Happy Birthday Hester!!

The Kerksieks lived a lot of years overseas, but I sometimes think we saw more of them than we would have if they'd lived closer!!  The fact is, when you come from far away, you really stay for a good visit!!

And good visits they were!  For several years in a row, Alice and family came to California for a few weeks - and some of those weeks were spent here in Monrovia!

When they do get together anymore, there is always talk of organizing the playhouse, dressing up, building the Barbie World out of Kleenex boxes and other assorted items, and trips to the beach.

Good memories - and many of those memories include Hester!!  Who is having a birthday today!

Happy Birthday Hester - love having you in our world!!

Whirlwind Weekend!!

I flew into SLC on Friday night.  Maddy and her husband picked me up, and we went to Erika's for a lovely dinner Alice had prepared - she'd had her carpets cleaned, so we needed to eat somewhere else - they weren't dry yet!!

 

It was great to meet Maddy's husband Kyle!!

 

And to see everyone again!!  Alice and Dale are just back, it was fun to meet Hannah's boyfriend James, and I haven't seen Erika and kids in awhile!!

 

The purpose of my trip was attending the funeral for Joy's mom, Tressa Jensen.  Joy and I have been friends since we were children, and I have always loved her mom.  Tressa was almost 99 years old and had lived a good life.  It is always hard to say goodbye, but she was ready to go and reunite with many loved ones. 

The funeral service was beautiful - talks and music that celebrated the life of a good woman.  Joy and I were college roommates and two other roomies - Pat and Marlene - also joined us.  

As Marlene said, "Looks like you are the frontline now Joy!"

Flew back Sunday a.m. - and now it's another week at school!!

Life does indeed go on!