The Silver Lining: Part Two

In coming back for Steve's memorial we were also able to sneak some quality time in with the Johnston side!  Mom, Becca, Scott and even baby Rozlyn all came to Marshfield to help out and spend time with family.  It was great to have all the support and the kiddos did a great job of lightening the mood.

Rozlyn is growing up so fast!  Look at those bright eyes!

I couldn't help myself... I just love this shot... I think this is how Norah is gonna feel when she becomes a big sister (in March!!!)

Norah loves Chloe the Kitty and Gaga taught her how to be sweet and gentle so that the kitty won't run away!

The Johnston ladies with their little ladies

Gammy's girl

The McGregors

One for the family picture wall

I just love this shot!  So precious!

Still not too old to fall asleep in Gaga's arms.  She was so tired after running around the playground at Gimpa's memorial.

Norah is perhaps past the age appropriate window for the Johny-Jump-Up, but that's not stopping her!

Also a great workout for mama!

Norah got a special treat and was even able to sneak in a visit with Auntie Kaite and her Lou (ever since Hawaii Norah has called Lou "My Lou"... she loves her so much!)

Ring around the rosey!

General goofiness and rough-housing!

So good to be all together!!!

The Silver Lining

The silver lining of any great loss is that it brings together those who are left in it's wake.  After we got home from our adventure with Steve, we turned right around and flew out to Wisconsin.  And while there was an obvious void in the company, the memories were still warm and full of the kind of love that gets you through the toughest of times.  

Mama and her boy... this one just grows like a little weed!!

Norah and Aureila didn't waste any time having the most fun they possibly could!

I got to be with my girl and my two favorite nieces... at the same time!

Powered by ginger strength!

That's a frisbee.. not a hat... or is it...??

Nelson took his first steps while we were all at Nana Sue's house.  His Gimpa would be so proud!

Fresh corn on the cob... is there anything better?!

"Nap" time... yeah right!

Who's drivin this thing anyway!?

A preview of the slideshow for Steve's memorial.  So many good memories... to the tune of harmonica music... naturally!

Greg with Pete and Margaret and Mary and Gary

The Meyer Sisters: Mary, Judy, Kay and Jane

Greg's extended family

The Fox Family

Connor and Lilly, so sweet!

Gina grabs Nelson for a snuggle.

The Meyer Family

Sue had such an amazing show of support from her truly amazing friends.

We spent an afternoon out on Eddie's farm to visit Aurelia's pony (yes, Aurelia has a pony!), Millie.  At first Norah just wanted to hold the pony's 'leash'.

But after a while she warmed up to the idea of riding with Aurelia.

We headed to Sturgeon Bay for a quick weekend Ben and Lori and Aurelia and Nelson.  One of our favorite destinations was visiting The Farm.  You could get a bottle to feed the baby goats... Norah just loved it!

Nelson was a fan too!

There were barn cats a plenty!

Some of them weren't quick enough to escape Norah's grasp!

The girls in a classic ride.

Aurelia, the baby chick whisperer!

Doin some push ups!

Grandma Fox sponsored an epic carbo load for the Meyer brothers before they did the 'Race around the Lake" (Winnegabo) in honor of Steve.  Greg rode Steve's bike and smoked a cigarette across the finish line... Steve would be so proud!

Grandma Fox scores some story time with Aurelia

Grandma Fox and her Fox-Meyer Great-Grandies!

Norah sneaks a snuggle

Take good notes Norah, next time you're cookin!

Norah gives Nana Sue a hand in the garden.

We couldn't leave without sampling some of Nana's fresh picked corn!  Simply amazing!

We are all so very blessed to have had the time that we did with Steve.  When someone so precious is so suddenly taken away from us it is impossible not to dwell on all that you have lost.  But at the same time we can be thankful for all of the truly amazing moments that we were able to share him.  If we look at every memory with Steve, with Gimpa, as the gift that it is, the brilliant abundance makes it hard to feel loss.  Thank you, Steve, for the wealth of love and laughter you have given us.  Your legacy lives on in the many lives you touched.  

Stephen Charles Meyer

November 29th, 1949 - August 9th, 2011