Family is important!

Grandpa's funeral was great! Sad, of course, but wonderful to see so many relatives and friends from far away. We were able to spend a lot of fun time with Adam's older sister family who came form Colorado. The kids were all thrilled to have a sleepover with their cousins! We got to spend some fun times in very close quarters with Adam's family in his parents townhome.

The family viewing for Grandpa was Monday night. It was uncanny how closely Grandpa resembled Sam. Trade Grandpa's blue eyes for Sam's brown and, well that's probably why Grandma Great is always telling us what a handsome boy Sammy is. :) It will be fun to watch Sam grow up and see how close the resemblance remains.

Grandpa Great was in the Navy so he had military honors performed graveside. That was neat to witness. After the 21-gun slute, Sam turned to us and practically yelled, "Whoa! That was AAWWSome!"

He was quite a little character throughout the very long day. He drew more than one half-concelaed smile or chuckle from fellow mourners. Right before the service was held in the chapel, all family gathered for a family prayer and the closing of the casket. Adam's Uncle gave a very touching prayer. Right after he finished and in that little silence after amen, Sam burst out with "That was a very long, long, long prayer!" And later when we got out at the cemetary Sam was walking past gravestones with Adam, stepping one foot on each as he passed. As his foot would hit, he'd say "He's dead!" And then on the next, "This one's dead. They're all dead!" all the way to where Grandpa's remains would be laid to rest. Finally, at the luncheon after all of this, was getting food plates for everyone while Adam watched the kids at the table. i was half way down the food table and Sam yells across the cultural hall, "Mom what's taking SO long?! I am starving!!!" I considered bringing him back a plate of just plain salad--hee hee.

No, they really did a fantastic job of being on their very best behavior. Grandma Great told me they were wonderful and she was very glad we all came--family is important!