Family Gathering

Grandma Kottich passed away this week, so we went to Falls City to celebrate her life and be with family. It was fun to listen to stories about her and learn more about Logan's family. 

I didn't know her for long...only 8 years...but she was a LOT like my Grandma Irene and it didn't take me long to figure her out. She was easy to talk to, and would tell stories of you asked. She would give her opinion whether you asked or not! :) She loved my husband and our little boys. I wish Elias could have met her. 

My favorite memory of her was one summer on the farm. We were spending the weekend and the pear tree was heavy with pears. We picked and picked and picked. When I brought the pears inside I asked Grandma what she used to do with all those pears. She said Walter liked preserves and bread at every meal, so she canned most of them. The cherries too. I asked her if she would like to make pear crisp with me, so we spent the afternoon making two pear crisps. While we worked I asked her other questions about the farm, Walter, and their kids. It was fun to listen to her talk about being at home and having young kids because that's what I'm doing, and our experiences were so different in so many ways. 

This was our first two hour drive with everyone and the drive down went great. The drive home was a little harder but not bad. 

Uncle Steve hosted us all during the day and he did a very impressive job. He was hosting at least 16+ people for quite a few days in a row. We felt very taken care of and welcome. Despite missing grandma, we had a very nice visit. 

We swam a total of 7 hours in three days. 

Augustine played all his favorite games in the pool, and went down Big Blue more times than I could count. 

Lewis explored every nook and cranny of the pool and had a great time learning how the pumps work. He was a good swimmer too!

Elias was not outside much. It was very hot and sunny so we took turns inside with him. He did go poolside long enough to take this cute photo. (Forgive me...the flip flops were on clearance for $2! I couldn't resist...they match the hat!)

I bribed them with snacks every time they needed more sunscreen. 

My view from inside when I was on baby duty. Sometimes it was lovely to be inside with a sleeping baby all to myself...a break from being social...but sometimes it was lonely. Steve has lots of beautiful family photos throughout his house, so I enjoyed looking at them all while I walked Elias to sleep. I also enjoyed his tv...it is Shark Week you know ;) 

One afternoon everyone dispersed for naps, but we didn't put our boys down because then bedtime would have been too hard, so we all snuggled up in the living room and watched shark shows. At one point I asked Augustine if the show was scaring him, to which he replied, "Why would this scare me Mom? I'm five and a half!" My mistake. 

They are so big. I can't believe they were the first babies. 

One afternoon I helped a little at Grandma's apartment. Kathleen wanted Grandma's clothes folded nicely to donate so I worked on the clothes. It was a little way I could actually contribute. Kathleen let me keep one of Grandma's scarves. Meanwhile, Elias played cards with the Grandfriends and charmed the heck out of them. 

One of the kindest gesture you can make to a weary Momma is offering to hold her baby so she can eat. Especially when her husband is taking care of the big brothers. Steve did just that and I was so grateful. As he finished his sandwich he said, "You know what we're gonna do next Stella? We're gonna hold Elias so Lynn can have some lunch!" Steve's girls do the same thing...whenever I needed a bay holder their arms were open and their smiles were a mile wide. It was like having my own parents and sisters around. 

Logan on baby duty while I swam with the big boys. I think Logan and I finally have our groove with having an infant. Third times a charm. 

He was a trooper about all the pink things, and Elias didn't mind either. ;)

We always have to run over to the park at least once because it has a fire truck. Lewis is really into water towers now so they checked that out too. 

Hands down, photo of the year!

Elias' first trip to the farm was a success! He kept his normal routine which is a big plus. (Again with the pink.)

This kid! He was in high school when I was assistant coordinator for Diocesan Youth Ministry...and now he's a transitional deacon! What?! Congrats Deacon Cole! He was also Logan's disciple for one week. Then he went to the sem. 

Logan was honored to be a pallbearer. Grandma's funeral Mass was peaceful and beautiful. Eternal rest grant unto thee O Lord and let perpetual light shine upon her!