Birthday Party in the Woods

It turned out to be a rainy day, so we cancelled and rescheduled Papa's birthday party several times, finally deciding to chance it anyway.

It was actually beautiful in the woods and

we were so glad we went in spite of the weather.

First Drew organized some horse shoes....

Then we moved on to the real game: Forest Baseball!!

...the ball ricocheting against the trees, runners jumping over sticks and roots to touch tree trunks that served as bases, the well-placed hits flying deeper into the woods.

Our best invention yet.

Papa's team beat Nana's team by a very slim 1 point. Fitting, I guess, since it was HIS birthday.

In between all that, Brian cooked hamburgers and hotdogs.

What else?

Crystal and Jaime

JoAnne and Sean

Izzy catches a daddy long-legs, and impresses Aidan, holding it with her bare hands...

An enormous birthday squeeze from Aidan and a handmade card from Chase.

A pretty nice day despite the gray skies.

Happy Birthday, Papa!!

Trees for Joey

JoAnne planted a remembrance tree in her yard, a gift from her friends in honor of Joey. Here she and her dad planted flowers at the base of the Japanese Maple tree.

Then JoAnne's in-laws, Paul and MaryAnn, had trees planted in California, in loving memory of Joey for the one year anniversary. I thought this was such a lovely way to honor him and we are so touched. Thank you, Paul and MaryAnn, for the inspiration and comfort of this act.

I think it will become our traditional way of honoring Joey. It really reflects Joey's spirit and seems the perfect tribute to him.

So many images of Joey with trees. He loved them, like he loved the water and drew inspiration from being surrounded by trees.

Here with Rachel in the organic embrace of a giant tree somewhere in the Northern Hemisphere.

Here he is on a tree--a horizontal log floating on a lake, with vertical branches reaching up.

Here, he skis through trees. I love his body in motion, concentration, arms extended for balance, so much poetry.

Climbing through a tree.

Biking at its best, among trees and forest and nature in its glory.

A walk in the woods with Jeff and Kevin-- just one of many such moments in a lifetime of friendship.

Joey up a tree while wearing a bowtie! From a childhood scrapbook--I think it was Easter when he was 6 years old.

Joey in the woods-truly one of his favorite places. He looks relaxed and contemplative, and I love those long legs overshooting the bench.I often picture him in Heaven, just like this...among trees.
Trees for Joey. Beautiful trees, created by God, and displaying the glory of God.

For you shall go out with joy, and be led forth with peace: the mountains and the hills shall break forth before you into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands. Is 55:12

Changing the Mood

Hopefully my hubby won't kill me for publishing this. I just need a laugh, and figure you all could use one too. Is this like those beauty queens who have to relinquish their crowns when inappropriate photos make it to the internet?