A day at the mountain

Today we did something we haven't done in quite a long time. My sisters, mom and our families all met up for a family picnic at a spot we used to go to as kids. Every Memorial Day weekend we used to make the drive up to this spot near Mt Hood, rain or shine we were there. Many times were spent with blankets hung from tree branches trying to keep us dry but there were also times where we were fortunate enough to have sun. This was one of my dads most favorite spots to go so it was bitter sweet being there. It's been nearly 5 years since he passed away and it's still very difficult to accept him being gone and not involved in special times like these. As much fun as we were having, I know it was weighing on all our minds throughout the day. As I watched all the kids skipping rocks and trying to catch small fish in plastic cups I couldn't help but go back to my childhood memories of being there as a family and with my dad. He would have loved today. Not just because we were in a place that he loved but because we were all together as a family. As he used to always say, "Family is everything". So true.

The day was fun and we were lucky to avoid the rainy trips of the past and instead be blessed with sunshine. Everyone enjoyed themselves and we made plenty new memories to add to the old ones.

This photo is all but one of the neices and nephews from my side of the family. My nephew Blake was unable to attend due to a Timbers Youth Soccer Club try out. I wish this had turned out better of everyone but I was struggling with lighting and focus.