Memorial Day Weekend

This weekend was unexpectedly hard.  I had my first breakdown in several weeks while preparing to go up to Iona for the long weekend.  I recalled one year ago when I was preparing to go up to Iona for Memorial Day weekend, but with Henry.  It was his first long drive in the car and his first (and only) time meeting his great-grandpa.  Mom and Clarence, the Roths, and Uncle Todd were all in Iona too. I remember taking these photos of my two sweet kiddos before heading out the door:

I know they're blurry and not the greatest quality, but I loved them then and I love them now.  They show my kids' personalities and how much they love each other.

Henry did great on the car ride, slept most of the way, and then woke up when we got there.  I took him straight to Grandpa and took these pictures:

They're 94 years apart in age.

We walked around the square, all of us.  I remember that day so clearly.  I can see Kurt sitting on that bench with Henry while I pushed Hattie in the swing:

And that's when I lost it, in the present day.  Sitting in Iona Square, remembering that beautiful day and missing my son. So, incredibly, much.

Henry visited the place he would be buried just six weeks later.

He went in a swing for the first time.  He wasn't impressed.

Megan took our only family photos.  And I always think when I see these that I really should have done my hair that day.

He rode a lawn mower and was loved on by so many different family members.

Which finally brings us to the present day.  We visited the cemetery 5 times in 3 days.

Hattie collected rocks for her brother. It's amazing how comfortable she is there. She says hello upon arrival, usually sits down on his headstone, then runs around for a while, looks at the horses if they're nearby, and on our way out says "I miss you sweet boy". She likes helping me pick out decorations for Henry's grave. I am so incredibly grateful for this wonderful girl.

We of course also remembered my grandma, a WWII vet, over the weekend.  I miss her too.

My family's little corner of the cemetery.

Sorry for taking you on an emotional journey.  My blog just makes me be super open and honest for some reason, especially when it comes to Henry.

Believe it or not, we did have fun this weekend!

Swimming at Heise- the main pool was open, but super cold so we mostly stayed over in the hot springs side.

I don't know how, but Kurt actually won Hattie a stuffed animal out of one of those claw machines!

We walked, and Hattie rode her bike, over to the Square.  We went on the swing set and then Hattie and Kurt played hide and go seek:

We made it home safely.  One more first without Henry down, Memorial Day, and not many more to go.