Our Trip to Wisconsin

Last Thursday we left for an 8 hour drive to Waupaca, Wisconsin, where my mom's mom's funeral would be held. Grandma Grace lived to the age of 79, and we were glad that she was able to leave near us for the last year and a half of her life (she lived in WI for the rest of her life).

Mom was on the phone and her e-mail constantly the previous week, preparing for the funeral. It was rather unexpected, so mom and her brothers had a lot to do. Thankfully everything fell together well, and the funeral was absolutely beautiful. While it was hard to see grandma gone, we rejoiced in her life, and in the fact that we know where she is.

The best part of our trip was seeing all the relatives!! It was sad that grandma's death is what brought us together, but it was wonderful seeing people we hadn't seen in years! Mom's brothers are so funny, and it was awesome getting to know our cousins better. Since grandma was always joking, and since we were there to celebrate her life, we knew she'd be okay with us having a good time together. :-)

Here's some pictures . . .

Lydia and cousin Katie

 

Mom and "Grandma" Renate, who was like a second mother to my mom. In the background is the cabin that Grandpa built (he passed away in 1997).

 

Daniel and Ethan out on Spencer Lake, where mom and her five older brothers have all their best childhood memories

 

Cousins Jordan, Mindy, and Katie out for a ride

 

Mom and Aunt Jan, her sister-in-law

 

Yes, Jordan, Caleb and Lydia were out on the canoe and . . . it tipped (don't ask who did it!!). Thankfully it was nice out for November (maybe 50 degrees) so they were able to run back to the lodge and jump in a hot shower. Jordan was wearing a heavy wool coat, and Caleb had to dive for his glasses, but they all made it out fine . . . and made a good memory in the process!

 

The graveside service after the funeral

 

Taking a family walk down by the lake

 

Me with my great cousins!! Rachael and Kaylyn . . .

 

and Katie, Mindy and Jordan.

 

I'll make you guess who's in this picture . . . except for my most hilarious Uncle Al in the front! :-)

 

Mom with four of her brothers

 

Yes, the baby of the family (and the ONLY girl!) does get picked on!

 

After breakfast we looked at pictures that Jordan took with his awesome camera (that he's giving me for Christmas!!!) :-)

 

Mom with two of her beautiful sister-in-laws - Connie and Jan.

 

I thought I'd give you all a little timeline in pictures, so here goes.

This is my grandma on her wedding day. Isn't she beautiful?

 

This is the whole family - yes, mom is the baby! :-)

 

Mom and Uncle Al being silly with grandma

 

Mom as a young lady

 

And a three-generation picture of mom, grandma and I

 

I love you grandma! I'm looking forward to seeing you again! :-)