This past weekend was a lovely one, filled with family, friends, nature and good food. On Saturday, we had a family breakfast celebrating my sweet Beppe's (Dutch-Fresian for Grandma on my Mom's side) birthday. She's 83 now, and as usual she had us cracking up with her funny phrases from the old country (as she affectionately calls it). As breakfast drew to a close, Beppe was retelling some of the stories of her experiences during the second World War while the German Nazi's patrolled and enforced her home town during their occupation of Holland. We were mesmerized. Her stories are what history books and movies are made of. I can't believe my sweet Beppe not only lived through such adversity, but thrived to tell the tales many times over. She is a resilient and beautiful person and I am so blessed to have her in my life.
On Sunday we spent the day with Ryan's family where we had turkey dinner, enjoyed card games and good conversation into the evening. It was a beautiful day with the big group of us gathered. The sun was shining and the acres of land surrounding Ryan's parent's home were on fire, harvest gold. It was a truly beautiful Fall day spent with loved ones. Before the evening was out, we headed back to the RV in time for Ryan's brother Kelly, his wife Tara and baby Hunter to come over for a couple games of crib. It was such a sweet end to an already lovely day.
In addition to the time we spent with extended family, Ryan and I made sure to get out on Sunday and Monday for long, leisurely walks with Lincoln. While strolling with my most favourite person and our sweet pup, with our future home, the mighty bow river and this breathtaking valley as our backdrop, I felt overwhelmingly blessed. So thankful ♡