it seems as if i always take at least one photo of the sunset when jason and go to visit his family that lives near des moines.

we went to visit the family again on october 1^st to honor and remember jason’s uncle (and second dad), fred, who passed away mid-august.

we toasted his memory with chocolate and coke. a lot of it.

it was a really beautiful day. the perfect day, almost — except for the fact that we were missing one very important person.

i didn’t get to have fred in my life for very long, but i’m so glad i had the time i did. and that i have so much more time to spend with jason’s extended family. they are wonderful people.

of course, i have one pretty awesome person to thank for introducing this family to my life.

i’ve felt welcome since the very first time i met them all, about two years ago.

and they are all superb givers-of-hugs, which i appreciate.

i can’t think of the right words to convey how i feel at the moment, but i’ve sort of adopted a theme in my life for the past few months — grateful.

every moment is worth treasuring.

(especially those that happen at kiosks in small midwestern malls!)