We will miss you, Grandma Betty

What can we say, we are so sad to lose such a wonderful, fantastic, beautiful, amazing family member. Grandma Betty J. Lieurance endured so much in her long life of 93 years and we couldn't be more proud to be descendants of her. She was very loved and we will be forever grateful she was a part of our lives. It is up to us now, to remember her, honor her and make her proud in the way we live our lives every day. Celebrating her life meant that our closest family members would travel across the country to join us in mourning and toast to such a special lady.

Nick was working so the girls and I picked up Uncle Rex from the Indianapolis International Airport. Now, any time we see a plane in the sky, they say "it's Uncle Rex!". We had such a nice time during our long, overdue visit with Rex. He really made an impression on the girls. There are many things they say, months later, that he taught them....like the "Tickle Bees", where he took an imaginary jar and unscrewed the lid, releasing a gazillion bees that tickle you and make you giggle til you cry! Thanks, Uncle Rex, for your sweetness with our girls and loving them! We wish they (and we) could see you more often. :(

Audrey didn't waste any time snuggling up with Rex after his long flight from Denver and loss of 2 hours. We hadn't seen Rex since Christmas 2011 when Audrey was 3 and Vivi 1. He got to meet Blythe for the first time during this visit as well.

 

We also got to spend some quality time with Great Grandma Cookie which was very special.

...and of course, Don! He is always a hit with the little ones. He speaks "baby" so well with his counting forward and backward and fun noises he makes with his mouth. ;) They are mesmerized!

It was just nice to spend a few relaxing days at Grandma's house. We even got to help her pick strawberries! YUM!

Daddy had a list of things Grandma really needed some help with, like re-concreting the clothes line poles. Audrey and Vivi were also big helpers here!

The girls always love to help mow the lawn

Fishing is always a big hit at Grandma's

The beautiful "fish-eye" view of Grandma Cindy's property from the pond

Me and my beautiful girls!

Aunt Jan arrives!

After the little kids went to bed the night before the funeral, we had the best time reminiscing about childhood memories. We stayed up VERY late and laughed and laughed.

Love this picture! We have enough kids for everyone to hold one! ;) ha! Audrey, Uncle Rex, Vivi, Aunt Jan, Blythe and Luann.

Is this a hug or is she choking her sister....you decide?

Getting a good family picture is impossible!

Dena and Jerry. Paul was on his honeymoon with new bride, Laura. He wished he was there but we knew he was in spirit.

Blythe with cousins Tobie, Sydney and Bella

Audrey and Vivi didn't stay for the burial and went home with Grammy and Aunt Susan. Cute Picture!!

Uncle Rex came back home with us and spent another couple of nights with us before heading back to Indy. We had a great visit!

Rest in Peace, Dear Betty! We love you forever. XOXO

500 Festival Parade, 2013 Fashion Show & Indy 500 Race

This year's Indianapolis 500 festivities began for mommy the week of the race. She was invited by her friend Johanna Rahal to the fashion show fundraiser at the track. Many of the drivers/owners and their families participate in the fashion show. Last year, Johanna, Bobby and the kids were in the show. They didn't even get to go attend the show this year though. :( Aunt Kari went with mommy to the event and they had a great time.



Ed Carpenter and his wife Heather, and their kids. Ed won the pole for this year's race and he is a local Indy guy/Butler grad. His wife, Heather, was actually Aunt Kari and Uncle Mark's realtor. She is a family friend of Mark's family. Very nice people.



Here is the good ole Mario Andretti

...and don't forget Jim Nabors! He sings "Back Home Again in Indiana" every year at the race.

For a few years now, mommy meets up with Johanna before or during the parade. The past couple years, we met for breakfast before the parade with her girls, Isa and Ava. They are consecutively 5 months younger than me and Vivi.  If we lived closer, we could really have a lot of fun wit them.

Johanna and mommy

Daddy and Vivi watching the parade. This year it was chilly out but last year we almost melted, it was so hot!



Grandma Cindy joined us this  year for the parade and breakfast. I think she had fun!



This was Blythe's first parade ever. She liked it too!

We met our friends for the parade...here is Cooper enjoying his first 500 Festival Parade as well.

Blythe enjoyed it so much that she took a snooze.

Erin and mommy

On Sunday, mommy attended the race with Mark, Kari and Grammy. Daddy said he didn't want to go and would stay home and watch us girlies! Thanks Daddy! 



Their view in the stands before the race started. It was another chilly day but perfect for the race.



A great finish!