We got word that Brian's grandmother, Myla, passed away. So we started making plans to travel to MA for her memorial service. We arrived there on Wednesday, April 7th in the evening. We got to the hotel late, but still saw Lee, Alan, & Cheryl. We got to bed to prepare for the service in the morning.
The service was larger than I thought it would be. It was not anything flashy or showy, but was nice. I think Myla would have liked it that way. After the service, we went to brunch at an Irish pub. The food was really good (the potatoes were incredible!). Then we went back to the hotel so the girls could swim. For dinner, we went to Picadilly (not sure if I spelled that right). We had eaten there before. It was very good! Had some great fish!
The next morning, we headed up to the airport in Worchester to meet Chaz and the Polar private plane for our trip to New Jersey. That was a treat!! We went to Whiting, NJ first to the cemetary that would be the resting place for Myla, Pops, and Uncle Bob. The vault was opened, and the boxes placed inside. We were told to come back in an hour or two while they closed the vault back up.
So, we went to see Myla's old house and the community center where she and Pops were both very active. In fact, we found his name, Burt Kelton, on several plaques. Outside the community center, was a large tree. Aunt Janet said it was Richard's tree (planted when Brian's dad passed away). It was HUGE!
Then we went back to the cemetary, said final goodbyes, and headed back to the plane.
As we travled to northern Jersey, we could see the NYC skyline... Still amazing! Even from that far away!!!
We got off of the plane, got in rental cars again (we REALLY felt like celebreties with cars waiting on us everywhere we went...), and stopped for lunch at Panera Bread. Then, we headed to the cemetary where Brian's dad is buried.
We hunted all over for his tombstone, and couldn't find it. It was actually a blessing in disguise because I think it was almost like comic relief for a bit. Then, we were guided to a different section of the grounds, and I found it under some grass.
Everyone helped clean off the area (run-off/dirt had it almost buried, but it is going to be raised up again). It was quite emotional for all of us. Olivia was especially touched.
Then, it was back to the airport again, and a quick flight back to MA. That evening, we ate at Applebee's. Said goodbye to Lee, Alan, and Cheryl (they were leaving the next morning to drive back to Atlanta).
The next morning, we went to Aunt Janet's house and planned what we would do that day. She suggested we go to Boston...to the American Girl Store! So we did! It was AMAZING! We even got to eat at their Bistro... The food was amazing gourmet food. Who knew?!? (especially the fondue...OH MY GOODNESS!!!) And the girls got to borrow AG dolls to feed at the table. Ha!
Aunt Janet, of course, took the girls shopping inside the store. Getting them outfits for their dolls as well as for them too! Then we shopped in the mall for a little while. I got some new clothes at Forever 21, Brian got a Northface Jacket, Bella got a ZhuZhu Pet and Liv got an outfit at Justice. Super fun! Then we headed back to the hotel!
We had to leave super early in the morning to get to the Hartford airport in time for our flight...so we called it an early night. It was not an easy trip, but we did manage to have some fun. And as always, it was great to see Aunt Janet!
