well, so much
for my plan of
hiking and reading everyday.
i feel like i’m
busier now than
ever before.
let’s get right into it…
on august 11th
the goodmans arrived
for our third
annual trip to celebrate
my wedding anniversary.
while we waited
for them to arrive
i watched maddy
try to drive
my car,
play with some
bamboo sticks,
and pick the flowers
in our yard.
as she played
i thought about
liz
and the fact
that i had two
wedding anniversaries with
her, and now
three without her.
it just didn’t
seem possible.
there was our child
playing in the yard,
just as
liz
pictured it.
fuck.
***
the next day
we were all on
our way to central california.
maddy entertained
us the entire way
her new favorite thing?
to hear stories
with her as the
main character.
we all laughed
our asses off
as she would yell,
“talk about the maddy”
at the end of
each story.
grandma candee and
grandpa tom tell me
that this is
in the genes…
liz
used to sit on
a swing, yelling,
“somebody push me!”
let me translate both
phrases for you.
“pay attention to me!”
i love to see
those personality traits
coming through, even
though the only
time they had
together was
while maddy was in
the womb.
along the way,
we made an
unplanned stop.
as soon as we
turned into the
lookout point,
i recognized the place…
we had been
here a few years earlier.
almost exactly four
years ago.
i had just returned
from india,
just in time for
our first wedding anniversary.
and we headed up
to the santa ynez valley
to visit the wineries.
along the way,
we had stopped here.
in this very place.
instantly recalled from
the depths of
my mind,
the photo of
liz.
double fuck.
we were parked
and we all needed
to stretch our legs,
so we did.
and we took some photos.
soon we were
back in the car
and on our way,
but i couldn’t
help but think of
that time
four years earlier.
i just wish i could
remember more of it.
***
after a few more
hours of driving,
including a nice drive
along a very dark
pacific coast highway,
we finally found the
place that candee
had booked for us.
candee and debbie
offered to hang out
with maddy while
tom, brooke and i
went on a search
for food.
as it turns out,
there are no grocery
stores or restaurants open
past 10:00 on a week
night in that
part of the world.
so that night we
ate food from
a gas station a few
miles south of
where we stayed.
and it was awesome.
***
the next morning
we headed to san simeon
to check out
hearst castle.
we took a tour
that was shortened
for some of us
because madeline decided
she liked hearing her
voice echo in
the huge rooms.
we rejoined the
rest of the group
and madeline fell
in love with the
indoor pool.
no trip to
any historical monument
would be complete
without a stop
in the gift shop.
brooke (or “brookie” as maddy calls her)
picked up a
toy for maddy
that had both of
us reliving our childhoods.
soon we were back
at the house…
while the ladies
slept, i went on
a short photo
excursion with tom.
after nap time,
we went to visit
the elephant seals…
that night we had
an even better meal
than the night before.
this time from
a grocery store,
and not a gas station.
***
the next morning
we jumped in the car
and headed north
toward monterey so
we could take in
one of maddy’s
favorite activities…
checking out an aquarium.
we had a lovely
drive up the pch
and after a short
stop at pebble beach,
we found ourselves
at the aquarium,
where maddy’s mind
was officially blown.
and then she
got a little confused.
after an early dinner
in monterey, we
drove home,
enjoying the sun set.
once it got dark,
the lovely twists
and turns we experienced
on a well-lit
pch became a little
too much for
some of us to handle
(i won’t mention any names here).
the next morning
we explored the back yard
then checked out of
our place and stopped
to see maddy’s new
favorite animals.
brooke took control of
my camera for
a few minutes,
and got some of
my favorite photos ever.
soon we were
on the road
back to los angeles,
but we made sure
we stopped along
the way.
first, in morro bay,
where maddy thought
for a few seconds
that she didn’t want
her feet to
touch the sand
then decided she
didn’t care.
later we stopped in
san luis obispo
and i almost threw
up in bubble gum alley.
(so, so gross).
we had a short
stop for lunch
(and coloring)
then got stuck
in some awful traffic
on the way
through santa barbara.
while we waited,
brooke and i
settled on a destination
for her birthday trip
(which was the next tuesday).
a couple of hours later
we were back in
los angeles, and after
a quick unpacking/repacking
of our bags,
we were in the
car and on our way
to vegas while
maddy stayed back with
grandma, grandpa and auntie debbie.
we made it to vegas
in record time, and
got checked into
our hotel at 1:30am.
we went out for
a couple of hours,
and i watched as brooke
won a few dollars.
