Grandma Mary's Memorial!

Today, if alive, my Grandma Mary would've hit 99. And in honor of that, I wanted to post about our recent trip to attend her memorial service. Early on the day after Halloween, we headed to Seattle. Some of you may remember, Grandma Mary actually passed away in September, but the family decided to wait so as to allow some of the out of town (and out of country) folks make travel plans.

Getting to Seattle was as smooth as can be and it was really nice to have Nana/Papa on flight too. By 11am, we arrived in West Seattle in time to order flowers at a nice local shop (the ladies at the store were awesome--giving E a green balloon which he LOVED). We met up with Aunt Jean, Uncle Dean, Aunt Dee, and my cousin Stacey, who lives in Japan and whom I hadn't seen in a decade or more. We ate at Duke's right across from Alki Beach and most of us had a variety of their chowders.

While Papa and siblings went to the church, we checked into our motel and many of us had a nap (including E, eventually). We took a walk in the beautfiul fall afternoon and E got to experience his first real autumn-leaf playtime. For dinner, we headed over to Jean's house for pizza, salad, and a TON of laughs. Late that night, Uncle Shaun and David arrived, though Lisa, E and I were fast asleep. 

Saturday was far more like the Seattle people talk about: wet and cold...though it did allow E to try out his fireman rain jacket. Those of us staying at the hotel met up for a big breakfast at the funky Luna Park Cafe (which inspired me to teach E the word 'Luna' since he can't say moon just yet). It was a fun joint (though cozy). E even got to meet one of his idols, BATMAN. The family met up at Jean's to head over to the church. Everyone looked so nice, all dolled up. I'm sure Grandma Mary was proud. Even Uncle Dean wore a suit, and if you know Uncle Dean...this is quite impressive.

Despite the weather, there was a big showing at the Memorial. They'd decorated the hall with some of Grandma's favorite things: family photos, autumn leaves, and Halloween candy. The flowers we ordered the day prior were beautiful. The speeches were the perfect mix of sad and funny. It was causal, but not rambling, and even featured a couple of banjo sing-alongs (Grandma loved playing the banjo). Unfortunately, E got pretty tired during the service and Lisa had to take him into the church's playroom when he got too antsy (right during Papa's reflection).

Afterward, we stayed around for cookies, chitchat, and family pics. We got E to nap by walking him in the stroller around West Seattle and eventually wound up having a beer in a local bar and telling Grandma Mary stories. For dinner, a huge group of extended family went to a southern-comfort restaurant. It was the perfect meal to end the day.

Sunday morning we ventured across Seattle to the Ballard neighborhood to meet my cousins from my Mom's side: the Mulligans. On the drive, Uncle Shaun taught E the New Mexican chant, "Everyone's a Lobo! Woof. Woof. Woof " to which E responds, "Wooofffff." They served a delicious brunch and their girls loved playing with E (and he loved them!). For the afternoon, we strolled/ate our way through Pike's Place Market. My dad bought some fresh crab and we headed to Jean's for one last amazing dinner before people started heading back to the airport, including Uncle Shaun and David.

Our flight wasn't until Monday morning, so we had one more night in the hotel. Nana and Papa got special permission to come through security, so E got to watch the planes (which he lovingly refers to as 'Up Ups') on the runway with them for a little longer than anticipated. After a sad goodbye to Nana and Papa, we headed home.

The rest of the week was a blur. Though this weekend was very nice. Lots of downtime and errands and checking off all those little things that don't seem to ever get done. The hightlights were (1) All-you-can-eat Cioppino dinner fundrasier at the church and (2) family birthday celebration dinner...especially seeing Aunt Vicki and Uncle Ron, since they'd been in Arkansas for quite some time.

And on a closing note, I wanted to sing to Grandma Mary really quick, if y'all would join:

Happy Birthday to you
Happy Birthday to you
Happy Birthday, dear Grandma Mary...
Happy Birthday to you