Every Time I See It, It Gets A Little Bigger

I lost my Papa Dodd in September of 1999. Almost 11 years ago. How quickly those 11 years have went. Good and bad things have happened, memories were formed, and time has moved on. My papa, Lowell Dodd, was a professor at Doane College in Crete Nebraska. When we were back for Easter, we stopped by Doane to visit my Papa's tree that the college planted in his honor. Every time I see it, it seems so much bigger then the last. It has just started blooming, there is a slight hint of red when you look at it. It's such a pretty tree (as pretty as trees can actually be). The media department and a class room at Doane are also named after my Papa.

It's nice to be able to go see his tree in remembrance of him. I love walking under it and when it is full of leaves, I love taking one and saving it. Having that leaf with me, makes me feel like I have a little piece of him with me. This trip was a little different, this time my daughter was there. I felt as if, I was introducing Claire to my Papa. Although, I know he got to met her way before I did.  I made a promise to myself that Claire will know how great her great grandparents really were and are. Family is so important to me, no matter living or gone. I am who I am because of them!

Here are some pictures:

The plaque underneath his tree

My Papa's tree

Claire under her Great Papa's tree

Me in 2007

The Classroom named after him

Easter Vacation

My aunt's brand new home in Eagle, NE.

The back of her home.

Claire's 1st trip to a Children Museum.
 

 

For being only 8 months old, she loved it!

                            Cousin Madi came with to play!                                    

Eric learned how to drive a tractor!

On a very windy walk!

Sunset on the farm!

Look what the Easter Bunny left Claire!!

All ready for Church!

Our little family on Claire's 1st Easter!

4 generations: Nana, mom, me, & Claire.

Claire loves her new lamb!

Our family loves the game "spoons"!

Cousins - April 5th 2010

We had a fantastic time, so relaxing. Claire's first and second airplane ride was a success. She slept the whole time on both flights! Thankful we were not "one of those families" during the flight. While on vacation we did so many fun things from going to the Children Museum in Lincoln, Shopping at a great outdoor mall, Antiquing with my mom, aunt, and nana, playing ping pong, taking walks, and having some delicious food every single night!! I love my family and I feel so blessed to have them all in my life!! Can't wait to do it all again!