(i lost $20).
the next morning we
caught up with
my friend mark
who was in town from
the mn.
the three of us
hit the pool at
mgm, doing our best
to stay cool in the
awful heat
(we probably should have just stayed inside).
after a long day
at the pool,
we had
a great dinner
at the belaggio.
the next day
we walked through a
couple of casinos
and had lunch
before brooke found
a slot machine
that just called
her name.
within minutes
she won $120.
from a penny slot machine.
birthday girl’s luck.
i lost $40.
and like total
tourists, we had
to get a photo doing this:
and this:
soon we were back
in the car
and on our way
back to maddy.
i insisted we stop
and take a photo here:
four hours later
we were back home.
it was important
and necessary
for us to get away
(as it is for any couple),
but we both missed that
little girl so much,
and were happy to be home.
***
the next day we
said goodbye
to the goodmans
and it was back
to our everyday lives.
i’m pretty damn lucky
to have such
great people in
my life…
such understanding in-laws,
and an understanding
woman in brooke.
***
something i failed to write about (at least on my blog) was my experience at camp widow. you can read more about it here.
my favorite part of the weekend (besides getting to hang out with new and old friends), was fulfilling a life long dream of giving away a giant check (on behalf of the liz logelin foundation).
the recipient of this grant, emily morgan, is the 43rd llf grant recipient. it’s primarily readers of this blog that made this possible, and i wanted to make sure that you all got special thanks.
also, i wanted to remind folks that the llf walk run hope 5k and celebration of hope gala are coming up. we’d love to have you at both events, so sign up as soon as possible to beat the deadline for the 5k and to get discounted tickets for the gala.
please help us give out more big checks.
thanks,
m.
(oh…and a book update coming soon. seriously. like, on or before this friday).
86 Comments
Love the pics !!
Can’t wait for an update on the book !! I am so jealous of Chrissy for getting an early copy !!
What a lovely trip. Glad you all enjoyed yourselves.
oh Matt…will you guys take us to all of these cool places when we come out to CA? Those seals! I love them!!
Looking forward to seeing you all next week – give my love to your girls…xoxo
*month*
whatever.
Your pictures brought back memories of when my Mom and I made a trip to California a few years ago and went to Hearst. It is amazing how our pictures are so similar. Any how – it is always such a joy and honor here…silently sitting back and watching your story unfold.
I swear, SWEAR I need to meet you people. COME TO CHICAGO, YO.
It really does look like a wonderful trip, and it is an amazing thing to have such understanding in-laws and an understanding woman.
i sitting here thinking about how lucky you are, too. you do have incredible people in your life, matt.
The PIT still loves to hear stories featuring her as the star….but she has serious issues.
Love the pics!~
I love the pictures – ALL of them! Yes, it seems you are lucky, but the people surrounding you are pretty damn lucky themselves!
maddy is becoming a little girl right before our eyes.
as usual, the pictures are amazing and inspired. as usual, i send my love to you all.
Just want to say I love the tone of this post. Happy for you, Matt.
I love the Monterey Bay Aquarium. Also, I live in Santa Barbara, so I know exactly the type of horrific traffic you’re talking about; I make the drive down to LA at least a couple times a month, and it’s so frustrating getting out of here. Oh, AND! I was totally in Vegas recently. Stop following me, would ya?
Everytime I read a new blog post, I just find myself smiling!!! Smiling because Maddy is crazy adorable and looking more and more like a little girl in every picture I see. Smiling because the words you put with the pics are just too darn funny and really touching. And smiling because YOU are smiling! I dont even have words to describe how happy I am for you and Brooke and Maddy! Liz is beyond happy for all of you. I know she is smiling down on you guys just beaming with pride. Thanks for sharing your life with all of us stranger friends! I am looking forward to your book and lets just say thats a big deal for me cause well I’m more a magazine kind of gal!! Keep up the amazing parenting job you are doing with Maddy! She is one lucky little lady!!
Sarah
P.S. How in the world do you decide what pictures to frame and hang?? I would need to build more walls just to hang them if I was you
:)
It looks like you all had a great trip, even if it was hard at times. The family and I were just in Monterrey back in May and I have some remarkably similar pictures of Charlotte from the aquarium. She is still talking about going back…trying to explain to a 2.5 year old that just jumping on a plane for a cross-country flight on a whim is not a good idea doesn’t go over very well, just for the record.
