minnesota. one year later...

i spent last week in minnesota with my family to observe the one year anniversary of my dad's death. it is so hard to believe that we have crossed that one year threshold. truth be told, it felt no more significant than some of the other days that have come and gone throughout the year. but we have now navigated all the "firsts" and are embarking on round #2. we gathered at the cemetery on the 27th to support each other, remember, and even laugh. i have felt my dad's presence on many occasions since he's been gone and know in my heart that his grave is a place for remembrance but not a place where he dwells. irregardless, the headstone is such a stark reminder of the permanence of loss. 

the weather somehow managed to cool off a bit while i was there and the thunderstorms were plentiful for the first part of the week. the dogs and i made it into the house just before these clouds opened up.

lily and stormy skies

stormy skies over lake rachel while katie fishes and
koda swims laps (no kidding - koda swims back
and forth for HOURS while katie tries to catch fish)

the weekend i was there was officially small town festival weekend or so it seemed. sarah spurred us all to run a 10k in glenwood as part of waterama - the first race all four of us have run together. there have been multiple combinations of two and three of us running races or relays together, but not all four. sarah beat the pants off of all of us. she might be the oldest, but she is still the fastest! 

stephanie, melissa, matthew, and sarah - the running quartet

i also got to spend some quality time with my nieces and nephews - swimming and croquet were the highlights. and yes, i was beat by a six year old. good work kieran!

 kieran the croquet shark

 luke taking a rest between wickets

 miss madeline getting her game on

 who knew croquet could be so exhausting?!