So this has been an eventful month...
This month actually started in late March with the event of Lolah's SURPRISE 80th birthday party which took place on March 28th at Marc and Dalynn's lovely and ample home. The Greaves and Anderson families flew in for the surprise; the entire Korelc clan were assembled as well; and the presence, however fleeting, of RB and Charlie was an added delight. It took a few moments for Lolah to realize what was happening, but once it hit her, she became overwhelmed with tears of joy for having all of her children, grandchildren, and close friends assembled in her honor. Good job everyone!
The next day she, Alysia, and Mika participated in the Capital 10K race as Team Munkibut. In spite of an aching hip, Lolah completed the entire 10K trek. When asked about it later she said, "I was worried about the hill at 15th Street, but it was no problem at all." You go Lolah!
As an added treat (compliments of RB) Alysia and Mick accompanied Lolah for the LC concert at the new Long Center later that week. They thoroughly enjoyed the show and had the opportunity to hang out back stage for a while afterward. Earlier that evening LC was kind enough to autograph one of Lolah's party announcements for the scrap book that Alysia put together celebrating our lovely mother. If I recall correctly, it read something like, "I'm sorry I missed the party. Happy Birthday. Love, [LC]." She was thrilled.
Sadly, the Greaves and Anderson's left for home the same day. The good news is RB and I saw them again just shy of two weeks later at the Greaves' home in Seattle. It was the most perfect sunny, warmish day which provided a lovely backdrop for enjoying a homemade latte while relaxing in the Greaves' newly landscaped backyard. We admired their freshly laid swath of green lawn which we were told had been christened by Rocky just a few days earlier. Nice touch, Rocky.
The next day Peter, Vanessa, and Nigel were treated to an LC concert at the Wamu Center. (Unfortunately, Phyllis and Jim were unable to attend due to other obligations.) It was another breathtaking success and an unforgettable experience for all. Nigel and Vanessa played hookie from work and school the next day and treated us to a lovely breakfast at Tulio. Next time we visit Seattle we hope to bring Charlie so he, Nigel and Ian can have a play date at the EMP.
From Seattle, I traveled on as a guest of UHTC to Edmonton and Calgary in Alberta, Canada. All told I traveled to seven cities over eleven days with the tour. Every show was a sold out success and LC and company were a very happy and pampered troupe. I can't say that any moment stood out from the rest as the entire experience was a string of unforgettable moments. Though truth be told, my attention was focused mainly on RB. Because he's been traveling the better part of the last year and a half, we haven't had much time together save the short breaks from the road and the few short days at a time when I (and Charlie when he's not in school) have had the opportunity to join him wherever he is. Though out of our love and enjoyment of each other we manage to make a home wherever we are. They say home is where you hang your hat which probably explains why, at this juncture, between the three of us (Charlie included of course) we have so many hats.
Looking forward, Alysia, Mika and Lolah are taking Team Munkibut on the road to join Phyllis for the Rock 'n' Roll Seattle Marathon which is taking place on June 27. Come July, Charlie and I are hoping to join RB in Europe for a couple of weeks, and at the end of July Nigel is planning a trip back to Austin to hang with cousin Lauren for a couple of weeks. Sounds like the makings of a great and memorable summer for all of our beloved Munkibuts.
As an aside, I know that RB and Charlie are honored to be the two newest members of Team Munkibut. They proudly rock the team t-shirts in solidarity.