We got some truly sad news last week that Kristin’s brother passed away. Kristin went to Idaho Wednesday, the boys and I followed on Friday. The boys said they were happy to see their cousins but sad it was for Uncle Pete’s funeral. It really hit close to home for them as they have spent a lot of time with Pete on vacations and Jake’s summer trips to Idaho, along with feeling for their cousin’s loss of their father. The one awesome thing they got to see was how much Uncle Pete was respected and loved by so many that knew him. Jake even said he “didn’t realize Uncle Pete was so famous.” Pete was a great father and a great uncle I’m proud my boys got to know.

 Boys got a tour of the cockpit on our flight from San Diego

Uncle Pete was the one who worked the deal with Alaska Airlines to paint one of their regional aircraft in the University of Idaho colors. The plane fly’s all over the pacific northwest, so the chance of us getting that plane for our flight from Seattle to Moscow is pretty remarkable. We like to think that Uncle Pete had something to do with it.

 The boys with Conner and a few of his friends at our hotel pool

 The boys helped Grandma clear the snow off her porch and made their first snowman (with some guidance from Kristin)

 Sledding with the cousins

 Cody has grown a just a little.

Gonna miss you Uncle Pete