Matt, I’m so happy for you, Maddy and Brooke. The Goodmans and Brooke are amazing! Wishing you and Brooke the best of happiness. Brooke is definitely a strong, understanding woman. She’s a keeper! Thanks for sharing the beautiful pictures and your journey of life. I can not wait for your book and the updates.
So good to catch up. So happy for all 3 of you – especially you. Cheers to bright days in the future – now if I can have a drink at my desk Id be happy.
S
The pictures of you and Maddy standing atop the very same rocks where your Liz once stood made my heart hurt. Hurt for what you and your family have lost, but also hurt for what you have gained. And, you and Maddy have gained so much and for that, I am happy.
Best wishes for a successful Gala in September.
Aw man, I started tearing up at all the pics of you and Maddy and Brooke, tossing Maddy up in the air, such a joyous life and family… There is so much love here. Thank you for sharing it.
You all look like you had an awesome time. I’m only a couple of months new to the site and I already see your Maddy growing so big. She is such a beautiful girl. I just love the pictures. My phone went loco on me so I was only able to see half the photos. When I vet home I’ll see he rest.
P.s. Have you thought about adopting a 29 yr old…ME!!! I have the travel bug and you go to the best places. :0)
Loved hearing all about these adventures! I’m glad you went back to a few of the places you experienced with Liz and created more memories with Maddy there.
Liz’s parents seem so amazing. I’m so happy for you and for them. Brooke has been good for you and Maddy. When I started to read you were going to Vegas, I was sort of waiting for the part where you said you were married by Elvis! Ha!
Can’t wait for the next update!
Those pics that Brooke took of Maddy are awesome!Can’t wait for the book update.
the love story you have lived and are living with liz, maddie, and brooke is so very amazing. i can hardly stand it. as i read this current post my thoughts wandered and at the end of your post, you summed up my thoughts exactly.
i’m pretty damn lucky
to have such
great people in
my life…
such understanding in-laws,
and an understanding
woman in brooke.
Your trip looked like a lot of fun. I’ve been following your blog for a few years and it always makes me feel grateful. Thank you for sharing your perspective.
PS – My youngest is 3.5yrs old and loves to shout echos in large, empty rooms. I giggled when I read that Maddy enjoys it as well.
Love the pictures as always-a lot of them are frame worthy (i.e Flying and you with Maddy at the beginning)
Glad to hear you and Brooke had a nice get away-I wish I had her kind of luck, I always loose.
Best wishes
am i seriously the only one that noticed that you wrote “blow” instead of “blog” when you said you forgot to write about Camp Widow on your blow??!!
LMAO. geez, dude.
Once again Matt you managed to make me cry while reading this. I’m sorry you have now had more wedding anniversaries without Liz than you had with her, fuck indeed. Brooke is amazing, the love she has for you and Maddy is palpable. You, Liz, Brooke and Maddy are always in my thoughts.
Great photos Matt! Maddy is getting so big!
Maddy looks like a miniature replica of your wife. Liz was gorgeous, and Maddy is so beautiful. I love these photos!
uh, i’ll have to fix that. so used to having an editor reading and fixing my shitty writer.
I wish I had known about blogs like this 4 years ago… I think its great that you’ve recorded all of your thoughts and feelings since Liz died. I wish I had done the same! I’m now married with a beautiful baby girl and it was a boyfriend who passed away, not a spouse… but it’s nice to read about how you deal with an anniversary for example or a birthday. It makes me feel a little more normal! It’s just so odd for me, to still be grieving for a dead man but totally in love with a man thats alive… It’s such a weird situation. And by grieving, I want to clarify, I am in no way a basket case 4 years later, but certain days of the year or certain places can hit me pretty hard. Anyway, I just wanted to thank you for putting your incredible writing out there for those of us who have been through a loss to read and identify with. Like I said, I wish I had known about this type of thing when he died, it would have helped alot!
maddy is so gorgeous!! what a beautiful little girl she is growing up to be. the pictures brooke took are amazing because they’re how maddy is when she’s with you.
you have a beautiful family. extended & beyond. x
Amazingly touching update. I love the pics of you and Maddie standing on the rocks where Liz once stood. The time passing reflects in the growth of the trees surrounding the rocks, and it is so sad, but so moving to see how you have not only endured, but you made this amazing life for you and your daughter despite the tragic start. You are an amazing father. I am happy that have happiness in your life again and that you do as much as you can to help others in similar situations.
Two of my friends and I have a picture of us with the Zzyzx sign too. We took it on our way from Vegas to Cali.
