Finding the Fun in Funeral

The title isn't meant to be irreverent. It's what I think we really managed to accomplish over what could have been a very difficult weekend of saying goodbye to Granma Jane. And to my dorky self that loved history class, it's the perfect example of how life events (births, weddings, and funerals) are things that bring families together. We all gathered together for the weekend to celebrate Granma Jane's life and to say goodbye to her in our own ways. Though it could have been a sad weekend - and believe me, there were plenty of tears shed - it was absolutely wonderful to have all of us together, just focused on being a family. What a great parting gift from Granma!

There were, of course, pictures taken. Not tons, because we were just busy being together, but enough to capture the weekend. Here you go...

Everyone arrived on Friday. We looked through Granma's jewelry on Friday night and had a "who can put on the most" contest since Granma had favored heavy beaded necklaces. If mom will send me a picture, I'll post it!

Then Saturday was the service down in Southern Pines. We all dressed up for it. All the girls (me, Lacey, Katie) wore jewelry of Granma's. I thought I put a Granma necklace on Eliza (doesn't she look cute?!) but turns out it was just something Lacey had brought from home. Oh well, the thought was still there. And she wore it ALL day!
The kids were amazing. Jay actually took a nap back at the apartment during the service and Hayden had quiet time watching a movie (her first time watching a movie in one sitting!). Eliza kept Jason busy running around the big room. The rest of us attended the service. Dad got to speak, there were tears. I'll leave it at that. Then there was a reception afterwards.

Charlotte slept thru most of it (after sleeping on Lacey during the service!)

Eliza snacked on lemons.

Hayden did some laughing.
And we got a wonderful family photo, thanks to the photography of Uncle Jay and Aunt Jane, who came all the way down from Pennsylvania.
Back at the house, there was more fun and games. Hayden sucked Aunt Jane into her "read me a story now" vortex (Aunt Jane even put her to bed!). The older cousins chilled out on the couch. The younger cousins both enjoyed the exersaucer and Eliza drank lots of milk.
We spent a lot of time over at my parents' house, so we could all be together. We solved the problem of 7:30 bedtimes by putting our kids to bed at Grandma and Poppop's and then whisking them home in the middle of the night. This worked much better than expected. I still don't think Hayden remembers being transferred. This allowed for group bedtime activities like bubble baths and naked dance parties on the bed! (there are more dance party pics but they aren't quite appropriate for public consumption!)

On Sunday, we just all hung out together. We went for a walk as a group. Hayden showed her stubborness by wanting to go for a walk with everyone, but refusing to actually walk. We had left out stroller at home, so all we had was a random extra stroller my parents had acquired. Turns out that stroller is not made for a 3 1/2 year old, but that didn't stop Hayden from riding in it. Sing with me... "fat guy in a little stroller...." She looked so funny, especially with a huge frowny face!
Jay was not interested in riding in a stroller, he prefered to run at all times. Until he got tired, heading up a fairly steep hill, he had wanted to explore. So he did what we all do when we get tired - sit down. In the middle of the street. Got to love three year olds!!!
That night there was more family time at my parents' house. Eliza tried on Jay's shoes again, and posed for a cute photo with Poppop (I think he bribed her with chex mix). The adults even played another round of Michigan Rummy after the kids went to bed.
Though the circumstances that inspired it were sad, I think we all had a great weekend. I constantly thought how much fun it would be to have been able to tell Granma all about our shenanigans. Hopefully she and Granpa were able to enjoy it from above, laughing and smiling at all our antics. We will miss you!