Nikki Murray » Family

Independence Day

Nikki Murray — Sun, 04 Jul 2010 18:44:20 +0000

We woke up to an appropriately HOT 4th of July. It was already warm enough outside to sweat at 8:30 in the morning. The sun was brutal and the sporadic rain showers made it muggy but it was a perfect kind of day. I was surrounded by family, memories, and a beautiful view. I really couldn’t have asked for anything more.

Saturday at Bangs Lake

Nikki Murray — Sat, 03 Jul 2010 16:12:45 +0000

One of my aunts was out of town so somehow we found ourselves with nothing to do and no one to see on the Saturday before the 4th. I had thought about trying to extend our hotel stay downtown, but ultimately I am glad I didn’t because the hotel was filled with over 3,000 teenagers who came into town for a student leadership conference. The wait for the hotel elevator was insane and I was very glad we were only on the 6th floor. (Six flights of stairs are better than twelve.)

My Aunt Liz, sweet as she is, asked her friends if we could join them at their lake house in Wauconda for a potluck and fireworks. The hostess graciously said yes, so we met everyone at a stop before heading over. Thankfully, my aunt has kids near my own girls’ ages, otherwise it would have been kind of a boring event for my girls. We had a good time and the girls got to go tubing for their first time. They had a blast.

The yearly pilgrimage

Nikki Murray — Sat, 03 Jul 2010 02:39:09 +0000

Every year I drive up to Chicago to see the family and visit the cemetery. The visit started began with a dinner, a trip to the cemetery and some walking around downtown. Family, food, friends and fun… always a good beginning. (Incidentally, I forgot my camera gear, so all these photos were taken with an iPhone4.)

Happy 60th, Daddy

Nikki Murray — Mon, 28 Jun 2010 02:44:58 +0000

The photo above was taken on his 40th birthday. Today would have been his 60th. I should be with him or calling him and chiding him about becoming such an old man, but I can’t. I can only look through photos, wishing he was still here to celebrate with while eating white angel food cake covered with chocolate frosting.

Dad, Lynnie, Lynn's sister, Uncle Michael, and me

some of the Murray clan, being completely natural

Dad, my Uncle John, Aunt Maureen, and Uncle Michael

my birthday party (I loved that spirograph)

this was as serious as anyone would get in a photo

Dad was so tired from his flight, but he couldn't wait to hold his first grandbaby, Lex

Em and her grandpa on the tram at Disneyworld

three generations at Disneyworld once again

I miss you always and love you forever, Dad.

The great circle continues

Nikki Murray — Sat, 19 Jun 2010 02:31:29 +0000

As a child, nearly all summers from age 4 to 18 were spent in Chicago with my father and all of the many family members that make up our clan. The only things I really had to think about was how many rides I’d be going on at Great America and how many movies dad and I would see at the theater. Very little planning was required on my part other than, “Should I bring my doll or my bear on the plane?”

a little humor before leaving for the airport

Today, I got a taste of what my mother and father went through when they walked me to the gate at the airport each time I flew and how they must have felt while they watched a stranger escort me to the plane. It’s a sad, helpless feeling watching one’s babies travel this way. Precious cargo – in someone else’s hands…

the magic envelope I held onto with my life

It was a strange experience, walking my kids through security and the rest of the airport even though I wasn’t actually the one flying anywhere. That privilege cost me $100, courtesy of Delta’s ongoing practice of punishing travelers with ridiculous fees that we can barely afford. I paid it, regardless, and we tried to enjoy some dinner (and a Wetzel’s Pretzel) before heading to the gate.

mcdonald's and wetzel's pretzel - not the healthiest, but the pretzel was SO worth it

When it came time for them to board, I barely held it together. I waited and watched the plane pull away from the gate. Now I wait for them to land.

just before the plane pulled away

[Update: They landed safe and sound.]