#thankyouandfarewell

[vantarn]

A little creepy #photoshoot but it looks cool anw ~~~ #lastshoot by Rei #thankyouandfarewell #wishyouallthebest❤️ https://www.instagram.com/p/ByVnZ9hlDW_/?igshid=ce9tj3g7s17n

[rsknopfjr]

Today was the grand finale to a beloved family tradition. Almost 30 years ago, my parents wanted to do something special for Christmas Day. They started taking our family to the French Quarter in Perrysburg for Christmas lunch. My father looked forward to this all year. It was a special treat for an educator and his family...no matter if money was tight a particular year, my parents made sure there was always enough saved and set aside to make this happen. After my mother passed, the entire family still went to this lunch and set a place at the table in her memory. After my father passed, my siblings and I went with our families to remember and honor his memory. Theresa and I decided long ago to continue this tradition. Every year we go...and every year we take photos at the tree in the lobby. It is interesting to see how everyone has changed from the previous years. It was great having the girls back together today. We don't get together a lot, but listening to them talk about their lives, their futures and how Theresa and I can be there for them...well, it was wonderful to see how the girls have blossomed into special young women. The meal is a small part of what makes it special...what makes it a memory is being with my family. Since I started attending, the following has happened in my life: ▫️got married ▫️had two beautiful children ▫️oldest on her own with a job she loves ▫️ youngest getting ready to graduate with her masters ▫️both my parents passed away I always said that after I am gone, I hope they remember how much this has meant to me and decide to carry on the tradition. With the closing of the French Quarter, I need to understand that it is not the location that matters. Meals and presents may come and go, but the memories that are made by a family last a lifetime...and much longer. #merrychristmas #christmas2018🎄🎅🎁 #thanksmomanddad❤️ #KnopfFamily 👨‍👩‍��‍👧 #tradition #ThankYouandFarewell (at Holiday Inn Perrysburg French Quarter) https://www.instagram.com/p/Br037yGFwOl/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1hzc6wyydgu33