From Jenna

I don't feel like I have time right now to write all my thoughts so this may be a post in progress.

What a treat to spend time with Uncle Bill over the years. The summer I lived with Masma and Paspa I remember him coming by their house and mentioning he had just purchased the new Porsche Boxer! We were standing in the kitchen, and I was so excited to see the car I headed straight for the door. "Oh, I don't have the car. I paid my money to get on the waiting list. I'll get the car in (6 or 10 months)." I don't remember how long. Wow, I had never heard of buying a spot on a waiting list for a car. Pretty cool.

In the last few years we've been able to coax Uncle Bill out here to ski a couple of times. I don't believe he had a laptop on his first visit and although I think he did on the second visit, I don't remember seeing it out much. This is very atypical behavior for a McAllister visiting. He'd sit on the stool in the kitchen with his back leaning against the wall and just chat all evening with all of us. I'm sure he observed some crazy things from our family. He'd made verbal observations like "he's seeing how far he can go." "He's testing the waters." He had some other accurate one liners. He talked about how in life there things we can control and things we can't and to make the best of it. He often pitched in to sweep the floor or help clean up after dinner. On his ski days we rarely saw him, since we do have the "best snow on earth."

In 2010, Uncle Bill was here during the winter Olympics. We don't have cable and at that time we didn't have the converter box for digital stations. Uncle Bill offered to go to Radio Shack and pick one up so we could all watch the games. He did. When he returned we realized we also needed a new antenae to make the box work so Bill patiently returned to Radio Shack to buy some. I'm not the best hostess. It was very nice to watch the Olympics all together and he told us of several events that his boys had done that we were watching on TV.

It was awesome to have Uncle Bill and Uncle Peter at the family reunion. They were so patient with us, and I enjoyed the times to visit.

We tried to send Uncle Bill some cards and keep in touch in the last couple of years and instead of writing back (which he didn't need to do), he would call us every now and then. As my family knows, I'm not very good about picking up the phone myself to keep in touch, so him taking the time to call us meant a lot.

When I heard Uncle Bill had passed away, I thought of how wonderful the reunion with his parents and loved ones was that day. Uncle Bill endured a lot, especially in the last 6 months of his life and Joey and Nathan, Patty, and Dad were so good to him it just gave my heart peace. I'm sure there were others who eased his load. Thank you, thank you.

Love you Uncle Bill!

(sent a few weeks ago)
May 15th, 2011



Dear Uncle Bill:


You are a good man. We have not had the opportunity to live close, but I’ve always enjoyed connecting with you over the years. I remember early on you taking me and Scott for a ride around Masma’s and Paspa’s in your Jeep. I think I remember because we didn’t wear seat belts for some reason... it was just a ride around the block. I remember visiting you in San Jose and you having your long red old surf board that I think we used at a family reunion once or twice. I remember the time you and Joey and Nathan came to Pajaro Dunes. That was probably one of the best memories I had as a kid with our families. I remember visiting the grandparents and always having a chance to see you while I was in town. I really enjoyed going out to dinner when I was in SJC for business a few years ago.... that was the visit that really turned me on to sashimi salmon.. yum. It was great being able to have you and Peter at the family reunion in Utah. That was a ton of kids, but a good time. It was a good trip to Tahoe and the California coast to scatter Masma’s ashes. It was great to see my cousins. I was so glad I could make the trip down to Joey’s wedding. That was a great weekend and really nice to be with you guys and Dad.

You’ve taught me to try and take things as the come and focus on those things you can control. You have been a good example about enjoying all the fun outdoor activities of life, which I too enjoy. Someday I may try wind surfing... at the moment my wife would kill me if I brought home another “toy”. I don’t think I have the body strength, but I’m sure it’s an awesome work out.

Bill, know that you are loved. I have a very real belief that life does not end after death. I personally have the image in my mind that once the curtains of this life are closed and the life hear after opened, we will be surprised how familiar everything is. I believe we continue to learn and progress. I think about those people who we have loved that have passed on before being their waiting for us.

If you pass before me, I expect you to be waiting there for me and I’ll do the same for you.

Your are a great man with a lasting legacy.

Love you Uncle Bill.

a few Uncle Bill memories

My freshman year of high school I had the chance to stay a few days with Uncle Bill.  I don't recall why, but I know it was my freshman year because I was wearing my molded back brace.  I remember enjoying the cool breeze and freezing water at Coyote Point while watching Uncle Bill windsurf.  I remember sitting in the front seat of his white Porsche Boxter wizzing down the highway at dusk and being amazed as big airplanes landed directly over head.  I remember going mini golfing with his girlfiend.  Uncle Bill was always very easy to talk to and enjoyable to be around.  I'm glad I have these one on one memories, as well as those while he was hanging with the fam... like at our reunion in 2009 (pictured below).  Thanks Uncle Bill.  Love you and miss you.
- Geoff 

 

 

 

 

McEaster

We took James to Maxey Park Saturday afternoon to play with Easter eggs and the ducks.  We had a fun time.  

 

 

Happy Easter

We enjoyed a warm Easter Sunday in our new back yard in Lubbock. We hope you enjoyed your Easter as well!

video: James' blessing trip

3 months!

So much has changed in the past month! James Brigham is really growing and changing so much everyday. We thought he was a smiley boy before, but now, OH MY! He loves to smile and isn't shy about it. He's even laughing, but still not the real laugh he does during his sleep sometimes. We're still waiting for that :).

He likes to stand up and boy does he love to chat with mom and dad. Several nights I am in tears laughing so hard...he is just too cute and I love his little coos, gurgles, squeals, and singing. It makes it so hard for us to go to work everyday. A few days ago he woke up when I was getting ready for work and just talked to me from his crib as I got ready to leave.

Bath time is still his favorite part of the day. He is starting to kick around and play in the bath. I think he is going to love swimming!

He can hold his head up now and loves to look around now that he can see more.



Lazy Sunday morning. James and Dad sleep in while Mom gets ready for church. During the week Geoff wakes up to feed James, then they both go back to sleep for a couple hours. What a life ;). But, Geoff is also the one to stay up at night with baby.



Sunday morning chat with momma. The first 10 seconds are the cutest, then he decides to stop talking & just eats his hands. He is learning what his hands can do and to stick everything in his mouth.



Looking handsome in his new church outfit!