A tribute to Uncle Don

Uncle Don was born in 1928 and passed away on January 15th with his family by his side. He was really my mom's uncle but we always called him Uncle Don.  He fought the battle with leukemia just like his service in the military, with honor. I guess GOD decided he needed another angel to watch over his flock.  Fitting as Uncle Don's father was a farmer with lots of sheep.  He was married to Aunt Cletes for 57 years.  That is pretty neat in itself. Throughout the trials and tribulations of marriage, four kids, they had been together for 57 years.

I remember at my brother's wedding there was a dance for married couples. One by one the DJ had couples who had been married 5 years or less leave the dance floor, then 10 years or less leave the dance floor, then 20, 30 and 40 years.  There still standing was Uncle Don and Aunt Cletes. the only ones still gracing the dance floor doing what they loved to do, dance.  I will remember his laugh and the way he always made everyone feel included. The times up at Lake Kachess at their cabin, and all the family get togethers.   Don and my Grandpa were always two peas in a pod, so close as brothers and hung out all the time just like when they were little. Not too long ago they took a road trip to see the Spruce Goose airplane, just the two of them.  Little did anyone know that would be the last road trip they would take together. 

As we attended Don's celebration of life yesterday it was a time of sorrow, a time of family & friends, and a time to reminisce.  After 57 years of marriage Cletes was as strong as ever greeting everyone at the door. For at those times your spouse is usually by your side for support, at this time she was here to lay him to rest. As my husband sat by my side during the service I grabbed his hand and held on a little tighter.

Here's to you Uncle Don!  You are going to be missed and forever held close in our hearts.

Snow kids

Kasey built this great snow hill for the kids out in the pasture!

fixing the hill for the sled zone...

all bundled behind the fourwheeler on the innertube

Clam Digging 2009

So after Christmas we head off with my parents and went clam digging!  We had the best time.We quickly found out on the first night that the 5 gallon buckets we brought to put the clams in seemed real handy but blow away with the wind.  By the 2nd night we had purchased rain gear for the kids and learned to duct tape the kids pant legs to their boots so the water wouldn't get in. At one point the incoming waves were up to our thighs so we tried to keep the kids dry as possible.  By the third night we were all in the groove of how clam digging was supposed to work. We had a good system going and limited out within an hour (90 clams! ) and by that time we had run out of things to put the clams in so I was using my raincoat pockets :). During the day we ventured in and around Long Beach, up to Ilwaco and over to Astoria.  My Aunt who lives in Astoria even came to visit one day and it was really nice to catch up with her.  What a great experience it was for the kids to go clam digging!  Another wonderful family adventure!!

Grant kissing the clam!  Silly boy

Kaitlyn trying to pry the clam open

a venture to Ilwaco

Say Cheese!

getting geared up

ready to get some clams!

Kaitlyn's rain pants ripped the 2nd night. Good thing for the duct tape!

A cool lighthouse Long Beach

Our 2nd Christmas get together!

Kasey's whole family joined us at our house for Christmas dinner. It was wonderful! The kids are all old enough to keep themselves busy. With 10 cousins for a while there it was all babies, babies everywhere it seemed like.

 
 

We are so very lucky to have everyone live so close!!!!