The Brentel Family: September 2013

Yellowstone

Dan and Pauline took Cam and Ciceley to Yellowstone. Cameron hasn't stopped talking about the last trip so Ciceley decided she wanted to go to. Aaron told Cameron not to be to disappointed if he doesn't see a bear this time. That hardly ever happens. Day one the kids saw a bear. Day two they call all excited to tell us they saw a family of three bears. Ha! Lucky kids!

I have such a hard time sending them off but I know they are in good hands. Separation anxiety can kick my butt! We bought hats, scarves, gloves, and pulled out the heavy winter coats. It's cool here but it's snowing there. They said they stayed warm. Bear pancakes and hot chocolate in the morning and Cameron had to have a buffalo burger for dinner. I am so excited they are coming home today. I am sure they will have a ton more to tell us when they get here.

Love this picture and Love these people!!!

In the Arms of the Angels: A September 11 Memorial

9-11 Never Forget

We all know where we were 12 years ago today. I had just gotten coffee at Chevron and the radio announcer said a plane had crashed in to the Twin Towers. By the time I got to work everybody in the office was crowded around the television watching the unimaginable live terrorist attack.

Aaron and I came home from work early. Left that day with no plan. Packed up our two puppies, hitched up the trailer, got in the truck and drove. We ended up in West Yellowstone. We stopped at this little Catholic church. It was amazing. The church was packed! People of every faith, from other countries, young, and old came to mass. It was like everybody had so many feelings and needed somewhere to go. Some way to process what had happened. It was most comforting spiritual mass I have ever been part of. It ended up being an incredible trip. You really appreciate what and especially who you have in your life and are grateful you are all still together.

Evil caused this horrible tragedy but love helped people cope and survive. It was wonderful to see our nation come together the way it did. I thank God for my freedom and that I was blessed to be born an American. I hope our kids will understand how lucky we are to be here. I just don't want another tragedy to be the reason they do like it was for me. I WILL NEVER FORGET! God bless all of those heroes, families left behind, our troops, and angels in heaven.