Connecticut/New York Trip - Part I

My Aunt Beverly passed away on June 20th. She was the oldest sister and the last remaining sibling of my mother. It feels surreal and a bit lost that all these incredible matriarchs are simply gone. :( 

 

Our family decided that the best plan was for Brock and me to travel to Connecticut for the celebration of life, while Brent and Kade would stay home.

We landed at JFK early Monday morning and headed straight to White Plains to visit with Katherin and Claire. She welcomed us with a huge brunch spread - quiche, sausages, bagels, rolls, fruit, and macaroons - Aunt Beverly would have thoroughly enjoyed. 

We made it a family affair and rented an Airbnb with Brian, Nancy & Maddox. After dropping off our suitcases at the house, we convinced Nancy to head to Stew Leonard's to explore and find something to make for dinner.

Checking out "how they carton the milk"!

I think Maddox remembered a few of these things from his trip two years ago with Kade! Brock was sweet and let him push the buttons (he would not have done that for his brother!).

Stopping for produce.... 

...and to listen to another melody! (they were above the mushroom display)

My Tuesday morning bagel breakfast - thanks to Katherin with sending us off with bagels so we could have breakfast the next morning!

Brock looks really nice for the day's events. 

Church service was followed by a trip to the cemetery. 

All the foot-stones and markers were sinking again, so my cousin, Christine, had them raised for the service (why there is dirt all around). 

I think we all were looking forward to the luncheon - it was a bit warm out there all dressed up - men in jackets and long-sleeves! Brock and Brian rolled up their sleeves as soon as we were done. 

It was also an excellent opportunity to talk to family we haven't seen in a long time. 

The luncheon was very close to the very FIRST house my family lived in Fairfield, so we had to drive by and see. (1982-1989) When we lived there, a beautiful multi-trunk birch tree stood in the front yard. 

After decompressing, relaxing, and changing into comfy clothes, we headed out to a seafood restaurant right on the water in Norwalk. 

It was pretty nice to sit outside - and we timed it perfectly leaving right when the storms rolled in. 

The first picture of the luncheon included JulieAnn - First Cousin to my mother, who knit these baby blankets for all the babies in the family. We told her that Brock loves his so much - it even made the trip to CT. Here is Brock later that night taking a picture with his blanket so I could text it to her. :) 

Here are a few gems of my Aunt Beverly I came across while searching for pictures for the slideshow. 

Marsha, Victor (My Grandfather), and Beverly

Aunt Beverly & Uncle Sam (her husband) - in New Orleans

Father's Day & Kade's 10th Birthday

Grandpa Eason heard how well both boys performed this year in school and wanted to applaud their accomplishments - he sent them both helicopter drones (and Moose got a box!)!!

Moose was too funny - Brent sat down on the steps before going outside with Kade and this is how Moose sat down too!

Kade was ready to make it fly! He did pretty well considering this was his first piloting experience!

A little too close to the tree....

But then he made it come straight to me! 

A little mid-air action shot!

Happy Father's Day Brent! We found this cool shelf/charger station for his drills - they are the most used tool in the garage! He looks thrilled. :)

Both boys on his lap!

This is it all installed (picture by Kade) - Drills (one was being used)/drill bits/batteries all in one place! 

Also on Father's Day this year, Brock checked in to dorm life at Becton Residence Hall for the Red/White NC State Swim Camp - his third year! He would swim 6,000 yards a day plus dry land activities! 

A week away from his brother was exactly what the birthday boy needed to relax and enjoy the attention from both his parents. A trip back to Outback Steakhouse didn't hurt either.  

We are very proud! These are three of the best cobs of corn from our VERY OWN garden!

Finally Kade's Birthday party - he chose two of his besties to party the day with at Dave & Busters and our house. 

Kade wanted to try out the pitching machine, just like his brother! 

Back to the house playing video games after Red Robin dinner. 

A lovely white & chocolate cake with buttercream frosting surrounded by the birthday train!

For Kade's actual birthday (Monday), Brent treated him to filet off the grill, white rice, green beans from our garden, and Dairy Queen blizzards!  

We have an obsession with Nee-Dohs in this house. This boy asked for the jumbo Nee-Doh and Roblox gift cards. It's very therapeutic! 

Happy 10th Birthday to my sweet (and sometimes sassy) little boy. This past year, you've grown in so many ways - not just in height (we’re loving that upward trend on the growth chart!), but also in maturity and character. You've been working hard on your behavior, both at school and at home, and we are really proud of the effort you're putting in. One of the many amazing things about you is your gift for saying just the right thing - whether it’s a clever one-liner or a thoughtful, caring response. With fifth grade on the horizon, we know you're ready for all the challenges and adventures ahead. Love you little lion!