A Trip to Idaho to Remember Grandmothers

We took a 10-day trip to Idaho at the first of the month for one last Grandma Day in Northern Idaho and to say goodbye to Mam with family in Southern Idaho. We spent four days with my Dad's family up north, and on August 3 had a Grandma Day at the beach on Lake Coeur d'Alene with everyone at her special beach. After that we had a brief but lovely memorial service for Grandma Wiegele at the cemetery, followed by a gathering at my Uncle Sam's house.

Claire and her cousin Noah playing in Grandpa's new barbecue cover

Us with my Dad, a.k.a. Grandpa Clem

Harrison reading to Claire over breakfast

Claire's favorite person in North Idaho became her second cousin, Natalie Marsden ("Natawee")

The little cousins at the beach with Claire for Grandma Day

Grandma's usual spot at the beach

Claire modeling some sunglasses from Grandma's bag at the beach

The next day we drove down to Boise with my cousin Michele and her daughter Natalie. We got to stop in Walla Walla, Washington so I could give everyone a quick tour of my alma mater, Whitman College. I hadn't been back since 2002 so had never had the chance to show Graham and Claire; it was a real pleasure, however brief.

Us in front of Lakum Duckum at Whitman College

In Boise we spent time with my Mom's family remembering Mam: Molly May McMahon Borchers Painter. We had an open house/celebration of her life at Mom's house on August 7 - there was a lot of laughter and there were a lot of tears, all enveloped in a great deal of love.

Claire enjoyed playing dress up...

...and reading with her cousins

Mam's memorial table - my Uncle David put together an amazing video tribute that should hopefully be on YouTube soon

Getting some love from my amazing Mom

The next morning we drove up to a family cabin at Easley Hot Springs (near Ketchum, Idaho) to scatter Mam's ashes. She would have approved, and would have enjoyed spending so much quality time with family. She will be missed.

The majestic double-pine near the cabin under which we placed...

...Mam's memorial stone

Graham and Claire in front of the Wood River

My Mom's side of the family in front of the cabin (most of them made it) - it was such a joy to see everyone

My niece turned seven this month, and we were lucky enough to get to share her birthday party with her while we were in Boise. Claire loved spending so much time playing with her cousins in both Northern and Southern Idaho.

Claire getting introduced to Ivywild Pool for the birthday party

She loved jumping up and down in the water and cried when we had to get out of the pool

Even though the reason behind the trip was sad, it was truly a joyful thing to get to see so much family, some of whom I hadn't seen in eight or nine years and many of whom hadn't met Graham and Claire yet. May we see each other again soon without such a sad reason behind it. I love you all...