Thanksgiving 2008

Well, we survived another first...Thanksgiving! The few days leading up to the holiday were worse (at least for me) than the actual day. We decided to do something a different this year. Kaylyn made three trips home the week before (doctors appointment, dance recital, and IVYS concert.) It was time Ben, Gen, and I got in the car and made the trip to spend time with her. We went to Ruby Tuesdays and had a really nice dinner. We laughed and had moments of reflection...it was good to be together.

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IVYS Fall Concert

Ben had a very busy day. He played with the high school's Mad Brass during the Princeton Holiday Walk...we literally nabbed him off the street to rush him to LaSalle Peru High for the Youth Symphony concert. We made it with plenty of time. It was Bill and Daniels first experience with a youth symphony concert. Daniel did really well! We enjoyed a nice dinner afterward at the Uptown. We felt Steve's absence.

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Holiday Dance Recital 2008

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Becky, Tony, Lynn, Greg, Bill and I had a wonderful time at the Second Annual Leinenkkugel Night. We enjoyed some delicious food and brought home some cool Leini stuff.

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Wisconsin Dells

The weekend after what would have been Steve's 50th birthday, election day, and two late nights of parent/teacher conferences, the kids and I took off and went to Wisconsin Dells. It was good for us to spend time together and have a little fun.

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Election Day Birthday

Today Steve would have turned 50 years old. He was so excited about this election. I don't think he was as excited that he was turning 50! We'll see how the returns come in, but I have a good feeling about tonight. Steve would have been proud.

Friends and loved ones have been ever near to support us as we wade through the days emotions. Kaylyn had so many wonderful things planned for this half century mark for Steve. Pictures hanging all around IVCC to start with. She left a wonderful voice-mail about black streamers and balloons with RIP not being terribly appropriate when the birthday boy is already dead. This doesn't come across in translation...you have to know her sense of humor and how we all needed a release at the given moment.

Here's to you Steve, where ever you may be. We miss you and love you dearly.

Halloween!

Gen and I had a wonderful time Trick-Or-Treating with friends: Sierra, Daniel, Michael, and Austin. The boys were a page out of Star Wars. Sierra the cheerleader and Gen the witch were along for the ride. Gen was trying to figure out how to be Princess Leia without doing the cinnamon bun hair!