If nothing ever changed, there would be no butterflies

As I get older I realize that change is inevitable, A part of life, although sad for some can be rewarding for Others. As Becky and her family make their move to Alaska I know they will be happy and are excited for a new adventure. I on the other hand, have often sat in sadness and pondered deeply the year that Cameron and I spent with our dear Aunt/Sister and each one of her wonderful children each of whom individually brought something special into our lives.

It was never a dull moment with Ty. He called Cameron, and I quote "his best Buddy, Because he listens to me." Cameron loved having him around as did I. I never got enough of his energy and love for life. He could light up a room and was always the life of the party. One night I had them over for dinner, I think we were having rotisserie chicken or something like that anyways, all the kids were sitting at the table anxious to eat with just there place settings in front of them. Mind you there wasn't a morsel of food on the table at this time and Ty says very loud and out of the blue, "can someone please pass the chicken nuggets. I'll never forget the time he invited two neighborhood girls on his "father and son" camping trip. They showed up at the front door, bags packed and asking Becky to come and meet their parents before departure.

Rylie, what can I say she is such a little sweetie. She is starting to bear some of the same traits of Ty but in a more.... sophisticated way???.... She loved to come and stay the night with us. Her and Cameron were a riot when they were together. She always tried her hardest to make us all laugh. A miniature comedian.

Cayley also liked to have sleep overs with us. She loved to stay up late and watch Grandma's collection of little house on the prairie. She is an old soul. I have a drawing on my fridge of a red headed little girl and underneath are written the words "If you are red head, you are special." She had a knack for poetry, "Cayley Style," and loved making thank you cards or just I love you, everyday cards.

hmmm what can I say about colton? When he wasn't playing video games.... No... he is a good boy who reminds me so much of chip. You can really tell that he loves his family and would do anything for them, of course all the while trying his hardest to seem tough and unemotional. And... SMART... he will grow up to do great things. there are so many things that come easy to him. He is truly gifted.

I am so glad that all the kids and Becky have Eric as a father and husband. Although I haven't had the opportunity to spend that much time with him I know that he is a hardworking man of integrity who loves his family very much.

Last but not least my sister Becky. (tears are falling down my cheeks) I honestly don't know what I am going to do without her here. She was my rock, my encouragement for hope. My mother once quoted something that encompasses all that Becky is... It goes something like this "when you can keep you head about you when everyone around you is loosing theirs, and blaming it on you ..." She forgot the rest :)... In a nut shell, I rarely saw Becky get angry. even when the kids were shouting at each other and at her she always knew how to handle it like a saint. She reminds me so much of our mother, another rock in my life. She has taught me so much. I will miss her dearly as I will them all.

Here is a few random favorite pictures of our time together. I wish them the best of luck on their new endeavors. I know that each one of them will make the part of the world they now inhabit a better and more loving place than it was before their arrival. I know this because that is what they did here. Love to you all.