Camping Trip 2013-2, Dad's House

The sixth day of our travels, Joe and I both got a little nervous.  After all, we were heading to spend a week with my Dad at his house after I hadn't seen him in 14 years.  This was a really big deal, even though we were trying to pretend it wasn't.

Joe was conflicted about the entire situation.  He knew how badly I missed my family, and how much the boys needed a Grandpa since his Dad passed away a few years ago.  He knew how much pain I had been in over the years, but he also felt the need to protect me and our boys.  It was a tough call for him.  I was very thankful that he was able to put the past behind us all and move forward.  He could have very easily just said "NO" about the boys being involved in my Dad's life.  He was worried on that last day, and I was more than a little apprehensive.  But Dad and I vowed to let the past go and move forward.  And I knew he meant it.  People can change, and I am thankful for the change of heart that he had.  I wish it hadn't taken my Mother's death to make the change, but no matter.  What's done is done.  Moving on.

We had a great visit, and my Dad worked very hard to make sure we all felt comfortable while we were at his house.  I enjoyed every minute I got to spend with him.  And the boys?  They LOVED him.

Grandpa had guitars.  And fireworks.  And fishing.  And a boat.

My Dad lives on the water in a little town called Ferndale, just south the Canadian border in northern Washington.  It is incredibly serene and peaceful.

I did a terrible job of taking pictures when I was in Washington.  Terrible.  Forgive me,  I'm doing the best I can piecing together other people's pictures from facebook, and pictures that Shandi took.  

Here is a picture of his home.  This is the back, overlooking his dock.

On a clear day, you can see Mount Baker in the distance.  Just beautiful.

And a picture of his boat.  His dock is right off of his backyard. 

The boys had a blast on this dock, they fished often and always caught lots of fish.

Jack caught the first fish, which also happened to be his first fish.  He was VERY happy.  Gramps is helping him take he hook out so he can throw it back.

Grandpa also had lots of fireworks.  Way to stand downwind of the smoke, smart guy.

And they roasted lots of marshmallows in his fire pit.

It's also important to note that it didn't get dark at Dad's house until nearly 10 PM, and sunrise was at 5:45AM.  There was plenty of daylight to enjoy.

My brother flew Shandi in for my Mom's memorial.  Shandi was very happy to be back in touch with her grandpa.  Grandpa was just this close to talking her into just staying up there with him permanently.  

My Aunt Cyndie and my Uncle John flew in, too.  That was a huge bonus for me as I love them very much.  They also stayed at Dad's house which was a lot of fun.  We had a full house that week.  I know Dad enjoyed it too, he's been alone at home since Mom passed away.  There was no shortage of love and laughter.  And food.

Aunt Cyndie

Uncle John

Aunt Cyndie taught us how to play Rummikub.  Super fun game.  You might think Justice killed us at it, but believe it or not Shandi won nearly every single game we played.  

Unfortunately, I don't have any pictures of my Dad playing guitar.  While I was growing up, Dad played the guitar often, but I mostly remember it at night right after we were sent to bed.  He would sit in the living room with his acoustic guitar, and I would fall asleep to that sound.  It was very soothing and one of the best memories of my childhood.

The very first night we were there and after we went to bed, I started to drift off to sleep but was awakened by a very familiar sound.  My Dad was up late, playing his acoustic guitar.  I smiled, and listened until I eventually drifted off to sleep.  I was very thankful to be hearing that sound again so many years later.