Pictures

All in all the trip to Florida was good...an adventure, but good. We arrived Thursday to my aunt's house. We got settled in and over the next few hours, my aunts and uncles would arrive, but I was waiting on my cousin, Mike. I hadn't seen that boy...excuse me, man in 10 years!! David was all over the place, laughing with Papaw, finding out that bean bag chairs are awesome and telling my cousin, Nolan, about pottying. Oh dear. Dinner proved fun and exciting with me getting a great chance to catch up with my cousin.
Friday, Jeremy and I took Boo to Disney, literally flying by the seat of our pants that day and my cousin, Mike and his wife Jen went with us too. We split off, only because we weren't planning on riding any of the big rides, just the kiddo rides. I believe a good time was had by all...although Mike and Jen got stuck in the mass arrival of people coming to the Pirates/Princess party.
Here is Boo and I on the teacups!!! We went fast!

This is Boo and Jeremy on Dumbo...notice that this time he is not crying his eyes out!! If you saw our pictures from September, then you will know why this is the cutest pic ever.

On to the real reason why we went to Florida...my grandfather's memorial service. It was wonderful. Just exactly how I pictured it would be, although, the stories were unscripted in my head, they were all funny, hilarious and serious all rolled into one. Gary Caruso, friend and editor of Chop Talk magazine, gave a resounding eulogy that I am sure my grandfather was humbled by. My husband spoke eloquently and directly with authority from the Lord about marrying into our family and about the decision my grandfather made to make peace with the Lord. As my uncle said...he was fine until he said the word, Pepaw. Then, it made it real and personal. You can see below the fine picture of my grandfather after pitching Game 7 of the 1957 World Series. Boo and I were trying to do the hand signal for 3. He does it well and kept telling me that he is going to be 3, but he's now 2. :)

Ahh...this picture now adorns my desktop at work...it's titled, My Boys! I love these boys dearly, with the love of a sister. I am blessed to be the only granddaughter in my family, which also means, I am blessed to have some fine men in my life. From left to right - Lewis, Nolan, my, Mike, and Danny. Mike is my older cousin, the me, then Danny, Lewis, and the baby, who now stands taller than me, Nolan. This is what I grew up with!!! Mike and I spent summers, spring breaks, and Christmas' at our grandparents house each year. As we got older, we drifted apart, but I gotta tell you, we reconnected like we hadn't been apart in years. It was awesome. Danny is a junior at FSU. Lewis is a freshman at TCC. Nolan is a sophmore in high school. These boys...well, tears just well up in my eyes when I look at them. They are strong, independent, men and I pray each day that God will bless them and watch over them.
It was a nice 5 days in Florida and a nice gathering of people honoring my grandfather. He was and will remain a special man in my heart. I look at these boys and see him in each of them...

In His Hands-

Karen

Tags: Lou Burdette