September Blog - A Long Read

At David's enjoying the beautiful fall day.

September we had two weeks here in Colorado, then you and I went to Wisconsin. The original plan was to fly out on the 22nd, but on the 13th Grandma Sanderfoot called me to let me know that my Grandma Mackowiak wasn't doing well, and that she was fadding fast. A few years ago when I received a similar call from my mom encouraging me to call my grandpa because I made excuses not to go back. It's a regret I have to live with, but I knew the next time I got a call like that, I would go. After much frustration with United Airlines (a true love-hate relationship), we were on the next flight out at 6am on the 14th. We arrived in Green Bay around 11, and were at Great-Grandma's bedside that afternoon. It was a shocking difference between your bright lively smile and her dull dying gray face. You cheered up everyone in that room, and the nursing home. The next morning she passed and we went back to meet up with the family. It was a very cold and rainy day, perfectly matching our somber moods. We hung out at the farm cooking and baking for everyone else while they prepared the funeral arrangements. The rest of the week was sad, but finally came to its conclusion on Saturday with the funeral, church services, and the burial. Afterwards we went to Great-Uncle David's and spent the afternoon taking in the beautiful fall sunny weather and enjoying each other's company.

A Five Generation photo. Alice (Great-Grandma), Leone (Great-Great Grandma), Theresa (Mom), Anna (5th generation), Don (Grandpa).The next week was spent at Grandma and Grandpa's house playing, and settling in for our extended stay. Some days we were working on wedding stuff, other days just running errands. On the 25th, you went to stay the night at Great Aunt Jo's and from the sounds of it you had a great time. Grandma and I went to Aunt Nikki's bachelorette party. The next day, we went to your Great-Great Grandma's 100th Birthday! She is an amazing woman, and it was really nice to spend time with the Sanderfoot family.

Tuesday the 28th was your Uncle Carl's birthday and we all went to the Stone Cellar Pub for dinner. That is where their rehearsal dinner will be, so we went to sample different meals so they could choose what to have. A jam band was playing when we were there and Grandpa and you checked them out and danced a bit. You had your first french fries there.

Wednesday we drove down to Madison and visited with your Great-Grandma and Grandpa Schroeder. For lunch we met up with Heidi and walked around the capital before heading back to Grandma and Grandpa's house. That night Carl came over to hang out and we watch Iron Man 2. A decent flick, but a lot of loose ends and possibilities for a trilogy.

Saturday, October 2nd was Nikki's bridal shower. It was a beautiful shower held at the deli. You stayed with Grandpa and had a fun day with him.

Sunday we took a girl road trip with you, me and grandma up to Eagle River. It just happened to be Cranberry Fest. We walked around the crafts but only left with craisins, kettle korn, and maple walnut fudge. :) Yum. You had some of the craisins added to your applesauce. You seemed to really like it.

Tuesday the 5th we flew back to Colorado. Your Daddy really, really missed us and was happy to have us back home. What started out as a two week vacation to spend quality time with family without the rush, and to attend a bridal shower, turned into a three week vacation with quality family time seeing more people than originally expected, and lots of love. You helped so many people during a tough time, and reminded people to smile.