June 19th, 20th, and 21st 2009
Note from Pam: After pressing "click to play", press the "full screen" button to enlarge the pictures .

Manson with the Keeney's

We all traveled over to Manson with the same intention -- to say a final farewell to my Aunt Tonn. She passed away unexpectedly in January, but it was decided that we would do a formal memorial in Manson and Chelan this summer when everyone could come. This was the weekend. Everyone came -- except for Todd and his family (but they will be visiting Spokane in the next few weeks and will take a trip to Chelan then), Conor and Emily, and Dave jr -- they all live on the east coast and could not get back to Washington. Anyway, it sure felt like the entire Keeney Clan converged on the small town of Manson -- and it was wonderful. Uncle Tom found a big (ok, huge) house for all of us to stay at. It was so nice for all of us to be together. Here is who was able to attend: Mom and Jay, Mike, Kristi, me and the girls (Martin was on his trip in Nicaragua), Tom and Bonnie, Jeff, Linda and Baltimore, Dave and Kathleen, Shannon, Neil and Clara, Marc and Jenny, and Tim. The house was in Manson, just down the road past Willows Park -- fittingly called "Quails End". What a gorgeous retreat -- so peaceful and beautiful. It was quite a hike down to the lake, but boy was it worth it! Stunning views of the most beautiful lake in the world! The water was so clean and clear -- but dang that glacier water is cold! The dock had a table and chairs on it, so it made it fun for all of us to congregate down there. Once you got down.....you thought twice about going back up! The girls didn't seem to mind at all -- running back up and down quite a few times. I'm sure their calves must have hurt the next day!!! LOL! On Saturday morning we all drove into Chelan to attend our service for Aunt Tonn. Father Cesar presided,and me, Jeff and Shannon did readings, Kristi and Mike brought the gifts up, and Uncle Tom did a very moving (and thoughtful) eulogy of his beloved sister. Many tears were shed -- but only because we miss her. We all felt a sense of calm and completion after the mass and burial -- knowing that she was in the exact spot that she wanted to be. Her and Myron were buried right next to grandma and grandpa in the Chelan cemetary -- up on the hill surrounded by beautiful hills and orchards. After the mass, we all went up to the cemetery for the final goodbye. Mom had the girls help her plant a few pots of Pansies a few weeks ago and she brought them for the cemetary -- they were Aunt Tonn's favorite flowers and they looked perfect. It was a beautiful goodbye to a very beautiful person.

Goodbye Montessori Central!

Well....after 4 long years (I mean, short years!) Audriana will be leaving Montessori Central school. Dawn Pipella is the director of the school and we could not have been more happy and pleased with the care and education that she received there. It's a bit sad....4 years is a long time for a 6 1/2 year old! She loved every day -- literally -- at this school. She never liked the summer and winter breaks because she couldn't go to school. She went in just as she was turning 3 and I remember her first day being such a happy day for her. Her dear friend Caroline Hawkins, who was 1 year older than her, took Audriana under her wings that first day and showed her the ropes. She wasn't scared or the least bit hesitant.....she never clung on to me like you see some kids doing when their parents dropped them off....she said goodbye to me and walked right on into the classrooms and began working. The perfect Montessori learner -- very focused and very busy completing "work" everyday. The amount of knowledge that she has garnered is unbelievable. We are so in awe of her and are so proud of her! COngRaTUlatIonS!

Audriana and Miss Kawabatta

Dawn Pipella and Barbara Medina

Both of these teachers were with Audriana all 4 years! A big thank you to these two wonderful ladies!

Audriana and Lauren
Audriana and Grandma!