i have to tell you something.

my kids are asking what i want for christmas. i shy away from telling them that even santa can't bring me what i want. so i just repeat the age old typical mother answer, "i just want my kids to be nice to each other and not fight for one whole day."

he's gone. we miss him terribly. these are pictures of the night he left, pardon my face devoid of life and color. it was a rough day.

my uncle gunther has come to stay with us while mike is gone. he's my favorite. he's got a barrel chest, one arm missing a hand, (great story i'll tell you one day) a faded dagger tattoo on the other arm and kind eyes. when i was little he used to give us jerky from the deer hunt and airplane rides. he'd grab the back of our shirts and twirl around so we felt like we were flying. anyway he's an x marine, and a few years ago he retired, bought an rv, and then, tragically, his wife died suddenly. so after cruising the country for a few years he brought his rv here to explore alaska with us. it's very comforting having my favorite uncle sleeping downstairs with his 30 aut six, and a knife in his teeth. just kidding about the knife. anyway, uncle g, thanks for coming!!
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