Goodbye to our Dog..

Saturday, after attending an Insulin Adjustment Class at Children's Hospital.. Jeremy and I gathered up our kids and set out for a day at Whidbey Island, on our "Secret Beach" where we could play a bit, and then scatter the ashes of our dog, Haley. Haley died in July, not to be outdone by Jer's Dad dying, my hospitalization/hand surgery and Logan's diagnosis.. all in one month. It was an overwhelming time, and we are realizing that we are a bit "stuck" in our healing/acceptance process. Too many things happened too fast for us to process any one of them fully or separately, they seem interwoven in our hearts. We decided to try and work on some healing, peeling back the layers and give each event it's own time of focus. We are starting with letting go of Haley's ashes, honoring her memory and place in our family, and finally saying goodbye to her. Here are some pictures of our day:

Ferry ride over.. gorgeous! The kids and I hung out outside, and loved watching the seagulls.

This is the trail to Secret Beach.. Jer and I discovered it on a getaway four years ago, and we go back every chance we get. We have walked this trail many times, usually in a joyful state, so it felt like a good place for Haley to be free. She loved hikes, and always led the way.

At the beach, Logan gets a blood sugar check INSIDE the super neato driftwood fort we found! Number recorded, the boys set off to do their favorite activity.. climb WAY up the cliffs, and slide down as fast as they can.

Mommy usually tries not to look, as every slide seems like it might just end with spinal cord injury to ME.

Daddy just laughs- and they keep doing this until exhausted. Max hikes up the beach, and I marvel at how big he is.

We got Haley when Max was four, and just look at him now. It was hard to lose such a loyal friend.

Let the climbing and sliding begin! PLUS, I got a pic of Jer's booty.

A shot from the bottom of the cliff, upwards

Jellyfish.. (not alive) make for interesting and gross brother times!

Haley's ashes sitting on top of my favorite rock at this beach. While the boys roughouse, I think about my girl. She was a true companion. I always wish I could bring this rock home, but it is huge!

The whole family took turns sprinkling her ashes in the water and on the sand.

Back home, we all found Stella looking uber-cute. and appreciated her even MORE.. Look at the sweet moment I caught between Stella and Graybug.

I miss Haley and her silly ways so much. The way she always sneezed after a good play time, the way she would sigh at me, and give me her best eyes, when wanting a treat.. so many things. It's hard to let go. We all decided to keep a bit of her ashes at home, where she was truly the happiest.
WE LOVE YOU HALEY GIRL! You are missed.