Matt and I together have lost 3 grandparents this year and I cannot stress enough how wonderful it is to reunite with family during this time. My cousins came from California, New York, and even Australia. Larbs and Matt are here from Boston, my parents from North Carolina and the two of us from Charlottesville. And we were all under one roof tonight.
We’re here for my grandmother and to remember Pop together.
Even Winston
Manhattans a’plenty. Cheers to a wonderful grandfather.
My aunt and uncle put on an amazing dinner for us all
Food is always wonderful in this house
Lasagna, salad, bread, caprese salad
Same goes for dessert!
Tarts, ice cream, toppings
I had a taste of chocolate ice cream too! For variety’s sake.
Going to rest and hang with my padres.
Molly says
You are fabulous and I am praying for you and your family at this time. It looks like you have an incredible support system, and a house full of love.
and Winston…so cute, I want him!
xo-Molly
www.givinganythingnbutup.wordpress.com
Paige @Running Around Normal says
That’s amazing there are so many family members with you under ONE roof. Australia? You must have an incredible family. I’m so sorry for your loss..
Beth @ Will Run for Books says
So sorry to hear about your grandfather. My family has had four deaths in the past five months so I definitely can sympathize. Hang in there. You are lovely 🙂
Chelsey says
I am so sorry you have had such a crazy year.
Enjoy the time with your family!
Heather (Heather's Dish) says
i am IN LOVE with winston! how could you not adore that face!!!
Mary @ Bites and Bliss says
You’re in all of our prayers. 🙂 It must be wonderful to have such a strong support system!
Estela @ Weekly Bite says
Its always so sad to lose a loved one… but at the same time… its great to celebrate their life with family and friends…
Hannah says
I’m so glad you were able to get together with you famiyl at this time. It really makes things easier. My thoughts are with you all.
(P.S. Where in Australia do your relatives live? I’m an Aussie, so I’m intrigued 🙂 )
Kath says
(Honestly I’m not quite sure of the city)
Kaci Higgins says
I’m so sorry for your loss. I know how you feel. I lost both of my maternal grandparents (I was extremely close to them) within 3 days of each other at the beginning of my junior year in high school and then my Mom 11 days before my 18th birthday which was consequently right after graduating high school. Like your post discusses though, a family bond and unity is the best medicine.
All of the food looks amazing! Enjoy your time.
holly @ couchpotatoathlete says
So sorry for your loss Kath. But it is always nice when family gets together. I’m sure your Grandfather was a wonderful man! 🙂
Maggie says
So glad to hear that the reunion has been a wonderful celebration of your grandpa’s life. Take care, lady.
Kristy @ KristyRuns.com says
Looks like a wonderful fete to celebrate the life of a great person. Savor these moments!
Heather says
glad you got to see everyone but sorry for the circumstances!
Mandy A says
Kath, so sorry to hear about Pops 🙁 But what a great way to say it – everyone getting together to celebrate his life!
LOVE the picture of Winston! Such a cutie!
Thinking of you and your family!
coco says
sorry to hear about your loss… same here, we only have one grandma left who’s 95 years old.
Have great time with your family, the most precious moment in life with the most important person we have.
Rhea (Greek Feaster) says
My mimi passed this week and I just got back from her services. Being with family during a crisis is the silver lining. My thoughts are with you and yours.
Lisa @bakebikeblog says
Lots of thoughts and prayers for you and your family 🙂
Nicole - yuppie yogini says
Glad you can be with family…what a rough year. 🙁
Stacey@http://stacey-healthylife.blogspot.com/ says
My deepest sympathy’s to you and your family. Dinner looked lovely and very comforting.
Chelsea says
So sorry for your loss, Kath! You are lucky to have such a great family, though, willing to travel to celebrate a life with other family.
Chelsea
Sarah @ Sarah's Shaping Up says
So sorry for your loss! It’s great that you have wonderful family around you though during this difficult time.
Wei-Wei says
I’m so sorry for your loss. Family really is the most important thing sometimes 🙁 It just reminds me to appreciate what I have more!
Wei-Wei
Nancy @ The Wife of a Dairyman says
I am so sorry for you losing your Grandfather. What a great and supportive family you have:)
Mallory@Little Miss Locavore says
So sorry for you loss. I totally agree that it is so wonderful to be with family and these types of losses really remind us to appreciate our loved ones.
Mimi says
I’m glad that you are able to spend this time with family, even if the gathering is brought about by unfortunate circumstances.
P.S. Is that Turkey Hill ice cream I spy? Deliciousness. I am currently obsessed with the chocolate covered pretzel light ice cream. It’s one of the only exceptions I make for real dairy in my life!
lauri Watson says
Sorry to hear about your loss… I am glad that you and your family are able to get together and celebrate the LIFE of your grandfather!
lynn (The Actors Diet) says
glad you and your family can be together during this difficult time.
