Two Trips to Boston

All summer we had been planning a trip up to Boston to visit David's grandma and go to his cousin's wedding. Grandma Carmella has been having a lot of health challenges over the past couple of years and we wanted to spend some more time with her.  

Unfortunately, we didn't make it up there in time. Grandma Carmella passed away on our anniversary (September 3rd). We were able to go up to Boston for her services and spend time with all of David's Aunts, Uncles, Cousins, and Grandpa. It was a beautiful service and Abuelo put together an amazing slide show of pictures. David shared some touching memories of his Grandma and Grammie read a wonderful scripture which describes her best from Proverbs 31: 

10 Who can find a ^avirtuous ^bwoman? for her price is far above rubies.

11 The heart of her husband doth safely ^atrust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil.

12 She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life.

13 She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her^ahands.

14 She is like the merchants’ ships; she bringeth her food from afar.

15 She ^ariseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens.

16 She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard.

17 She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms.

18 She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night.

19 She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the^adistaff.

20 She stretcheth out her hand to the ^apoor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy.

21 She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet.

22 She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her ^aclothing is silk and purple.

23 Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land.

24 She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant.

25 Strength and honour are her ^aclothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come.

26 She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of ^akindness.
27 She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of ^aidleness.

28 Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also,and he praiseth her.

29 Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all.

30 Favour is deceitful, and ^abeauty is vain: but a woman that^bfeareth the Lord, she shall be praised.

31 Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates.

While we are so sad we didn't get to spend more time with Grandma Carmella, we know that her suffering has ended and that her body will be made whole and perfect. She was an amazing mother to seven children and married to her husband for 55 years. She loved country music and had a special place in her heart for Toby Keith and Justin Bieber. She had a huge collection of beanie babies and Grandpa Maynard let all of the grandchildren and great-grandchildren pick one out to take home. 

We love and miss you Grandma Carmella!

Two weeks after the services we headed back up to Boston for David's cousin Brie-Ann's wedding. 

It was really nice to see everyone again and celebrate a new family. 

The wedding was beautiful and took place outside on a farm. 

The weather was perfect and the air was cool and crisp. 

It definitely felt like fall up there! 

Finley and Alex (David's cousin Jessie's son)

Mother of the Bride! (David's Aunt Diane)

The Groom and his Groomsmen

The girls walked down the aisle to the beautiful music of bag pipes. I just love bag pipes! It was such a cool touch. 

David's cousin Katelyn

We sat towards the back so we weren't able to get the best pictures. 

But I love this one of Brie-Ann and Timmy as the new couple is announced!

The reception was held in a tavern like restaurant. The highlights for Finley included a candy bar and glow glasses. The highlight for David were the cannolis in lieu of a cake. 

On Saturday we headed over to a beach to walk around before heading back to Grandpa's. 

It was really nice to get to spend more time with David's family. 

Finley wanted to walk forever! When we finally convinced him to turn around he wanted to be carried. I knew that was going to happen! 

Check out this teeny tiny crab David found! 

selfie

The beaches up North are very different. Lots of rocks and pebbles lined the beach along with the sand. 

Me and my sweet boy

Family picture

Seven wonderful siblings!

Saturday we were able to bury Grandma Carmella's ashes with the rest of David's Aunts, Uncles, and Cousins. Each of the children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren were able to place a different colored rose in with her box of ashes. It was a really sweet touch to see all those flowers together - her legacy of family.  

Siblings with spouses

Fin and Derrick (another son of his cousin Jesse)

Uncle David and baby McKenzie

We loved being able to see baby McKenzie and just how well she is doing! She was born super early and only weighed 1 lb 6 oz when she was born. Finley has been praying for her every day since she was born. It was great to see those chunky cheeks and how happy she is!

At Uncle Donnie's house Grammie had a great art project for us to do. She and Aunt Linda had dried flowers from Grandma Carmella's services. We then rolled the dried petals into some molding clay and made beads out of them. Every child, grandchild, and great-grandchild will have a bead made from her flowers to make into jewelry. 

Our last day visiting we spent more time at Grandpa's house and visiting with cousins. We also headed over to another beautiful beach in Beverly. 

David loves the rocky beaches of Massachusetts. 

Even though our visits surrounded a very sad event, it was so nice to be with family. It was really great to see everyone, catch up, and grow closer to each other during these difficult times. It is so comforting to know that our Heavenly Father has a plan for us and we will all get to be together again one day.