I caught my breath when I saw the picture of you and Maddy posed on the same rock Liz was on. There are so many gorgeous pictures here. Can’t wait to hear about the book.
Okay well if we are going to go there…. you said Brooke ONE a few dollars, instead of won.
Not that I noticed.
So happy for you and your family Matt. You are truly surrounded by amazing people. Hug maddy for all of us stranger friends! And can’t wait for the book. SERIOUSLY pumped.
Echo gone. Thanks. Funny that part of your post is about echos. Beautiful pictures, as always.
OH, and bubble gum alley would have made me vomit for sure. How disgusting. HA!
You have a fantastic family…all of them. Brooke has a great eye for the shot…as she probably knows.
I love that you guys celebrated the anniversary all together, even if you did have to eat dinner from a gas station. I’m guessing that Liz is so proud of you and who your daughter is becoming.
Your words and pictures make my heart smile.
I wonder if “Brookie” would ever consider writing about her experiences? On your blog or her own… What’s it like to date a widower – especially one who has been so public with his grief process. She seems so kind and gracious – but it has to be a unique dynamic.
maddy is so so perfect, matt. i know you know that, but really, she’s just gorgeous. so glad you’re happy these days.
Such a great post! Through this hard time, it looks like you had some amazing support! What a blessing!
Oh, my gosh, you have come such a long way! Can’t wait for the next part of the journey!
She is a wonderful story teller indeed… but it sucks you guys all have to deal with monsters at work.
What a great trip matt- I know you are trying to get away to a new place for a reason- and stopping at a location that has meaningful memories of Liz must be a challenge I can only imagine..I am grateful that you DO have these wonderful people surrounding you.
I hope that on some level you realize that these wonderful people who choose to support you and be by your is a testament to what a wonderful person you are.
Let them be a mirror for you- especially the face of that beautiful child you have- and Brooke, I can’t help but think that their happiness is nothing less of a reflection of how much joy you bring to their world’s.
well there is a post that made me smile a ton all the way through even though your typos were pretty bad
and we all love that maddy calls her brookie.
my group of girlfriends have coffee together once a week and talk about you and your blog sometimes. all of us want to see you and maddy have a happy life. you have us hooked and we can’t wait to read your book to learn more! it is incredible that you met brooke and that she is willing and able to go alongside you on even these toughest of dates. surely they are still tough dates but having a loving supporter there hopefully makes them a little more bearable. that can not be easy for her at all. we all like to think she is liz-sent
I can’t believe how far you’ve come Matt. It has been absolutely amazing watching your life pan out the way it has. I’m really happy for you. I’m glad you found companionship in Brooke and it’s nice to know that she cares about Maddy so much. I’m talking like I know you, but I feel like I do. Thank you for sharing your life with all of us…
Nice to see that things are going well for y’all. Maddie is such a cutie.
I had to chuckle when I scrolled through the last photo of you giving away the check. You look…well…respectable? Nice departure from the t-shirt/flannel look
“an editor fixing your shitty writer”, eh?
heh, sorry about that, I had to!
I couldn’t read this post all at once. I had to take a break to stop the tears as I sit at my desk. I miss hearing about liz and seeing her beautiful pictures here. Memories are amazing. You forget they are hanging out there, in your mind, until something triggers one and it all comes flooding back. I’m glad you have so many wonderful memories with your lovely liz:) And that you are making new ones with Maddy and Brooke.
Haven’t commented in a while, but wow, Madeline looked so grown up in those last photos running on the beach… how does the time go so fast? Still doing a fabulous job, Matt. Can’t wait to read the book!
loving the pics as usual! truly happy for all three of you. you’re a very lucky man to have the beautiful brooke in your life. im really happy that maddy has brooke =) I love the way maddy looks at brooke in the photos. so much LOVE.
was reading this thinking, “man, your sweetie must be an incredible being.”
I was so bummed to see that you were in Vegas the same week that I was there and at the same hotel. I never thought that I would have any remote chance of meeting you since I live in London, Ontario (Canada). We were in the same hotel at the same time! Dammit!
I know you probably don’t want blog readers following you around the globe but I missed a sweet opportunity to meet you.
Was the picture of you at the big slot taken at New York, New York? Brooke faired better at the slots than I did. I only ever won $20!
you went to San Luis and didnt eat at Firestones?! it’s the best place almost ever! and i have def. put a few pieces of gum in the bubble gum alley, my best friend went to Cal Poly and I visited from Thousand Oaks several times every year!
