Third year Day 203 - Friday July 4, 2014

This morning Mark was up and out early, headed to the church to get everything ready for our annual community breakfast. Mom and Frank and I were able to start visiting early.  Arrianne headed to the church to sing the Star Spangled Banner for the flag ceremony.  After she returned, mom and Frank and I headed to the Conrad Cemetery in Kalispell, to put flowers on my brother Chris's grave.  Actually I found it just fine, even though there is still no headstone.  However, I was surprised to see that the little solar light they had there before was missing although the little flag was still there.  It is so peaceful and nice at the Conrad Cemetery.  It was nice to just spend a little time there and visit about Chris. Next we drove to Whitefish to our old place there.  We had a nice visit and drive and then headed back home.  By the time we got there, Arrianne had gone back to Bigfork, to drive Mark's convertible in the parade while he walked beside her.  They decorated it all up with red, white and blue.  Mark was also all decorated up!  He wore his Republican vest with buttons from the State Convention.  Since he is running for office here, he wanted to be in the parade.  He is running for the Montana State House of Representatives.  After we were all done with everything, we spent some time on the lake.  Frank really like the speed boat, and liked going full out or about 50+ mph.  Mark liked the boat but didn't really like the speed when they went full out!  Actually, it was mom's first time on the boat.  When she and dad were here before, he was unable to go down to the dock and so she stayed with dad and didn't go down either.  Afterwards we had some dinner.  Bridgett really loved having Frank here (and mom).  She kept telling him how much she loved him and then telling me that he was her favorite uncle. She said to me, I know I never got to spend much time with uncle Frank growing up, but I do love him so much.  Cute and true.  We haven't been able to spend much time with Frank over the years, but since he separated from Cindy he has been able to spend more time with all of us, especially with mom.