And then it happens

 We came home on Thursday  - on Friday Liz called Chris with the news that their father passed away while home with Barbara.  

Yes Wylands memory had deteriorated significantly - yet nothing prepares you for the finality of it all.  Chris said in that moment the memories of his dad's smile while driving the family all together came through.  He was free of his illness and could be remembered in a more joyous place.

How unique that we had all just been together.  That we were together with Wyalnd's family that evening and next morning.  It was hard for Barbara to have been alone - however she gained a true friend who came over when she noticed the ambulance.

Hugs to the next generation of Leadbetters with one enjoying their adventures from above.

Lobster lake 2021

First time we made it up EARLY!  Plenty of time to get settled in enjoy the beauty.

Note worthy adventures - Chris and I picked enough raspberries for 2 pies!

NOra came with and just chilled - barely even alerted us to the Moose Chris came upon

Shannon captured a photo that makes me feel young

The boys had plenty of water time and they LOVED diving rock.  Sadly no photos!

Nora hiked Lobster MTN with us and than took some Advil to keep keeping up.  Water delivered to her was greatly appreciated.

2nd annual Booze cruise!

Favorite captures

Major fishing expedition - fishing poles were in a contast state of being maintained by the dads!

We drove out to meet them at their 1/2 way point.

We kept taking photos of the river area - in a few weeks, the Mays are headed this way for a canoe/camping expedition!  

I hear the competition went right down to the wire or the last fish!

The end of vacation family captures

Here is the crew of kids.  We had

Wyland, Shannon, Wyland, Robbie, with bonus kids Matt and Shawn,

Kevin, Andrea and Tobias

Liz, Robert, Seb and Winslow

Chris, Sara Nick, Shane and Drew - Nora too!

Nora is so happy to be included at all costs.  He doesn't have much run and seems to be literally coming up for air

Another trip in the books - I will never forget Robbie asking for more lamb!

 

The voyage up to Maine with a new flare

Wyland orchestrated a bit of a Friday night layover at Charlie Leadbetter's farm.  Made for a crazy Friday but awesome stop.  Look at the BEAUTIFUL porch side view

Always fun to hear the family chatter.

Saturday morning we got to roll out and do the family chores - to include letting the chickens free range a bit

We were hoping for a quick horse ride, but settled for plenty of petting.  This is the farm favorite - 

Gotta love the name right?

Love the dog, horse, cat, integration

WE got to do some blueberry picking too.  We didn't head to camp with any that weren't in our belly

Loved hearing the farm history, how they arrived there, how much they love it there and just seeing their family all together.  Great capture on the porch before we all head out.

Look at all those Leadbetters!

Thank you Charlie for hosting a great night all together.

BTW - I am SO behind on my blog that I am typing this as we head BACK to lobster lake for Thanksgiving!  Will be a rather different trip.

 

A night with Shane

All snuggly and twisted at the same time.

 

Lucky kid exploring Lake George with him buddy

Nick didn't need much downtime before planning the next adventure.  Headed out to Lake George with Michael!  

Life with a rainy day

Love the coordinated hoodies

 

Day 8 - the recovery

The next day Chris rented us road bikes to take in the local beauty.  Nick had NO problem keeping up.  Not sure what that says about us (or him)!

We all met in downtown Glenwood for a yummy brunch and had the restaurant to ourselves.

Colorful bunch to fill up the place

Steak and eggs for these 2 carnivores

We barely let our food settle before heading out to the Glenwood adventure park.  The crew had rather minimal fears of heights.  I personally loved the roller coaster.

No issues getting to the top for this crew

I on the other hand was another story (in the thrill and heights department).

https://youtu.be/iJfuzjoiqZ0

Riley and Shane were cool as a cucumber.

https://youtu.be/2jMTEmtjrCQ

Now back to a little serenity and fishing by the river with fun Uncle Alex..

Success!!

The night was filled with yummy leftovers and a cousin party.  That cousin party may have gone a bit late for some of us...

The next morning in Glenwood snagging final souvenirs and snap shots with our 'wings on'

Chris drove the RV back to Denver - handed it over to the owner and grabbed an Uber to the Airport.  At that point, he flew home with the boys and I flew to DC for work.  Both of us getting home around midnight.  

Epic.Trip.in.the.books!

 

Day 7 Part 3 - The photos and celebration!

The first time my folks and Linnsey’s crew get to catch up—everyone else is lined up for picture time.  Rachel’s good friend Siri took their photos last year and offered to do it again for her family.  We and thrilled Rachel was able to put her dress back on and co finite their celebration with all of us!  

Siri walked through the camp ground yesterday scouting great backdrops for photos.  She nailed it—this is oddly right across the street from the bathroom;)!

Love this capture—-cocktail and all

Here we go-family photos at their best.  Love how they came out.  Great start with these 2

Bring on the Charron's

Add the Leadbetter's 

Now the Carlson grandkids

The whole Carlson Crew

With the bride and groom

Hip couple

The ladies

Being artistic

The boys

The siblings

I will forever remember Hartman family reunions-Grandpa Roy and Grandma Doris loved being able to get everyone all together an the trend continues.  Great to see all the families, locations, directions we are all going

Just the cousins

Just the grandkids

Now—just the bride;)

Loved these 2 that she captures as we went into the reception

Little note on the reception—it was supposed to be catered by the restaurant on the camp site.  The Tuesday before we arrived, their staff left.  Gone. Different restaurant?  Different state?  Who knew?  But Russ, Raela, Rachel, Alex, Greg and Carrie all orchestrated a yummy dinner sponsored by Costco!

And now for the father daughter dance:)

Alex bar tending;)

I wish I had a photo—but my folks gifted Rachel a punch board for their wedding.  Something she remembered from our child hood.  Something maybe the kids will remember as they lined up to get their punch in!

Had to try on the party girls shoes - I will tell you I couldn't walk far!  I don't know how she does it!

Look at the smile from that fun one.  Time to close out the night - Great celebration with our family!