Weekend Three (Days 18, 19 and 20)

Jake had a three-day weekend, so it counts.

Friday and Saturday

We spent Friday and Saturday paying a final tribute to Aunt Paula with a couple really nice gatherings. Friday night we had a family carpool to Macomb...and let me tell you, seven Smiths in a car is about six too many. We were positively giddy by the car ride home. We're talking blaring 80's metal, windows rolled down, farting, tickling, and of course...plenty of Words With Friends. But it was nice to see family and to remember what a wonderful life Paula had. It was nice, too, to have Aunt Megan home for the weekend. We made a stop at Buffalo Wild Wings where we got to enjoy Jeff and Jake breaking out in a sweat while eating. I have never understood the concept of pain-inducing food....but whatever! It was a nice night.

Saturday morning we were back in Macomb for Paula's funeral. It was a wonderful tribute to a wonderful woman...and Justin gave one of the best memorials to a mother that any child could ever give. I know from experience how hard that can be, and I was in awe of his grace. Stella was...hmmm, how do I say this...less than graceful during the ceremony. She was especially - amazing - during her rousing rendition of "On Eagle's Wings." Larry put it best though...Paula would have loved it.



We had a wonderful luncheon with family at the church, and then headed home for a restful day of moving furniture and a great lasagna dinner courtesy of Cathie and Megan!

Sunday

The rain held off long enough for the Smith's to venture to Springfield for the Old Capitol Art Fair and the First Annual Gay Pride Fest. It actually turned into a beautiful day! Jake and I didn't purchase anything (although I did take the card of a guy who did amazing handpainted photo collages...I fell in love with a Wizard Of Oz one and will probably wind up getting one!) but Stella did pick out a lovely painting of a Mexican market scene from the kid's tent. Jake and I were sort of in awe of the whole thing. This wonderfully nice woman just took Stella by the hand and led her through the tent. We had to wait outside! We couldn't imagine WHAT the heck Stella would get. And she didn't let us down! I guess there were no pictures of ballerina cows.

We met up with Aunt Ria for lunch and hung out at the Gay Pride party where we saw lots of good friends. Stella proudly rocked her rainbow dress and danced to the band. It was a lot of fun and I was really proud of Springfield for the great turnout!


Made it home late in the day where Jake prepared an awesome dinner. Meatloaf. Stella ate more of it than we did. It's amazing how much this kid freaking loves meatloaf. And how much I freaking love her.

Another week ahead...