08.22.10

Its been a month and a half, and a long one at that. I miss John so much! Its been hard being away for so long, but distance makes the heart grow fonder. It has definitely made us stronger thats for sure!
I enjoyed being home for the past few weeks though. Ive helped my family out, and got to catch up with my closest friends.
Jessi and I finally got our friendship tattoos! Yes, we actually did it! We got the words 'forever' with our zodiac signs. She got mine, Virgo, and I got hers, Cancer. Its in a very pretty font, on our side ribs. I got mine right by my birds, by the bird that symbolizes Lifes Greatest Treasures...since my friendships are one of my most cherished treasures. This was her first tattoo, but she did well, and without any hesitation really. It made me realize that it's not hard to get a tattoo when it means the world to you.
I have been spending lots of time with Heather and her kids, and was around for Taylors 11th birthday party. I cant believe what a bright and beautiful young lady she is becoming.
Ive also spent lots of time with Bohnie and Bohnito, and of course Noah. Keith and I built Noah a swing and big shelf block thing for his enclosure, and play with him daily.
The family has spent the past few weekends at the cottage, mostly in memory of my grandpa. It was great that I got to spend time there to just relax and reminisce about my grandpa.
The funeral was great. Absolutely beautiful! All his 6 granddaughters spent a lot of time putting together picture boards and memoires. There was only a memorial table, but we brought in our violins he made us, and showered the room with laughter and great memories.
My cousin Jessica, who lives in Michigan, is VERY pregnant, and wasnt able to make it since we all knew she could pop on any day. During the memorial service, we get a text saying that her water broke! Everyone was elated, including grandma. We felt it was such a blessing to have such great news, and we all believe that my grandpa gave Gage, the new baby, a high five on his way into this earth. He wasnt born until the next day at 7:21.the date my grandpa passed. Ironic.
This time away has been long, emotional, relaxing, and much needed, but I miss John very much. How quickly the days have gone though. Most of my goodbyes have been said and I am ready to ship off tomorrow. My plane doesnt leave until the afternoon, so I plan to run errands with Jessi most of the morning.
I know I am going to miss everyone a lot, and it sucks having to say goodbyes for the SECOND time, but everyone in Port Douglas is just as excited to see me arrive, and I still have a big adventure to finish.
Australia...here I come! (again)