Rafting the Skykomish

In honor of Dad's Birthday this year, all of his children went rafting down the Skykomish river. My wife, Katie Jean, decided to sit this one out, but our new brother Josh was along for the ride. It was a cold, rainy day but we were prepared and and had a wonderful time. We had Dad's favorite canoe paddle strapped in as our spare and I couldn't help but smile knowing that a little piece of him was along for the ride. There were plenty of tight squeezes with the water so low and I even took an unexpected swim in the icy water for a minute or so. We miss you Dad, but we are still making memories, just like you taught us.

The anniversary

It was 3 years ago today that Kent's wife, his children and his granddaughter Fiona surrounded him as he made the journey to heaven. Many people say that children have a special connection to God and at the moment he died, Fiona looked above his bed and just giggled and smiled as if she was seeing him head for heaven. Did she see him? We will all be able to ask when we get to heaven for the family reunion.

Three years and half of it I have been in Seattle. . . Drew and Katie have a new son, Keegan. Rebekah married Joshua O'Halloran, so I have a new son. Rachel is completing her sophomore year in college, and Sarah is making a big impact in the state bureaucracy of Minnesota. He would be so proud of how they are all going M.A.D. making a difference.