I’ve been reading your blog for a little over a year now and I’ve never commented, but this post moved me to tears. I don’t know what it is, but I get so overwhelmed thinking about how amazing it is that people like me who have never met Maddy love her and look forward to updates about her life like she is a family member. It really is a gift that you have so many wonderful people in your life like Liz’s family and Brooke(ie). If you’re ever traveling to or through NC come visit us. We’ll show you a good time!
Great pictures as usual, Matt. Yes you are fortunate to have such good in-laws. You all look so happy to be together. Maddy is such a cute girl.
Those pictures Brooke took of you and Maddy are absolutely brilliant and precious (the last of just Maddy is my favorite). It’s wonderful to see candid shots of you and her together.
You and Maddy both are changing by leaps and bounds! I am very happy for you and delighted that Brooke is in your lives! And that you include Liz’ family in everything you do. Deb is an auntie in the pictures, not a sister, but the love she has when she looks at Maddy is intense and true. (And poignant). I salute how brave and giving each family is to the other.
Thank you so much for allowing me to come along on your journey from the beginning. I am thrilled seeing how it is falling together. Together…a beautiful word to describe your life. I am waiting with bated breath for your book…glad you are sending us an update!
I love the “Jackie” dress. We get compliments on our where ever we go.
Glad all is well! LOL @ bubble gum alley. I think it would’ve made me feel sick too.
Bubble Gum Alley is the grossest thing I’ve ever seen!
Beautiful pictures, Matt!
I’ve followed your blog since Maddy was a newborn! I am so proud of you (even if you don’t know me! ) . You have taught your readers so much about life, love and being a great parent.
As always, love your photography and I’m so happy you have someone like Brooke in your life. Blessings to you! Oh, I forgot to tell you that my new grandaughter looks like Maddy’s twin. Strange…. !
You have such amazing in-laws and the way Brooke is just blows my mind. You are so very fortunate, but I know you already know that. Bubble Gum Alley= gross. For real.
Love, Mere
I’m glad you guys had so much fun. Times they are a changing…
that indoor pool freaked the hell out of me, i still have nightmares. seeing your pics gave me chills.
loved reading about your trip with the goodmans and the fun times you have with brooke. still madly in love with maddy. you are still super awesome.
I recently introduced my boyfriend to my in-laws. And I am so grateful for an understanding family (I can no longer call them my in-laws) and my boyfriend.
Beautiful photos as always.
Matt,
Long time reader but I don’t usually comment, however, I just have to tell you that I can no longer open my computer without my daughters yelling “Maddy”! They just love watching the video on this post and they crack up when Maddy giggles! Seriously, it is the best video and I just love hearing about all of your adventures and watching your cute girl! So happy for all of you and Brooke seems so great! We are MN people, so I’m hoping we can make it to the Gala/Walk in September.
Thanks for keeping my kids (and me) entertained!
Becca
Time and life marches on, and it seems like all of you are doing the same… We don’t know too much about Brooke, but she sure seems like an amazing woman. Beautiful on the inside and out. Can’t wait to hear about the book!
You all have one amazing guardian angel with you.
I think that this is just one very remarkable family. You’re all blessed, and I have to say, how fantastic it is that you are opening Maddie’s eyes to so many different things. I haven’t experienced loss like you have. I have a husband and I can’t even accomplish all the things you do for your children. There’s 2 of us here and we aren’t even as close to being fantastic parents, such as you and your amazing ring of friends and family. You were all meant for each other–and I’m grateful to know you thru this blog.
Just like another commenter mentioned, I would love to know if “Brookie” would share the side of her experience to this beautiful, heartbreaking love story.
Love all of the pics!!! What a neat vacation!! Maddie is getting so big. The Xxyz exit is right outside of my hometown of Barstow!! I miss the desert!!
Will Brooke ever post as a guest. Im curious to hear what her experience has been, her point of view in your life with Maddie and without Liz.
Y’all have been busy! As always, fantastic photos. Can’t wait to hear more about the book!
Happy Anniversary, Matt. What wonderful memories for Maddy on that trip. Love, love, love the pic “So Happy” and the next one. Made me tear up. I only know Liz from here, and man, Maddy looks just like her mother.
And a Happy Birthday Brooke!
I LOVE the pic of Maddy with her hands up in the air! Good job Brooke!
Also, her stories are SO cute!
