Funerals are sad, but one good thing is that they really bring people together. I got to see family this weekend who I hadn’t seen in years. And Tessa’s first plane ride and visit weren’t supposed to be for several months yet, but she made a surprise visit to Wisconsin early. It was my niece, Stephanie’s 10th birthday. The weekend was a roller coaster of ups and downs: Sad to go to the wake, happy to eat ice cream and open birthday gifts. Sad to go to the funeral, happy to see family. Etc. And endless hours of driving and sitting in the car. Makes you antsy. I don’t want to say it was a “fun” weekend, but I think we made the best of it, considering. I’ll leave out all the bad stuff and just concentrate on the good.

One funny thing: At Christmastime Jessica really did not like Dallas at all. She was SO shy and wouldn’t even look at him. And wouldn’t talk at all. She just kept checking to see if he was still in the room. And that was a 2-day visit! Not so, this time. This time she loved him and they were best friends. Of course, that might have something to do with her immediately having to sit next to him for a 3-hour drive in the car. He read books to her and played with her so maybe she decided to like him. In any case, she talked to him and played with him and learned his name all weekend.

Dallas & Jessica :: Culver’s, Waupaca, WI

Dallas never had frozen custard before. After the wake none of us had eaten, so along with my brother’s family, my parents, Aunt Sue, Kelly, Jeff and Tessa, we headed to Culver’s for dinner. Jessica, Dallas’ new BFF, hijacked his frozen custard and went to town.

Stephanie and Tessa :: Waupaca, WI

Stephanie Opening Presents :: Waupaca, WI

Dallas & Jessica :: Waupaca, WI

Dallas was rocking Jess and Jess was saying “Faster! Faster!”

Stephanie :: Waupaca, WI

Kelly got these pajamas for Steph for her birthday. Of course, my brother was thrilled!

Jessica :: Waupaca, WI

Jess always puts her arms behind her head like this and it always cracks me up. Plus, nice chocolate mustache.

Stephanie and Tessa :: Bear Creek, WI

Johanna, Stephanie, Jennifer :: Milwaukee, WI

For her birthday, Stephanie got to take a couple of her friends to Club Libby Lu for some glamorous makeovers. I guess it’s all the rage with the tween set these days. Amanda got some great video clips of them all dancing and singing after they got their hair done and were in costume. It will make for some great blackmail some day. After all the fun, they stopped by the restaurant where my brother and me and Dallas and Jess were having dinner so they could show us their new looks. Pretty funny!

Jessica Looking Mischeiveous :: Oak Creek, WI

Also, if you’re wondering where I’ve been lately.. it’s trying not to go crazy! I just started the new job last week, then my grandfather passed, spent the weekend in WI, got sick when I came back (Monday night I was in bed with a fever of 101), yesterday my dad had surgery, and tomorrow I’m flying out to New York. I have plenty to post about here, but not the time to do it. If you’re sick of clicking refresh and not seeing anything, scroll down on the right hand column and sign up to be notified via email when the site is updated.