and celebrate our 40 yrs. together again.
That night we had reservations at the Barkers Island Inn, and then walked around the marina. I even had Maryland crab cakes, which were delicious, and tasted just like home!

More Summer!

With only a week left before we headed back home, I wanted to spend a little time seeing my sisters, and brothers. So each day we went touring, first to Barb's, with the intention to go to Gettysburg, but it was so hot, and when Barb invited us to stay @ her home and hang out, we did. then Monday, while Julie took the baby in for a check-up, we decided to visit Gettysburg, and also do some shopping. Of course, I had to get the baby something, and also catch up on birthday presents. Then, Tuesday, we went to see Sandie, and swam in her pool. It felt refreshing, and enjoyed our visit to her home, as she plans her new kitchen. We then all left to meet brothers Dennis, Mark, and sis, Barb, along with Sandie and Jim, in Eldersburg, our favorite meeting place when we're in town, to have dinner together. We had a great, relaxing night together. My brother, Jim, couldn't meet that night, so he invited us to his place the next night. So down to Ellicott City we went, and saw their beautiful kitchen re-model, and had a great dinner with Linda, Jim, Mark, and Mary. Plenty of food! Another wonderful gathering.
Now I was feeling guilty for all the nights away from our daughter, though I tried to help her out during the day, so we decided to stay one more day, and be with the family our last night. We knew Analese and Mara would have a hard time seeing us leave. So we asked her if she wanted to say good-bye when she went to sleep, or we could wait til she woke up, and say good-bye then. She wanted us to wait til she woke up to say good-bye, so we waited, and waited....the girl, who always woke up every morning by 7:00am, slept in that day. I guess she really didn't want to say goodbye.
Remember, Analese, our special time together every morning on the deck. Our silly talk, our observations of birds, deer, and all the things that were happening as the day awakened, drinking milk, and coffee together. So special to us, too. I hope mom or dad can spend some time like that with you, too, but if not, remember us and smile. happy 4th birthday, our little princess.

Summer, cont.

I met up with my sisters on Monday as we still were waiting for baby Bernhardt to arrive. They agreed to come to Westminister so I wouldn't be too far away from Julie. So we met @ Olive Garden, and had great time, catching up on each other. This was the only time I saw Ellen, as she was leaving for North Carolina to care for her granddaughter, Avenelle, while Kaylyn was going on a trip.

After her Dr's visit on Wednesday, Julie was told to pack her bags, and get to the hospital. His plan was to break her bag of water, and get labor started. Julie's plan was to get her bags packed, and prepare for the hospital, but maybe wait for contractions to start. So we waited, and waited, she walked, and walked, and nothing happened. So we all stayed home. The next day, after another walk, and talk with hubby, Greg, she decided it was time to go to the hospital. She was having some contractions starting.

Rose Hollin Bernhardt made her entrance @ 1243 am Friday, July 18th @ 7lbs, 14ozs, making her presence known to all.

Julie and Greg were blessed with a healthy baby girl#3. Just like her mother! She did a beautiful job getting her here. I feel blessed to be a part of her life beginning.
Welcome baby Rose to the family!

Summer Events

Yes, it's been a long time since I blogged. My summer has been a traveling one. After getting jipped out of double pay by a mandatory on call for the 4th of July, I started getting ready for our trip out east to Maryland. Daughter Julie was getting ready to have baby #3, walking around @ 4-5 cm. I thought for sure, I was going to miss this little one birth, as I luckily made it for the other two.
So, on July 11, hubby and I headed out East, leaving @ 3:30 am, driving til 6 pm the first day, and stayed overnight in Toledo.
We had packed sandwiches, fruit, snacks, and drinks in two coolers, and ate @ rest stops on the way.

We then left not as early the next day, and arrived in Maryland by 4:30pm. Julie was still pregnant, with no signs of labor imminent. The granddaughters were excited to see us, though they were both shy @ first, but it didn't take long for them to warm up to us.
We both enjoyed playing, and getting to know Analese and Mara
They swam in the hot 90 degree weather,
I helped them "dress-up", and put music on, and joined in their dancing, acting silly, and laughing, and clapping, and being reminded what it's like to be a free spirit without cares and concerns. Enjoying the moments we have been given.

We went to Christmas Tree park, while waiting for mama to go
into labor. It is a beautiful shady park full of play areas, where they went on swings, slides, climbing bars, tunnels, and sandboxes. Running carefree as little spirits do.