Hi Family! Finally getting an update to the blog. So much of the summer has come and gone already without hearing much from our branch of the family. This summer sort of came to a screeching halt after Dad passed away. We have all been trying to ger busy and are learning how to go on without him. Not an easy task.

Glenn, Cyndi, Kyle, Doug, Cecile, and I spent our traditional weekend at the beach in July. (Although Dave and Jake had to miss because they were at Boy Scout Camp that week.) We usually do this as part of Aunt Camp week, but I am finding the big nephews are getting too busy so it's harder to make it happen. I'm on to the next generation of boys now. The kids are getting younger and their auntie is not. Hmmm. Wonder how much fun this is going to be for them!?

Tammy and Dick came through Portland a couple of weekends ago on their way to visit Dick's daughter for her birthday. It was so nice to have them all to myself for a few hours. (Mom said, "Hey, how do you rate?") Tammy had left her car here and when they drove the additional two hours south together in Dick's car. My friend Cheryl and I were on a mission that Saturday to clean my garage!! Good thing Tammy left her keys - I put all kinds of stuff in her car -I mean treasures that she would love to have! My garage is now so nice and clean - I could have a party in it!

I was in a friend's wedding this past weekend. I felt kind of old to be a bridesmaid but wouldn't have missed it for the world! It was a blast. I had an updo and a beautiful dress. I was the only one of the three bridesmaids with blonde hair and the hair dresser put glitter in my hair. When the sun shined on it everyone was jealous because it looked like a halo! (I thought it looked very natural...) I'll have to post a picture when I get one from my friend. I could have danced all night - but had to get home to get the 64 bobby pins and glitter out of my hair and try to catch about 4 hours of sleep before pulling an early morning shift. Needless to say - I resembled a pumpkin the next day. It was well worth it. No eligible men at the wedding, though. It was small, but elegant and was mostly family. I have known all her brothers for years, so they are like my brothers. (sigh - all dressed up and no one to notice! I didn't even catch the bouquet!) I have it from a reliable source that there are influential people out there praying for a husband for me - so I can't help but have my radar on...

Speaking of newlyweds...Anna and Dan entertained Dan's family in Spokane this week. They went for a cruise on Coeur d'Alene Lake and spent time dining and at the Casino. Tammy headed over to meet them and to spend time with Mom. I hope to get some pics of their weekend and post them later.

Big news! Mom and I are joining Cyndi and her family in Hawaii for 6 days!! Whoo Hoo!! I can't wait! Cyndi got a bonus from her work for a week at a resort on Oahu and extended the invitaion to Mom and me. We go the last week in August. I'm working on the freckle count and already have my snorkeling gear packed. Mom will fly to Portland and then on with me to meet the Langstons in Honolulu. They fly from Seattle and we all arrive within 5 minutes of each other! Good thing Verizon works there - we will meet up and head to the resort together for the week. Watch for pics of Mom and I by the pool with little umbrella drinks. Good times.

Gotta run off to work...Hope all is well with everyone. More news later!

Love

Sandi2L