We spent the next day closer to home but it was still very full. We took a morning walk to Starbucks with Isla riding in the backpack--she had a few morning walks like this so Leah and Jason could sleep a little bit more. The kids weren't sleeping well during the trip, so neither were their parents! We also picked up Zac during his lunchtime and went to Rakkyo, where he, Jason and Adam demolished a huge platter of sushi rolls. Following that, we had a nice drive around the Black Forest area so Leah and Jason could see the outskirts of our beautiful town...potentially for a move here (hoping!). After the kids were home from school, Jason took their love of reinventing our recycling to a whole new level with the "pirate ship" made of cans, boxes, paper, duct tape and a skateboard. That night, we adults went out to celebrate with dinner at The Rabbit Hole, a fun little downtown hot-spot restaurant with an Alice in Wonderland theme.
Saturday was, sadly, the last day all together, and was dedicated to soccer...as usual. But we found the time to all go out for a family celebration lunch at The Elephant Bar between games. At Trader Joes later that day, I mentioned to the cashier that my mom was in town for her birthday, and he asked her favorite color then ran to give her some free flowers. Nice!
It had been such a wonderful visit, and it was hard for us to say goodbye. But it was time for the Lewises to return to normal life--and get their kids sleeping again. On Sunday, after dropping Leah, Jason and the kids off at the airport, and crying for a little bit, we happened to drive by a sign off the freeway for the Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge. One of the many things I love about being with my mom is that she notices these things and is willing to just go for it. Once we accidentally took a four-hour detour on a "Scenic Byway" around Lake Coeur d'Alene.
We were a little more cautious about the time frame for our detour this time, but the refuge looked like it wasn't too far off the beaten track, so in we went. What a great decision! We were treated to views of roaming bison and interesting information on the re-population of the highly-endangered Black-footoed Ferret, as well as learning why it was called the "Arsenal Refuge." During the Korean and Cold Wars, it was the site of development for some of the worst weapons of war: mustard gas, napalm and other horrible chemical weaponry. Glad to know it's being used for something good these days!
Monday night my dad had to fly home, too, (boo hoo!), but Mom stayed for the week so she could see Zac in his musical and was a real lifesaver! I had been so focused on the birthday celebration week, I hadn't prepped mentally or planned ahead for the following week at all, which is really a necessity with our family's schedule, so I was feeling pretty frazzled through most of it. Thankfully, she was there, making us dinners and providing support through the craziness of an unprepared week. That's my mom for you, and one of the many reasons why we wanted to make her seventieth celebration week so special. She's always there for us and finds joy in family and service, however she is needed.
Happy birthday, Mom! You are the truly best person I know! I don't think there is a selfish cell in your body and you are strong, intelligent and wise. Leah and I are the luckiest girls to have been raised, taught, guided, mentored and loved by you. And our children are blessed by your love, support and presence in their lives. We will love you, cherish you, admire you and will strive to reflect all the best parts of you, always!
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