Grandpa's Memorial Service

On April 26, Craig's beloved grandfather, John Joseph Donovan II, passed away from Alzheimer's at the age of 87.  Craig and Julie were both blessed to spend some great memories with Grandpa during the last good years of his life, while Craig was in business school just miles from his home.  During the weekend of August 6th-8th the family gathered to reminiscence on this special man's life.   

One of Caleb's highlights of the weekend was riding on the airplane to the San Jose/Palo Alto area.  There hasn't been a day that has gone by where he hasn't put on his shoes, grabbed his bag, headed for the door, wanting to go back on the airplane.  Caleb also loved playing with his cousins, being a crazy dare-devil at the hotel pool, eating his mommy and daddy's favorite foods, and making us all laugh.

Here are just a few pictures of the family...It all starts with Grandma and Grandpa's 4 children: Sandy (Craig's Mom), Aunt Judy, Aunt Linda, and Uncle Mike

The Wenning Family

Aunt Judy and Uncle Buck's Family: Jake and Jamee Sanders, Heidi and Chris Beach (and precious girls Samantha and Lauren), and Robin and Sam Pratt (and punkin boys James and Bradley)

Aunt Linda and Uncle Dave's Family: Shelley, Michael, and Fiance Andrea

Uncle Mike and Aunt Laura's Family: Kelley and Andy Wilson, JJ and Fiance' JJ

Craig's Cousins (Grandpa's 10 grandchildren)

The Little Cousin's (Grandpa's 8 great grandchildren)

Notice Caleb's right pant leg soaked from trying to climb in a nearby fountain. Sweet move.

The WHOLE group!!! What a great family!

One of the ways we were able to entertain Caleb during the Memorial Service, which by the way was in the middle of his nap time.  He loved this sweet women's walker not only because of the balls on the ends of it but because he could push it like a shopping cart/stroller/etc.

This is just a precious example of what Caleb looks like when we pray.  No, we didn't take a picture of him during a prayer (even though I have thought about it) he just was being silly in the car with Mammy.

This was Saturday evening after the Memorial Service, we were able to use one of the conference rooms at our hotel to have dinner, celebrate Grandpa's life, have a birthday party, 2 baby showers, a wedding toast, and enjoy fun-family time.  These are the little cousins being so sweet to play, chase, be crazy with Caleb.

Kelley and Andy are expecting their first little one in November and we had to give them our favorite baby gift of all times, The Ultimate Crib Sheet!  Congrats you two-you will make great parents!

The JJ's (both of their names are JJ-John Joseph III and Jennifer Johns) are getting married in a few weeks in Las Vegas, New Mexico.  We are so excited for these two! So Cute!

On Sunday morning, we slipped out and met up with a few friends from B-School at this great Farmer's Market and Park!  Caleb loved running around free with dogs and enjoying the cool, crisp California air.

The park also had a fun fountain for the kids to play in.

Precious Samantha (Heather and Josh's)...this is who Caleb used as a punching bag the entire morning for NO reason!  The joys of having a toddler that can't communicate that he is jealous about her hair!  We are praying and guiding Caleb to not push his friends.  (We were so busy keeping an eye on Caleb that we didn't get a good picture of Michael, Kimberly, or their punkins Savannah and Cole). 

On Sunday afternoon, we packed up, said our sad good-byes, and headed to the airport.  Caleb was so excited to be back on the plane and he did great, considering we got home at 11 pm Dallas time.  He was so tired the next day he slept for 4 hours during nap time.  Caleb was quite the independent helper this weekend!

As always it is great to spend time with family.  We are excited for the next time we all get to gather together and hopefully on better terms.  “The love of a family is life's greatest blessing”