Freya @ Brit Chick Runs says
When my nan died, at her funeral, although it was immensely sad, I remember my dad saying he was having one of the happiest days in a long time; for the first time in about 10yrs, all the family was under one roof. Funerals and death are horrible, but there is always something positive.
Hope you’re ok – thinking of you!
Tracey says
My heart goes out to your family. I feel like I “know” your Pop from your posts throughout the years and he seemed like a wonderful man who truly loved his family.
Jasmine @ Eat Move Write says
My thoughts are with you and your family. What a lovely way to come together, in remembrance.
Jac says
Sorry for yout loss. Hope you and your family feels better.
Lauren at KeepItSweet says
So sorry for your loss. I am glad you are able to be with all of your family right now!
Jessica @ How Sweet It Is says
My husband and I have also lost grandparents this year – my 2 grandmothers and his last grandmother. There are no words to describe it.
Tina says
Love the support of family. Always something so comforting in that. Glad you all can be there for each other and celebrate a beloved man.
Lynn @ The Next Chapter says
So sorry for your loss Kath. It’s nice that your family is able to be together and take care of each other during this difficult time.
Nadine says
it is the sweet part of bittersweet when bad things bring people together. sorry for your loss. side note, I would love to curl up next to that big ole’ dog!! he’s beautiful!!
Sarena (The Non-Dairy Queen) says
Kath, I am really sorry for your loss. I am glad you have this time with your family. Enjoy the memories of your grandfather with all of them.
Diana @ frontyardfoodie says
Aww! I love family get togethers. Especially ones where people come from far that you don’t get to see often.
Not your typical reunion fare though that’s for sure! Seems like you have exceptionally good cooks in your family that aren’t willing to serve up the usual potato salad.
Kristen @ Kristen, Sweetly says
I’m sorry about your Pop. In the article you linked, you could tell what a wonderful guy he was. Enjoy the time with your family.
~ Kristen
Katie says
Saying prayers for you and your family, it is nice you have such an amazing family and are all there for eachother : )
Kris says
So sorry you have lost so many in such a short time. You are lucky to have had them this long; my grandparents (Dad’s parents) were gone by the time I was 12 (I never met my mother’s parents). I know you will all remember your Pops and make the most of the family time.
Amanda says
Im soo sorry for your loss. The worst thing for me was losing my nanny to cancer. This quote brought a lot of closure and comfort for my family after we lost my nanny and I hope it will help you and your family along as well!
God looked around His garden and He found an empty place
He then lookked down upon this earth and saw a tired face
He put His arms around you and lifted you to rest
God’s garden must be beautiful, He always takes the best
He knew that you were suffering, He knew you were in pain
He knew you would never get well here on earth again
He saw the road was gettin rough and hills were hard to climb
So He closed weary eyelids and whsipered “Peace Be Thine”
It broke our hearts to lose you, but you didn’t go alone
For part of us went with you The day God called you home.
I hope this helps you like it helped us!
Kath says
Very sweet 🙂
Sarah (Running to Slow Things Down) says
This quote was read during my Memere’s funeral two months ago, and I still get goosebumps reading it. Thanks for sharing. 😀
Amanda says
Welcome! it’s a very warming and calming quote after losing a loved one.
Simply Life says
Hope you have a nice time with your family!
Sarah (Running to Slow Things Down) says
I’m so sorry for your loss, Kath, and I’m glad you can be with your family right now. Take care!
Rachael @ Mrs-Adventure says
Dude that meal looks amazing, your family rocks let me know if they are looking to adopt :+)
Laura says
That floral arrangement is gorgeous!
Andrea says
Kathy, I’m so sorry to hear about your grandfather. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers.
Moi says
John 3:16
If you believe in Jesus and live your life according to the truths of the Bible, then you will inherit eternal life. Today is the day of salvation.
Faith @ lovelyascharged says
Kath, I’m so sorry about your losses. It looks like your family has found a wonderful way to remember them, though. Enjoy your time there!
Amber K says
Many thoughts and prayers for you and your family during this time.
Stacey @ The Habit of Healthy says
It’s definitely a time for family to pull together. It must be rough for you all.
Chelsea @ One Healthy Munchkin says
I’m so sorry again for your loss! I’m glad your family was all able to come together to remember him. That must have been nice. 🙂
Holly says
I am very sorry to hear about your Grandfather. As I read your posts I saw that your Mom’s side is from Baltimore and that is where my Grandparents lived all my life. My Grandmother was born and raised there as well, she is 91. Doubt our grandparents ever crossed paths but my grandparents lived off Cold Spring Lane in the Lauraville area, in the house my Grandmother was raised in.
She is still alive, living with my Mom north of the city but my grandfather, originally from Iowa passed away a few years ago at 92.
Sorry for the rambling comment, just a small world. I love your blog and so glad I have found it. My thoughts are with you and your family.
Kim Stagg says
So, I’m way behind on your blog, but finally catching up. And I just had to say…
I think I’m in love with Winston.