Karen's ashes

We went up in the mountains this weekend to spread some of Karen's ashes. It's a lovely spot, a few miles in the Pacific Crest Trail from highway 4.
As you might imagine, wonderful mountains and trees... and of course, family.
Keith and Larry had to return to work, but the rest of us gathered together for this difficult but important event.
Even the dogs! Above is Linda with her Chase, and below is Polly and Luke's new(ish) Harvey. That little guy may be a small dog in stature, but he totally acts like a big dog, fun pup. Tag is around somewhere.
Katie brought her Justin, he has been wonderfully supportive for her.
We even had some fun silly times. Here's Linda and Luke dancing up a storm.
Here's us girls taking a picture with Karen.
Part of Karen gets to stay here in this lovely place, with her brother Don and her Father. If you look, you can see where we spread her under the beautiful tree.
Linda made this memorial on the rocks overlooking the site.
I love my family because we deal with grief in such a... well I don't know what to call it, but we task like mad, laugh whenever we can, and do our best not to snipe. I'm so grateful and proud to be part of the Nelsen crowd. Wish the obvious, but still...
It is also way too cool that my 81 year old grandmother was hiking the PCT, and not just a few yards in. I think we hiked about 4 miles that day. Isn't she amazing? 81!
Silliness. Linda didn't listen to the warnings about disgusting floors in the potty, so she tossed her socks and Katie gave her a ride.
And here we all are, my wonderful family.
We miss you Karen!