This and that and saying goodbye

The passing of my grandmother was totally unexpected.  Marc and I actually had plans to be in Washington D.C. for a  dinner this past weekend, but all of that was cancelled.  We drove part way to Virginia on Friday and stayed in South Carolina.  Even though we got there late we let the children swim a little to get out some energy. 

Tucker is never without his space encyclopedias. 

We tried to put the three amigos in the sofa bed.  It worked for a while. 

But eventually restless Charlie ended up in our bed.  It was hard to wake him up- all the traveling wore him out. 

We arrived in Virginia on Saturday and went first to the funeral home to see Memaw.  Then we stayed at Pawpaw's house all day and met cousins we'd never met before.  We were touched by how many people showed up that we haven't seen in over 20 years.  It tells you how loved Memaw and Pawpaw are. 

Their church was amazing- we had more food than we could ever eat.  They brought us a lasagna dinner on Saturday night and then the ladies hosted a 10 a.m. brunch on Sunday.  We came in our church clothes from the hotel.  The boys tried to keep their clothes in good shape, but they couldn't resist playing with "light saber" sticks. 

The funeral was lovely.  It was in the Baptist Church they've been members of for almost 40 years.  Memaw and Pawpaw were married for 66 years- what an accomplishment. 

Memaw was an artist- she painted, smocked, crocheted, knitted, sculpted.  Her home is filled with her beautiful art pieces- mine is too.  She had her masters degree and taught art at various places.  She played the piano, golfed and loved the beach.  She had wonderful taste and bought me some of my most beautiful clothes when I was little.  She loved to play games- she was in a bridge club for 40 years.  She taught me to play rummy, and I have happy memories of playing Clue with her and her sister.  She played Bingo with my children.

She was a world traveler.  Pawpaw was in international sales and when he would be working she would ride the trains and tour the museums by herself.   She was quite a lady.  And most of all- she loved us.  She was proud of us and loved us with all her heart. 

Memaw with her four grandchildren and their spouses-

We will miss you Memaw.

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Marc had work in Philadelphia on Tuesday so he flew straight from Virginia on Monday.  That meant Mommy had to drive the 10 hours home with the children.  We left on Sunday night and got about 3 hours down the road and stayed in a hotel.  I was nervous, but it really went great.  The children were great- so well behaved!  They went straight to sleep and we got up and had breakfast in the hotel. 

We drove and drove- Marky stayed in the front seat and talked with me to keep me company.  :)  We had a lot of life lessons on that ride.  (As an aside, I taught them all the books of the Old Testament on the ride up- I never waste a car trip!)

When we got to Atlanta there was a terrible accident blocking FIVE LANES of traffic downtown.  We were stuck- and starving.  So we stopped at Atlantic Station and had lunch at California Pizza Kitchen.  Again, the children were so well behaved- they helped me figure out how and where to park and were calm and quiet when I was stressed.  :) 

We got home Monday evening.  Tuesday morning when we went to art class Tucker wanted to wear Marky's Chewbacca sweatshirt.  It was so cute- he was telling everyone, "oh my big brother let me wear this.  This is my big brother's."  :)

By the way, rolled up in his hands was his "planet chart."  It has the planets and how many rings and moons they have.  He was taking it to art to show his friends.  "I know they will love it," he said.  :)

Yesterday afternoon I heard hammering coming from the playhouse.  I went to investigate. 

I asked what he was doing.  He said, "I am simply nailing up my bulls-eye for the bulls-eye club I am founding."  I got many details on the club- they only use slingshots and pebbles and keep good records on points.  You sign up by "simply sign the list on my clipboard."  :)  Marky said, "Oh- I have a slingshot."  Tucker said, "That's perfect- would you like to join my club?"   :)  Sissy is going to be secretary and keep records on her clipboard.  :)

Marky started rowing team yesterday.  He went to rowing camp last summer and really loved it so we let him join the team this spring.  It's such a peaceful sport. 

And this is what happens when Daddy leaves his phone in the car this morning after swim team.  They love to text me selfies.  :)

Landin's visit Saturday and Sunday

Saturday we had to go to the church to get our family picture for the directory in the morning, so we decided to go right down the street to the science center and spend the day.

We went to an IMAX movie on Sharks-

Saturday night we had dinner and dessert and watched the movie Flicka.  :)  Sunday we spent the morning relaxing.  The children worked and skits and plays.

The Knight and the Dragon-

In this skit they enlisted Zaza, Daddy, Tucker, Charlie and Julia to be the walls, ceiling and door of the candy shop-



Taking a bow-

Then we got ready and took Zaza to the airport before heading to church.