pondering...

The funeral was yesterday. What an emotional day...

All of our Valla family came and some of the more extended family. It was sure nice to see a lot of them. My old principal came - he's a great friend of the family. The funny part though was when he walked in and started walking towards me...I looked at him and thought he looked familiar but couldn't figure out why he was looking at me like that. Then it hit me and I blurted out, "Mr. Rachek?!" and he says, "I thought that looked like you!" We embraced in a big hug. It's been 8 years since I have seen him and it was nice to catch up :) I spent a lot of my elementary/jr high days in his office when he was filling in for the regular principal. haha!! He was also my sixth grade teacher. I do love him though and respect him greatly.

I observed how great it is to be around my Uncles now that I am in my 30's compared to when I was 18 or even in my early 20's. They are a hoot!! I absolutly LOVED my Uncle Edward giving me a hard time. It's been YEARS since I've seen him. I'm praying it's not that long before I see him again.
It's always great to catch up with the cousins since I don't see them much either. I took a couple of my cousin's kids on a golf cart ride and they kept begging for more..haha...I just love those kids!

And to see my grandparents again. Wow! I get sad looking at my Grandma because I realize I have missed so much time with her and time is slipping through my hands. She gets shorter every time I see her and although she's still one fiesty & strong woman, I know the years are taking their toll. I love her more than anything and seeing her was such a great thing! I think Grandpa and I have silently agreed to have a mutal respect of each other and let dead dogs lie for now.
Of course all of this would have been so much better under better circumstances.

I have to mention Friday night though. We went to the hotel my sister, her husband, & their kids were staying at. I was being the good Auntie and went down the water slide numerous times, had a splash fight, dunked Adam a few times, threw Adam around in the pool, and teased with Brianna. It was great fun and I'll remember that for a long time. They kept my spirits high and I just love them to pieces :)
I also kidnapped Adam's favorite stuffed toy for a time while we were there. Even left ransom notes. The stinky part was when he went to call the number I left on the note and used his mom's phone. Well, of course the number showed up as my name!! Sheesh!!

Gotta love it though :)