Aloha Good People

These past few weeks have been full of so many heart warming and heart filling moments - and all for so many different reasons. From spending precious time with Grandpa Larry before he went to heaven, to celebrating Father's Day with family, to spending time with Mercy, to celebrating my brother and his fiance's upcoming wedding, there were so many special moments that I know will be in my heart forever. 

Saying goodbye to Grandpa Larry was unforgettable. We had a precious hour and a half with him and I don't think I've ever wanted time to move more slowly as I did then. It gives me such comfort knowing that he is finally reunited with the love of his life, the original and beautiful Grandma Mercedes. Grandpa Larry was the kind of person who just knew how to bring a smile to everyone's face, and who truly embraced being an amazing dad to his kids and a loving husband to his wife. It's safe to say that he will be missed by many, many of us down here... but we know he's always smiling down on us (and ok, probably teasing us) from up above :-) We love you Grandpa Larry.

Mercy slept over at our place after a busy Friday night spent watching Cars at the movies and patiently waiting while Aunty got a flat tire in the parking lot! Of course, she was such a trooper and even came along with me the next morning as I went to a few tire places to get it fixed. After getting it fixed, I took her to the playground for awhile and then she showed me her new bedroom and bathroom at her house when I dropped her off. She was so proud! I'll always have this image of her prancing through our hallways as she wheels her suitcase along behind her, with her thick curls bouncing along with her. Seeing her grow up from a tiny newborn to this sweet, gentle soul with such a strong spirit has been so amazing. She is such a bright light in my life and I love her to pieces.

My sister FINALLY came home from college for summer and I literally couldn't be happier. When she is in town, all feels right in my world :-) We all celebrated Father's Day together, and this year for Matt's 50th birthday and Father's Day combo, I got him a tortellini cooking class for him and my mom to take together at Sur La Table (so fancy!). Obviously, it's the perfect gift for one great stepfather! 

We celebrated something so so special today: my brother and his fiance's upcoming wedding! My mom and I planned this shower for months, and to see it all come to life was incredible! The devil was in the details when it came to this shower, from the framed quotes saying all the things my brother loves about Beth, to the baby photos of the two of them... it was so fun to organize and be a part of. I loved having so many people I love come together to celebrate two amazing people. Only 71 days 'til the big day (in Minnesota)!