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| First Day of School |
It has been a busy Fall for the Tucker Clan. After My Dad and relatives left- it was time to go on ONE LAST vacation. We went to Silverwoods theme park. Total fun for the bigger kids. Madelon Rose is officially a roller coaster, thrill seeker Junkie!!! I am proud to say that came from her Mama!!
Honestly, I was so tired from the summer that I realized it was one thing too much for the summer. Yes, I am glad we went-- but I was pooped. I am no longer the everlasting battery in the bunny. I am more like the battery that never recharges....
Well, the next thing I knew it was time for school. Thank goodness I planned ahead and school shopped in July. It was busy, exciting and nerve wracking!! The kids were so excited-- so was I! It had been a lot of good times but everyone was ready to split ways. Note to self- the side backpacks do not work well on the bikes when riding to school.
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| Madelon, Blaise, Jax |
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| L-R-- Blaise,8, Elizabeth 4.5, Madelon-7, Jax 10 |
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| Good Luck Mrs. Miller's PK Class |
Harvest Fest was next -- Fall fun for the kids and a huge fundraiser for our sweet school- St. Joseph. We had the pleasure of hosting our dear friends Brenda and Mark. Total fun! A whirl wind of trying to have adult conversations with kids jumping in the middle saying "look at this..." , "come play that"....
They were totally awesome about the whole weekend. Busy, Busy but fun. I must say there is always a toll when they come.... Brenda's chocolate chip cookies. No cookies- no come in the house. She brings dozens and they are gone in minutes. Brenda and Mark are also known for the coolest kid "gifts". This time it was fake mustaches....big hit! We miss and love you guys.
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| Scarecrow For Sale.. if you dare! |
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| 3 cool dudes hanging at Harvest Fest |
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| Dr. T, La Tremenda and Mark-ee- Mark |
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| Who are these hairy guys?? |
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| The t-shirt speaks the TRUTH!! |
With all the fun we had this Summer and Fall it has come with great sadness. We lost dear friends and family. Thomas lost his beloved Uncle James and our dear "family" Odette. It seems to be one after the other. Even as I write this, my friend has lost her mother and a friend has lost her child in utero. Wow.
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| Sweet Odette Terrel des Chenes- We love you! |
What was next... I keep holding my breath. I wasn't expecting the loss I am soon to describe. It is still raw and sinking in. Suddenly, I lost a dear, dear, dear friend of mine. A man who started out as "help" with a kitchen remodel but ended up with me for 7 years as "family". A mentor, a friend , a go to, a rock, a leader, a man who was good and decent in a world that can be shady, a TRUE MAN OF GOD. Even as I write this, I can't believe. At times it seems like a bad dream. He was truly part of my life, my family. One of the greatest gifts he gave me was the opportunity to meet his amazing daughter Taylor. You know, as you grow older you realize you don't connect with everyone. You yearn for those who you can pick up the phone and a beat wasn't missed. Taylor is one of those. So was her dad, Tony Patch! I can still hear him saying " Hey Girl".... I hear his laughter. Now, I see him more and more in my friend Taylor and I hear him when she opens her mouth. This makes me smile.
The world is missing a great person in this crazy world but heaven got stormed when he arrived. Maybe he can get me one step closer to the pearly gates.... he knows I need the help! I love you ,Tony!!
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| Tony and Me-- Where it all began- REMODELING HOUSES! |
I don't mean to be a downer.... it is something I need to write so I can remember when my brain tries to make me forget. Some days that is easier.
On that note- I switch to the remainder of our Fall. One was Salmon Fest. Total fun and exciting for the kids. A day of adventures, kayaking, fishing, archery, BB guns, indian traditions and cool arts and crafts. Of course, I like the goofy pictures.
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| Elizabeth and Madelon at Salmon Fest |
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| Fish are not as cool as Blaise |
Last weekend we went to Oktoberfest in Leavenworth, WA. Total blast!! We went early in the day so the kids could enjoy the music and the food. Beer was good-- not AS GOOD AS drinking it from Munich itself-- but hey, it did the trick!! I know the pictures aren't the best ( IPHONE) but I tried to get proof that even my oldest would dance with his sister... so sweet. Look at the picture of Madelon with her DADDY!! Brings tears to my eyes!
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| Oktoberfest- Leavenworth, WA |
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| The Von Tucker Family |
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| Father/Daughter Dance! |
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| Yes- she wore the 2 year old out! |
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| Caught it on tape- He loves his sister! |
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Oktoberfest- Munich Germany-2006
I look a lot older now!! |
Well, next is our visit to TEXAS!!! YES, a year and a half later we return for Tex-Mex and a good long visit with family and friends. Stay tuned... LOTS of pictures and updates.
Love to my friends and family near and far. You are in our prayers.
