Montana Visit, May 30, 2026 to June 1, 2026, Draft

Our primary purpose was to attend our grandson, 18-year-old Gannon's high school graduation. And what a great time we had!

Kyle flew us up in a private jet from Long Beach to Kalispell, which was very comfortable, stocked with fine food, including goodies for Kevin and Melody, and it was a quick and easy way to fly. 

Attendees onboard also included Diane, Keoni, and Ikaika, and Clayton and Maria. Cameron was in Ecuador with his Colorado State class and Carina attended her class prom, and with her many friends prepared for her high school graduation.

On our first night, we had a big family celebration at the large home Kyle had rented from the Lodge at White Fish Lake, including barbeque purchased nearby, and vegetarian the hotel provided for me. This celebration included Brody, Hanna, infant Norman and Gannon, and Norman got passed around for everyone to play with him.

It was a rainy night, but no-one seemed to care, as we were all comfortable in this big home, and despite the rain, many in our party used the rear yard jacuzzi. 

The next day, on a Sunday morning, was the high school graduation, which because of the continuing rain, was held in the school gymnasium. There were hundreds of people in attendance, and the graduation of about 50 kids, was a very happy occasion.

That night, Anne and I hosted Gannon's high school graduation celebration in a beautiful section of the hotel restaurant. We were joined Great ambiance, great food. Big cheering and back pats for Gannon Kyle had arranged for a large, luxury SUV, big enough for

 everyone, including luggage, to ride comfortably. We checked in at The Lodge at White

 Fish Lake, and drove up in the mountains to join Kevin and Melody.

A Valuable Lesson

Christian R. Smith passed away on February 12, 2026 "after a courageous battle with cancer," read his Los Angeles Times obit (3/29/26). He was 78-years-of-age.

He was married to the love of his life, Pebbles Wadsworth. And Christian devoted his life to meaningful university endeavors, benefitting the schools and the many students he served.

However, that's not the reason I'm sharing a glimpse of his life with you. What truly matters is what he did that was extraordinary - something that offers valuable lessons for us.

The Zombie Prom

My 18-year-old granddaughter Carina is a high school senior, and devoted to performing on stage, as an actress, singer, dancer, and even a musician.

She just starred in the "Zombie Prom," a takeoff on "Grease," featuring a story line of songs and dances from the 1950's, and she was joined by a wonderful cast of young people. We loved seeing and listening to her, and I cheered for and enjoyed the performances of everyone. 

Carina also just performed in her high school 2026 Pops Concert, with a marvelous orchestra and chorus, singing solo, a song from Les Misérables.

In all cases, I salute every dedicated teacher who has made this possible for each student.

Carina has starred in or had featured roles in various plays throughout high school and middle school and will shortly graduate and enroll in the performing arts at a major university, most likely in New York. Her talent is at a level where she has been offered partial scholarships, from schools recruiting her.

Ultimately, her desire is the Broadway stage. 

Saying Goodbye

Each school day morning I greet the children and their parents on their way to school, and I greet many a commuter. 

Yesterday, a middle age woman drove up to me, and in a solemn voice, told me that my warm greeting and big smile was something her husband always looked forward to. It lifted his spirits

I thanked her, and asked about him.

I Love You

This morning (8/5/25), I did what I should do much more often. I told some of those closest to me that I love them, specifically Jon Barnes, Yanin Ontiveros and Mary Ellen Schesser.

Montana Visit, August 2 to August 4, 2025

As we do each year, Anne and I flew to Montana, to greet our son Kevin and his wife Melody, and their two sons, Brody who turned 20 and Gannon, 17.

But this time we also met Brody's live-in lady friend Hannah, who is pregnant with their baby Norman, due in October.

As always, we stayed at The Lodge at Whitefish Lake. We were greeted by Kevin and Melody at the airport, who after we checked in at The Lodge, drove us to their beautiful Eureka home, far up in the mountains.

Hawaiian Family Vacation, June 24 - June 29, 2025

This vacation of a lifetime, was largely paid for (airlines, hotel, food and transportation) by our eldest son Kyle and his wife Diane. Their two sons joined us. 

And our other two sons, their wives and children, also joined us, a total of 14 people.

The purpose was to celebrate Anne's and my 60th wedding anniversary (June 26, 1965) and to spend time together as a family.