A Sad Farewell, and a Happy Reunion

My sweet Grandpa Kress passed away last month.  It was really hard for me and my family, especially considering he has always been so healthy, hardworking, and full of life.  He literally ran his farm single-handedly until he was 83.   His death was somewhat unexpected, which always makes it hard.  But it helps to know that he was ready to go.  He lived an amazing life, and we will miss him so much. These are a few photos that we took last Christmas.  I'm pretty sure it was the last time we saw him.  I love these pictures...especially because you can see where Liam and I get our chin.  These are the kinds of moments I will always remember...84 years old and still flinging grandkids over his shoulder.

The nice thing about going to his funeral, was that our entire extended family was gathered in one place for the first time in many years.  It was so nice to reunite and reconnect with cousins I haven't seen in ages.  Plus, Carrie came out with her girls and it was SO good to see them. It was especially nice to be home with my family for Thanksgiving, which we had originally not planned on doing. It was such a nice time, and a nice way to remember my grandpa.

Liam shared his Thanksgiving feast with his new best friends.  My mom pulled out a huge bin of Trevor's old plastic dinosaurs, they were a major hit with all the grandkids.

This trampoline picture is so great.  Liam literally looked like that the entire time he was on there...like he was trying to smile and pretend like he wasn't just totally terrified as Nyah flew and crashed around him.

We also got to see some of Dan's family on Thanksgiving.  They had this sweet dance game, which I was terrible at, by the way...but it was still ridiculously fun trying.

Liam was loving on the pie...mainly the whipped cream on the pie, and uncle Mark taught him how to lick his plate clean.

I love seeing my family interact with Liam.  It's hard being far away, and feeling like nobody really knows Liam.  But everyone is so good with him, and makes so much effort to play with him and get to know him.  He had an absolute blast, and soaked up every minute of the attention.

There was no shortage of hugs and kisses between cousins.  Liam LOVES to give hugs and kisses to other kids, but it is still a miracle if can ever coax a single hug out of him.  He loved these little playmates, and now when he sees any pictures of any of his cousins he says 'Nyna'.  I'm pretty sure he's trying to say Nyah, which is pretty cute.  One day we'll try to teach him that they're not all the same person.