In Belleville...

Yesterday evening was my Grandmother's funeral... and I was there! :)

Last Wendnesday, after we had found out that my Grandma had passed away, David encouraged me to come back to the States. He wanted me to be able to attend Grandma's funeral, as well as to spend some time with my family. We really wish that we would have all been able to come, but that would have been too much for us. So, we decided that Micah and I would come.

Micah had a doctor's appointment for his hips scheduled on Thursday, so the earliest we could fly was on Friday. (By the way, Micah's hip appointment was just a quick one, as they just adjusted the brace he is wearing.) David and the girls took Micah and I to the airport early Friday morning, and after an 8 hour flight and a 3 hour car drive, we made it to Belleville. Overall, Micah did a great job traveling. He didn't sleep as much as I was hoping for, and had a few more dirty diapers than I'd wish for, but he did great. Actually, it was so relaxing and "easy" for me, as I could totally just concentrate on him, and not have to attend to two other little ones as well!

Did I mention that we suprised my parents? Actually, the whole family. I decided that I wouldn't tell anyone, as they were all busy with funeral plans, and I didn't want them to be distracted, or even busier, with us coming. So, I just told my siblings, and my sister picked me up at the airport. Of course, my parents were SO surprised! At first, I was worried about my dad, as when he saw Micah and I, he just threw up his arms and sat down! But, he was o.k. :)

I'm so glad I was able to come (thanks David!!!). Yesterday was a very special day for me, as it was spent with the extended family. Grandma's funeral was short and sweet... just the way she would have liked it, I'm sure. I've had such a wonderful time being with all my aunts and uncles and cousins again. Actually, I don't think I have laughed so much in quite a while! We've had such fun reminiscing about our childhood with Grandma. At times I thought, I shouldn't be laughing so much... but then I'd think that Grandma would have liked it that way. I remember that whenever she had seen us grandkids having fun together, she would just laugh and laugh along with us. :)

Micah and I are planning on being here for a week. As it was such a long trip for us, we need to stay more than just a couple of days, yet I miss my David and girls way too much to stay much longer. I'm so thankful for this opportunity to be here. And I'm so thankful for my sweet husband who encouraged me to come, and is doing such a wonderful job taking care of our daughters back in Germany.