Andrew and his friend Cody qualified for the Senior All-Star Meet. It was a beautiful day and fun to cheer for all of the seniors who worked so hard these past 4 years.
After the meet we enjoyed some pastries in Pella, stopped by Yellow Banks Park to hike and play by the river, and then picked up some ice cream at Over The Top. That’s a good day.
Rose, Lucia, Elliot, Susan and I drove to Minneapolis today for Gary Reagen’s celebration of life. Gary is Nate’s dad and passed away earlier this year. The celebration was a great tribute, with many friends and family. Nate, his mom, his brother, and a host of other folks gave loving tributes to Gary.
I have been woefully behind on the blog. I decided that to catch up I would just do a few posts that cover entire months. Here comes May. . .
Today we made some major progress on the pool. The sand was delivered and moved to the pool area. Then, this evening we had some friends and family over to help us put up the pool wall.
Today we celebrated Easter with ourselves and then we had the Reagens over in the afternoon for an Easter Egg hunt. Church was online with Lutheran Church of Hope – same as last year. Our traditions include Easter Bunny-hidden baskets (inside), Easter Bunny-hidden eggs (outside), and then a candy Easter egg hunt with the Reagens.
Today we went for a hike with the Reagens. The hike was fun, and a little longer than we had bargained for, then we (the Lieslands) got stuck on an icy hill trying to leave the park. A nice man in a pick-up truck stopped to dump some sand and the Reagens came back to help push us out.
Not too many pictures of the big kids as they were well ahead of us. Maybe I can get Andrew to share some of his pictures. . .
Nate’s dad, Gary, passed away this week. We have spent a lot of time together over the years because of how close we are with the Reagens, and it has been very sad for us. Gary was diagnosed with cancer about a year and a half ago and it has been a declining rollercoaster since that time. Gary was engaging, thoughtful, intelligent, and kind, amongst other things, and he will be missed.
Here is his official obituary, written by Nate and his brother, Josh:
Reagen, Gary Husband, father, grandfather, uncle, brother, and friend of many, died peacefully at his home at the age of 71. He was surrounded at death by his two sons and wife Kathleen of more than 48 years. Gary was a man of integrity and bravery, volunteering for the Army and serving in Vietnam as part of a Special Forces unit called Project Delta. He was blessed with a uniquely deep voice that helped him in his career in television and radio for more than 20 years. Gary had a presence that got your attention. The way he spoke and how he carried himself left a lasting impression. He loved playing cards, listening to Motown, spending time with his family, and enjoying a beer with the sun on his face. Gary understood that life was precious and would often stop, close his eyes, and treasure the moment. He developed many great relationships over the years, especially with his five grandchildren whom he adored. If cancer were in any other form, Gary would have overcome it, just like he overcame so many other adversities in his life. The world was a better place with Gary in it, and our lives are better for having had him as a part of it. Rest in peace our brave warrior, we think of you and miss you every day. Memorial services will be arranged once gatherings can occur safely. In lieu of flowers and in his remembrance, please consider donating to the Special Operations Warrior Foundation, a charity that Gary strongly supported and believed in. Because Gary would always like to leave you smiling – And the Lord said unto John, “Come forth and you shall receive eternal life”. John came fifth and won a toaster.
Nate and his family have also been working on updating reagen.com to feature Gary’s biography. He led quite an interesting life.
Last night we split up the boys and girls from the Lieslands and the Reagens and had a girls night and boys night. The girls stayed at the Reagens’ and highlights included nachos, a dessert bar, fashion show, and couples yoga. The boys stayed at the Lieslands’ and highlights included sandwich bar, watching football, playing ping pong, playing drawful, and eating junk. Nate was unable to join us because he was in Minneapolis visiting his dad.
This year for New Year’s we had the Reagens and the Liesses over for a wild party. The Reagens spent the night.
Christmas day followed a fairly standard schedule in our house, with some modifications because of the pandemic. The day started at 7:30 when Lucia and Rose woke up. We told the older kids they could sleep until 9 so when Lucia and Rose woke up we watch the newest version of the grinch until 9.
Merry Christmas!
