Normal Week

The highlight of our week is often those days when the kids stay with us.  A few photos from this week:

the beans are finally starting to grow

an asparagus spear

very late strawberry picking

Nephew

Before the Fourth of July weekend, Evin and Cassie visited us.  Evin is the son of Vicki, Barb's sister.  Cassie took on Evin in pickelball, a game she had never played.  They joined us Saturday night amid family, then on Sunday we attended a Mariners  win.  What a fun weekend.  Taking on the next generation with our pursuits is often a challenge.  Cassie and Evin were a dream.  They didn't appear to be bored with our interests.

When I'm 64

Those of us who graduated from high school in 1965 are turning 64 this year.  We matured during the Viet Nam War years and during the height of Beatlemania.  Now their song's refrain, "When I get older, losing my hair, when I'm 64,"  rings so true.

Over the 4th of July weekend, Dave, a college classmate, held a party at Semiahmoo, near Blaine, Washington.  The weather was great, the surroundings were awesome, and the comradery was heartfelt.  

The rocky beach in front of the resort, looking at Canada

Wally and Jan brought the crazy hats

Sunset before the fireworks

late morning bike ride -  Mt Baker view

Dave performing "When I'm 64."

1965 PLU freshman Jeff, Dave, Norm, Wally

The stories grow with each passing year.

One of the Many Incredible Moments (maybe one of the best)

There are days.  There are some bad days.  Then there are the incredible days.  Yesterday, the birth day of our third grandchild, Greyson, is one of those incredible days.  Today, we did not watch a miracle unfold as we did yesterday.  But it was still an incredible day.  To be present, to watch my grandchildren meet their sibling for the first time, to watch how my son and his loving wife orchestrated the first moment of that first meeting, was so moving, so profound, so special.  It was another incredible day.  I shed a few private tears of devout thankfulness yesterday.  Today, the tears flowed publicly with thankfulness, pride and admiration.

Cailyn is on the mend.  She looked much more vital today.  She is so strong, such a trooper, and such a loving mother.  Still, she is recovering from the C section and Nathan had to take on the role of the orchestrator today.

We knew the Gkids were approaching and Nathan swaddled Greyson and laid him in the middle of the bed.  He met the Gkids at the door as they were delivered to the hospital  by Alton and Marti Ann, Cailyn's parents.  The Gkids had one thing on their mind.  They wanted to see Mom and the baby.  What unfolded was pure love, familial interaction at the deepest level. What  Jane and Jensen communicated through their actions were, "Hey, this is my brother.  I want to get to know this guy.  It is going to be different but I want to let him know right now, I love this guy. And, Mom, I love you.  How are you?  I miss you."

There are moments in our lives that we hopefully never forget. That one hour today is one of those times.  The rest I cannot describe.  There are many pictures.  Here are a few:

Such a loving mom and such a strong lady.

swaddling as the sibs arrive

Hi Dad, were's the baby and my mom?

I'm on a mission.  Where's Mom?  Where's the baby?

This is Greyson and he is a boy.

Hey, bro

Are you sure he is a brother?  I wanted a sister.

If we are going to share a bedroom, I want you to stop this crying stuff.

proud Grandmas

It Never Ceases to be a Miracle

Greyson Benjamin Aune arrived today around 3 p.m.  At 9 lbs 1 oz (21 inches) he is a big baby and he really did not cooperate by getting into the right position so they delivered him via C section.  Dad and Greyson are fine.  Mom is a  bit under the weather due to the meds.  All will be fine and exciting when we are there tomorrow to see Jane and Jensen meet their new brother.

I am so proud of Cailyn and Nathan.  They are wonderful parents and are so prepared to take on the challenges of adding a third child to their family.  The C section option was a set back for them but it was very necessary in this situation.

Dad's Day

It is my favorite title, “DAD”, right there next to “Papa”.  It hasn’t been easy.  I’ve been guilty of sins of omission (not doing enough or not doing the right thing ) and sins of commission (doing too much or doing the wrong thing) but all in all it has been a great ride.   I have been blessed with a capable partner in this journey.  But I also understand that one's status may change in an instant, on a dime, at any time, without foresight and it may be completely beyond your control as a parent or partner.  But you pray that in that time of success or crisis that the fundamentals that you lived and taught your children may live for them in that time of joy or peril.  Taking your children through the experiences of the world is fundamental.  Sheltering them is hiding them from reality and is an invite to destruction.

Today we gathered at our home.  Ben called from Atlanta, graciously inquiring about our next trip to their lake house, our comfortable home away from home on Lake Oconee.   Our times there have been so special. Cathartic

Nathan, Cailyn, Jane, Jensen, and Kari spent the afternoon with us.  There was some work on refurbishing Kari’s playhouse for the grandkids and time watching the US Open.    Cailyn, trying not to be miserably pregnant, made efforts to serve the dads.  She will be induced within the week. Another grandchild is in the offing and I so pray for Cailyn and a comfortable and healthy delivery.  On Wednesday Kari leaves for her eighth trip to the Philippines.  The weeks ahead show great risk but great rewards.  Another grandchild is at hand and Kari’s efforts will hopefully enrich many in the teachings of the Christ.   Thoughts of love and appreciation were abundant on this Fathers’ Day.  God Speed to Kari in her venture.  God speed to you Cailyn.  Thank you, God, for the joy of being a DAD, as difficult and complicated that it is.  I Love  it.  And I am so blessed by that experience.

Mom's Day

Our 8 days with the gkids was utterly delightful.  Each day brought new discoveries and insights.  We kept a few home projects going and actually got quite a bit of work done.  On the nicest day of the year so far, sister Corinne and LeRoy visited for lunch.   Fun.

Janie working on the Vball skills

shootin hoop on the patio

Nathan and Cailyn returned from their trip on Wednesday and on Sunday we were at their home to celebrate Jensen's second birthday and Mothers' Day.    Fun.