Sad

I have been especailly sad this weekend and just feel like I need to "talk" about it. Right before we moved to CA my grandmother, Nana (dad's mother) passed away. We arrived in time to participate in the funereal services, but really wished that I could have had one more visit with her. Nana was a great teacher, role model and care giver. She was devoted and kind. I love her dearly. I love the impact she made on our family, and am sad that my girls won't know her.

A few weeks ago Jeffs grandmother, JB (mom's mom) passed away. We are attending her services this weekend in San Fran. I wish I could have know JB more. I remember Jeff going to Thanksgiving one year at her house in San Fran and she talked to him and encouraged him when he felt like he didn't have much in common with his other cousins. I love when people take care of people I love, and she took great care of Jeff. I wish I could have known her more, but situations and health prevented me from knowing the true JB.

Now Jeff's other grandmother, Grandma Cathy (dad's mom) is sick. We have been to the hospital a few times, and have seen her health decrease quickly. Hannah is now quite upset when we leave and cries for a while in the car...I'm not sure what she understands, but she definitely senses that something is wrong.

Grandma Cathy is so dear to me. She was welcoming and kind to me when I felt insecure in a new family. She and I had a lot in common...she was a teacher when her kids were young and I was an aspiring teacher. She liked chatting and drinking coffee, and I did to. As time passed we continued to have a lot in common, and on a trip we took to my future sister-in-laws bridal shower we talked about our moms, what kind of moms we are, our husbands, God and so much more.

Well, just like I said, this is a sad post. Grandma has said to not be sad for her because she is going home. I am not sad for her, I am sad for me and my girls because I will miss her a lot.

In progress

Hannah reading:


Kate crawling:


Both are works in progress.

Grandma Cathy

We have had the privilege of spending a few afternoons with Grandma Cathy lately. Grandma is incredibly sweet with Kate and Hannah and will often reprimand me for reprimanding Hannah. This is Hannah and Grandma Cathy napping together...you can tell that neither of them slept but they both had a fun time with each other.

The post to make up for a lack of posting...

Where have we been? BOSTON!

We enjoyed our first family vacation seeing friends, celebrating Jeff's graduation, going to our old church, taking the T to some of our favorite places...it all made for a great time. I think I still have a lot to learn about traveling with two kids, but both Hannah and Kate were troopers on the plane rides and as I schlepped them around Boston.
How sweet it is to see such dear friends!

How old are you girls?? Both girls said two,

Our morning church CTK Cambridge had a BBQ following the service. It was so nice to see friends and chat with people. Hannah ran around just like she had never left!




Our evening church, CTK Dorchester has grown, and yet still has the same great community and teaching that makes the church unique.


On the way home from church it rained and Jeff shared Frankie's umbrella with the girls.

Playing with Frankie!

Dexter and Jenny

I saw a ton of friends during the week and had a great time chatting, playing, laughing and catching up. It really felt like old times.









Wednesday, the day before graduation, Jeff and I took the kids to Harvard Square to get the tickets to his ceremonies and pick up his cap and gown. Being there with all the set up and preparation made me very excited to see him graduate - and to think, we almost didn't go to the ceremonies!!


Harvard Library - the flags are not usually there.

Hannah loved running through the rows of the chairs. I think she sensed the anticipation for graduation as well!

Waiting for the T
Playing in Kendall Square
We tried to get all the McFurry kids in one photo:


wild man!



Kate noticing Dexter's pacifier

Then Kate spit up on the couch...




The end.

Graduation day was Thursday, the last day that we were there. That meant that the kids (and I) were already tired and now I was taking them to an adult-like activity where they would need to sit, listen and wait. With the help of Cindy and Roger the girls (and I) held it together. There were three ceremonies. The first one was on the Harvard yard and Jeff only had two tickets so Cindy and Roger attended it. These pics are from one of Jeff's friends, and I am so grateful to have them!!

We met Jeff after the ceremony for the second diploma receiving ceremony where Jeff carried Hannah and Kate across the stage and as he received his diploma they received a baby diploma.
Waiting for the T...H awake and K sleeping.

Waiting for the first ceremony to end...




Waiting...
...waiting...
...waiting...
...waiting...
YEAH!!!

The third and final ceremony was the hooding ceremony. I was only allowed to sit in the child section and not permitted to get close enough to get a picture of Jeff being hooded, so I took a picture of the screen.
On the bus to the final ceremony.
H fell asleep in the stroller.
K should have been asleep.
After walking around with K she finally fell asleep. Roger held her and fell asleep too!


Jeff being hooded.
Jeff exiting the ceremony - this pic also has the face of the Harvard Security that yelled at me when I was too close to the main area...I was pretty rude to him (he started it) and still don't regret it.

Hannah hit full melt down after the third ceremony. She was crying because she was clearly exhausted. Sweet H. We cut out losses and headed home for a good night sleep before the plane ride back to San Diego.

It was a very full vacation, celebrating a very big accomplishment. I am very proud of Jeff for his hard work and perseverance these past few years. Way to go Jeff! I love you very much!