Honoring Aunt Blez

Last week we received the shocking news that my Aunt Blez, dad's sister, passed away suddenly and unexpectedly while napping or meditating.  Our family still does not know what happened physically.  Aunt Blez had recently become very involved in yoga and meditation, and we would like to believe that her spirit had come to such a completely peaceful place that she drifted away.  It was a very tough time for everyone, particularly my uncle, cousins, grandmother, who just celebrated her 90th birthday with a surprise party thrown by my aunt,  and my dad.  

The family was overwhelmed by the outpouring of love and support from friends, family, and extended co-workers.  The story of how many lives my aunt touched is told in the baskets and baskets of beautiful flowers that arrived from all over the place.  Aunt Blez enjoyed gardening with my grandmother, so it was fitting.

It's amazing how the presence of children helps to heal the heart.  Riley and my cousin's sons, Miles and Quincy, enjoyed getting to know one another.  They had a blast playing Foosball in Lola's garage.
The match-up was intense!

This photo was taken in the mini-van on the way from the Mass service to the cemetery.  It was asking a lot for a 5 year old and two 3 year olds to behave though multiple services and high emotions.  They were all amazing!  What great kids.

They woke up in time for the luncheon, where they got to play with all kinds of other kids.  Audrey, Miles, Riley and Quncy.

Gran-Gran and General loved having Riley there to lighten the mood!
Dad and Grandma at Grandma's house on Justin Drive!

On Friday mom, Steve, Riley and I took some time to tour around San Francisco while dad spent time with Grandma.  We went to the Aquarium of the Bay at Pier 39.  They have an underwater walkway where fish that can be found in the Bay swim all around and over you!  Steve got to "pet" a shark (there is glass in between, obviously).  It's a cool shot, though!
We visited the carousel on the Pier, and also checked out the sea lions that like to lounge around.
Cool skyline pic of Coit Tower and the TransAmerica Building from the walkway to the Pier.

We also had a little bit of time to swing by Golden Gate Park and check out the Japanese Tea Garden.
I thought this reflection was kind of neat.  There are Koi in the wishing ponds.

Riley and Steve at the top of the bridge.  It was very steep, and I got a little nervous!

More walkways.
Unforeseen events like this really remind you to appreciate everyone in your life, and not to take those you love for granted.  So, if you're reading this, it's because you're someone in our lives that we love and care about.  And we just want you to know how much we appreciate all of you.  Thank you for being a part of our lives!

Garden Gorgeousness!

My garden is really taking off!  I love all the crazy colors...

The front is looking pretty good too!

Yay!  The flowers make me so happy!

A Joyful Weekend in Glenwood Springs

Many of you know the story of my friend, Marla.  She and I started teaching together at Malley, then came to Glacier Peak together as part of the core team.  She was one of the most amazing teachers I have ever known, as well as someone with just a contagious spirit and light about her.  In December of 2002, Marla was in a terrible car accident on the way up to Winter Park, and was left with a traumatic brain injury and a severely damaged right arm.  In the days following the accident, Marla was unconscious, and when she did regain consciousness, there were many weeks when we weren't sure what kind, if any, type of recovery she would make.  Thanks to her incredible strength and determination, along with the amazing doctors and therapists at Craig Hospital, Marla has come farther than any of us could have imagined.  She truly is a miracle.  She had to learn to walk, talk, and read again.  Through it all, she has been an inspiration to everyone she has come into contact with.  Just six months after the accident, she was able to walk down the aisle as one of my bridesmaids.  Her progress has included traveling to an intensive speech therapy camp in Michigan, passing her driving test to get her driver's license again, and becoming an assistant at a preschool in Glenwood Springs.  And finally, finally, Marla has found the love that she has always deserved.  This past weekend we were privileged to be invited to Marla's wedding in Glenwood.  She married an amazing man named Mark, who she met while in Michigan.  He is a speech pathologist, and has an incredible gentleness about him.  You can tell that they just adore each other.  It makes my heart so happy to see just how joyful and fulfilled my friend is.  It's been a long time coming, but so worth it!  Enjoy the pictures!  There are a lot, but I just couldn't help it!

Mr. Riley looked very dapper in his tie!

The chapel was small and very quaint.

Here comes the beautiful bride!

The benediction.

Reciting their vows.  From the back of the church, you could just feel their devotion to one another.

Lighting the Unity Candle

Wow.

Mark serenaded Marla with a love song.

Exchanging rings.

Finally!

Mr. and Mrs. Mark and Marla Townsley are presented to their friends and family!

What an amazing day!

Riley and Vaughn enjoying some appetizers at the reception.

Marla was nice and didn't smash the cake into Mark's face...I wouldn't have been surprised if she did! :)
I absolutely love these two pictures.  They danced to "Can You Feel the Love Tonight," and truly the whole room felt the love between the two of them.  I actually had goosebumps watching the two of them in their own little world.  It was a really emotional day for everyone.

Marla and her dad, Leo were so sweet dancing together.

Me and the silly boys!

At the end of the reception we were able to greet the happy couple.  It's hard to express in words how happy we are for Marla and Mark.  

After the wedding, we hit the Hot Springs Pool!

And then Johnson Park Mini Golf, which had OUTDOOR Skee Ball!
It was great to get out of town for a couple of days, and so special to have such a wonderful reason to do it!

Proud Teacher Mama!

I just have to brag on my boy...last week we had an evening event at my school, and Steve and Riley came up to check it out. They snuck into my classroom and Riley started drawing on my white board. When Steve turned around, this is what he saw:

Does that, or does that not say RILEY!? He's been practicing tracing his letters, and is big into E's and Y's. I think this is so cool, he never ceases to amaze me! I might be biased, but my boy's wicked smart! :)

Grass Kickers!

Here's the kickball team in all their glory!  A fun way to hang out with friends on Friday nights!

back row: Jen, Zach, J.D., Steve, Andy, Ryan, Joey

front row: Tige, Lisa, Mary, Kristen, Jenn, Kristi, and Stacey

mascots: Riley and Bayley!

missing: Nick, Cory and Melinda