So happy that you and Brooke got some time away together… and it says a LOT about her that you BOTH were missing Maddy!
The pic of you and Maddy that Brooke took with her pointing reminds me of my all time favorite pic of you two that I put on the CD I sent you. Good job Brooke!!
It’s just so obvious what a beautiful person Brooke is in every way. You can just see it. She exudes warmth and beauty in every way. Be sweet to that one.
All of you are just amazing, beautiful and loving people. Brooke is my new hero, I know she is be rewarded for her strength in countless ways and it’s so obvious that she loves all of you but I’m not sure I’d have her strength and wisdom. I’m just grateful you all have each other as I am sure Liz would be.
Mad respect and love for you guys. And the pictures took my breath away and made me teary. Just beautiful.
Matt, lovely pics and trip. Glad Maddy got to see the aquarium (yes, it is mind-blowing). And she is the queen of the American Apparel stripey hoodie!
Great post. So heartfelt. I’m glad you had such a good time with the Goodmans and that you could get away with Brooke.
Now I have a question as a photographer. I think we have pretty similar cameras and I wanted to ask what lens and setting Brooke used to capture those pictures of you and Maddy where she is in the purple striped hoodie? I especially love the one where Maddy looks like she is floating in the air with her arms over her head. The color reads beautifully on those shots and the depth and dimensionality in the photos is quite extraordinary. I’m guessing she finessed some settings and I’d love to know what she did. I used to teach photography and I am still kind of confounded by everything my Nikon D90 can do.
Finally, where do you get Maddy’s clothes? They are just too darn cute! They are definitely not the run-of-the-mill Target and Carter’s duds that I dress my kids in. Teagan already has quite a wardrobe, but none of it is as unique as Maddy’s.
Hope to see you around the L.A. soon.
I have to admit its been awhile since I stopped by your page…My 27 year old sister passed away suddenly leaving behind a 3 year old daughter and the grieving process is a hard road as you can imagine.
I now live in Nova Scotia, but I am actually from San Luis Obispo so thats why this entry called my name to be posted on. I was in Morro Bay 4 weeks ago, siting with my other sister reminiscing about our sister that passed away. Its such a beautiful part of California, San Simeon is gorgeous and serene too. I love the Monterey Bay Aquarium, to this day it is one of my favorite spots to visit. So thank you for bringing me a bit of home when I needed it tonight.
I am so glad to see how well Maddy is growing, I have been reading from the beginning and this is my first comment.
In malaysia..we get back seasons of Oprah..but i faithfully watch though i know we r so so so so behind time…n that is where i heard about u n maddy n liz….i was tearing up so bad that i quickly search for your blog..Now..i will be in a journey to learn n to know….i am looking fwd to it…
Happy anniversary…n happy birthday to Brooke…
Asalamu Alaykom,
Loved the Hearst Castle pics. ROSEBUD! OK, so there wasn’t a sled in sight but really nice digs.
The best pic, however, was Maddy in her purple hoodie pointing to the right place. She knows the way now! Good for her!
And she rightfully knows the star of the show when she asks for stories about herself. Have you ever tell her THE story of Liz’s passing? For me, I’ve always found that incredibly hard info being told to a child is actually easy once you do it. They are only told a little but are told in simple honesty and they comprehend as they grow.
Other hard question I’ve got is this: what happens now when you get in your remembering moods? I’m thinking of how you revisited that scenic overlook (and of course another beautiful pic of Your Liz). Do you share your inner thoughts with Brooke in that moment? Do you get silent? Does she catch on? Read your mind? How do you navigate the reality of thinking of the past while trying to build a future with someone new?
Sending you all the best wishes from the Pyramids. May God’s blessings keep flowing your way.
It’s been over a year since I’ve been to your site (don’t ask…lol), and OMG has Maddy grown!!! She is just the spitting image of her mama.
The picture of Maddy looking at the cow at the aquarium just made me laugh. Classic. You’re looking well, Matt. You really are.
I know you wrote this post awhile back, its been a few months since I had the strength to come look at your site. My 27 year old sister suddenly passed away on July 31st due to a heart problem no one knew she had. She left behind a 3 year old daughter that my mother is now raising. I was so surprised when I clicked on this entry and saw pictures of where I am from. I grew up in Paso Robles, Morro Bay and San Simeon are some of my favorite places to visit. Living all the way in Sydney, Nova Scotia now any pictures I can get of the California coast are great! Thank you for this entry and for giving a bit of strength to me in this hard time of grieving.