girls weekend in Portland

Mom and Grandma came to Portland for a girls weekend.  We got lucky and had decent weather the whole weekend!  Grandma grew up in Portland and that's where her whole family was.  We spent most of the weekend driving around her old neighborhoods, looking at her old houses and she told us where all of her family used to live.  She just has one cousin left in Portland now, but I could tell it was a lot of fun for her to remember the good ol' days in the city.  I took some pictures while we were out and about and just downloaded a new editing program, so this is the first time working with it.  I like it, it's called Photoscape.  Can give a nice vintage feel to the photos which is my favorite look.  I am certainly looking forward to taking some photography classes this summer and see where that takes me.

Grandma standing next to her old Presbyterian Church

Downtown Presbyterian Church

Uncle Robert and Uncle Bill's house

My favorite sculpture in Uncle Robert's house

who can shake??!!

mmmmmm, coffee!  we had PLENTY of delicious Portland coffee and yummy food over the weekend

I like the way this photo turned out with the vintage wallpapaer

Family & Friends Lovin' Grandpa Bob

It's hard to lose someone you love.  We all know that.  But when times are tough and you come to that place where you must say goodbye, there is no better way to celebrate someone's life than by getting together with everyone who is going to miss that special soul and sharing the love.  .....and that's just what Merrill did... We told stories about Grandpa, talked about his silly habits, the Plum Pretties had a singing reunion, we gave hugs, shed a few tears, and most importantly we all got the chance to smile and laugh a little after a long tough couple of weeks.  Oh, and my nephew Kayden held nothin' back while sharing his special talent with us all~posing for the camera!  And these are just half of the pictures I have of him from my roll that night.  It's actually quite good to know that at least one person with Trotman genes is photogenic!

Everyone Celebrate (cause some of us are Irish!)

St. Patrick's Day 2011.  Celebrated on 21st Ave. in Portland.  Started at this fun little Irish pub called O'Brien's and made our way up and down, and up and down, the street! ;D  Had such a good time visiting, meeting new people, listening to Irish bands, and of course I danced my best Irish jig, and even tried my darndest to sing along to some Irish ballads I didn't actually know the words to.   

Grandpa Bob

Robert (Bob) Trotman July 24, 1927-March 31, 2011

On this day, July 31, 1949, I present to you Mr. & Mrs. Bob & Joan Trotman



Father of the bride. August 28, 1978

"There are two lasting bequests we can give our children. One is roots. The other is wings."
~Hodding Carter, Jr.
thank you grandpa for giving mom both of these!

Grandpa didn't really believe in saying "I love you", but he showed his love in other ways. 

Grandpa left me the valuable lesson of genuinely listening to others. He also believed in the power of knowledge and believe me, he practiced what he preached.  Grandpa never went a day without reading, and asking questions.  He was always so alert, curious, and inquisitive.  Being the conversationalist that he was, Grandpa would hardly let you out of his sight until he'd had the chance to quiz you on what was new and what you knew.  He was truly interested and intrigued by what the world had to teach him, and by what you had to say.  He asked questions because he wanted to HEAR your answers.  Grandpa would listen, digest the information and add it to his life as he saw fit, and then, in true modest form, he would take such joy in passing what he had learned onto another.  A very noble man in this respect, Grandpa was a teacher of many sorts.  His genuine interest in what others had to say sparked yet another important perception, which is, that one should always speak with integrity…because someone is ALWAYS listening!

  I showed my love for him by answering every question he had for me, listening to what he had to say, and doing my best to carryout what advice he had to offer...& saying "I Love You" ;)   

Grandpa Bob & his Potato Princesses.  He excelled in being a respectful community member.  Merrill will always be grateful for Grandpa and his years of service, they will miss him dearly for his devotion.  

Happy 50th Wedding Anniversary! July 1999

Even though Grandpa tried all of our patience a time… or ten…or in Grandma’s case, probably twenty… Grandpa Bob did everything with such care and precision, regardless of how long it took him.  Believe me, there were PLENTY of occasions when we thought he would NEVER be done with a project.  Needless to say, Grandpa never failed to prove us wrong and when he finished the project he had begun, on his time of course, he took great pride in completing the task.  He taught us what it was to be dedicated, have perseverance, and that confidence is easily gained by finishing what you set out to do.   

Grandpa's first two grandchildern to graduate high school.  LRHS graduation, June 2001

Just back from Ecuador, @ Matt & Kolene's wedding, 2009.

Oh Grandpa Bob, I am going miss you so much.  Thank you for continuing to teach us over the years.  And just as Grandpa Ed’s face and voice pops into my head at the most interesting times, I know yours will too as the years go on, which guarantees that you both will keep me on my toes for as long as I live.  After all, a Grandpa is just something you never outgrow your need for.  You might have left us physically Grandpa, but nothing can take you away spiritually.  Nothing can ever take away the importance of our relationships, our memories, or our Grandfathers love.