Celebrating Grandpa Dan.

One month ago, we lost Grandpa Dan. 

To be honest, I wasn't sure about publishing this post {until John accidentally hit publish on a VERY rough draft a few weeks ago. It was days until I realized it, unfortunately}.

I felt like Dan's celebration of life might be too personal for the WORLD-wide-web. Why recap it online when those who knew and loved him the most were there in person???

Because not everyone was there.

Then I realized why I started this blog in the first place, and continue to keep it current {semi-regularly}--- 

To keep those we love, near and far, in-the-know. 

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To keep a family history.

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To enjoy spending some of my {limited} free time in a creative, reflective, honest space.

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Call me an over-sharer, but this is my church. 

Plus, I know there's a lovely couple on the other side of the world who were sad not to be there in person, and would appreciate some specifics. 

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It was a beautiful celebration.

Old friends from the guard, bowling buddies, fellow Serbs, lifelong friends, loved ones and more were there to support, share stories, and remember such a special man. He was very loved. 

The place was packed. 

The kiddos really lit up the room too, as usual. 

And, Luciano's was once again the very best, most meaningful location to host this special event. 

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It was an unforgettable day, for an unforgettable man.

Celebrating Grandpa Dan. from Kerry Sutherland on Vimeo.

love, kerry

Happy Birthday Big Papa!!!

Hey Grandpa!!!

Happy, Happy, Happy Birthday!!!!

Wishing you an amazing day filled with lots of love, yummy treats, winning parlay cards, a jackpot hit at the Peppermill and a nice cold one later this evening.

It's too bad we can't celebrate with you in Reno today, but see you next week!! Can't wait!

love,
kerry, john and audrey

Great Time in HB!!!

Although I'm a bit behind, I MUST thank Judy, Steve and Dan for visiting us in HB last week!!

We had such a blast!!!

It was a relaxing trip that included lots of great walks on the beach, and around town...

A beautiful drive along the PCH and through the OC beach cities.

We got to see some of the US Open of Surfing, and even got kicked off the HB Pier!!

{duh Steve...no dogs on the pier!}

We love you guys!!! Thanks again for making the trip!!!

love, kerry

Backpacking

I love to travel.

I love to explore new places, and learn new things. I enjoy an adventure. I like putting myself out there...even if it makes me look stupid. I enjoy meeting new people, and exploring other cultures.....

I'd like to say that traveling is a hobby of mine {and John too...yes, you do have hobbies}, but really?

Not many people can claim "travel" as a true hobby.

Sure, I did the typical graduate from college, blow your savings on a backpacking trip through Europe thing...But, world traveler?

I have been lucky enough to see more than a dozen European countries, and a lot of the United States too. And, perhaps I've been even more lucky to have spent significant chunks of time in two countries (France and Italy), and made life-long friends abroad. But, there's still so much I'd like to see, people to meet, and places I'd love to visit.

And, maybe {hopefully} one day I'll have:

1) More Money

2) More Time

to really live my travel dreams.

But for now, travel for me means 1 trip per month to Reno for work.

{Grateful, by the way}

LONG gone are the days of grubbing it, sharing a room with friends (or a dozen strangers in a hostel), skipping meals to save money for museums (or beer), ETC, ETC, ETC...

I'm a MOM now, and Audrey is a part of every move I make...

{Joy}

And, obviously-

I

WOULDN'T

HAVE

IT

ANY

OTHER

WAY!

In fact, last week I took my greatest BACKPACKING trip of all time.

Orange County (SNA)--> San Jose (no plane change, just stop)-->Reno (RNO)

Why was is it so GREAT???

Thank you for asking.

Well, because it was Audrey's FIRST EVER plane trip!!!!

See, I'm still backpacking!

I've just traded up to the Ergo Baby Carrier {thank you Grandpa Dan}!

And, let me tell you-

despite being a little worried....

Audrey was soooo good!

People (fellow moms, not naming names) made me very concerned that Audrey would probably:

scream the entire flight in fear,

scream the entire flight in pain (ears),

move non-stop/never sit still,

bug the person next to us,

kick the seat in front of us,

act super bored and annoyed,

ETC...

Not the case with MY baby!

But, I will say...

My biggest challenge to report...

.

.

.

.

.

Major arm cramping from:

{A Sleeping Angel}

Are you kidding me? She couldn't have been more perfect!

And, when she was awake, for example the first 10-15 minutes of each flight, she was pure joy.

Curious about all the new people during boarding,

friendly with the people sitting in our row,

excited by the captain speaking over the intercom,

surprised by the feeling of take-off,

Perplexed while looking out the window and traveling through the clouds...

She was....

{Sigh...Nuf said.}

My favorite backpacking trip to date.

love, kerry

GREAT Grandpas...

Audrey, you've got some GREAT great grandpas who LOVE you more than you'll ever know.

They think you're so funny, smart, beautiful, silly, AMAZING...

I'm so glad that you have them, and that they have you...

love, kerry