Viva Valdez

Tuesday, September 28, 2010

Closure

Bdad passed away June 25th and Ava still talks about him almost everyday. His funeral was this past week at Arlington National Cemetery. It was wonderful to finally have closure, celebrate his full life with my family, and tell our favorite stories about him. I still miss him. Ava will bring me a toy and say, "Bdad liked to play with this one with me". It is really hard for me to think she won't remember what a wonderful connection she had with him and how she made his face light up. They were kindred spirits. Their bond was strong for several reasons. Ava was named after his wife, Ava looks just like me as a baby, and Ava and Bdad brought out the best in each other. Bdad hung out with the sweet cuddly Ellie and would be amused to see what a wild child she is turning out to be. I am so thankful for all the pictures and videos we have of Bdad and the girls together so they can see what a remarkable man he was. My mom has also documented and written down many of BDads stories from his earlier years that we will be able to share with the girls later. Dr. Bruce Bennett has left a great legacy that will make our family proud for many generations.

One of my favorites of Bdad and Ava playing

Bdad's great granddaughters

Jon and Chris- Bdad's grandsons (missing Zach)

My Sister Betsy

The current youngest in the family, Stefan (Betsy's son)

Betsy and her boys

BMom's sister - Aunt Jean and Uncle Bud

Bob helping us hold down the fort

Uncle Dan

Beautiful day

We actually followed Bdad in the hertz all the way from Dumfries by coincidence.

Aunt Ellen and Uncle Bill were lifesavers in supervising the girls during the memorial service so that I could put my full attention to Bdad.

They are a handful! Janice and My Dad came and helped as well during the service and burial.

stunning chapel

Full Air Force Honors.

Being taken to the burial plot. We walked behind the officers and it was so rewarding.

My miraculous Grandparents.

guy talk at the reception

Ava had a good time with Poppy. You can tell they are two birds of a feather.

Aunt Jeannnie and Mom with Uncle Bud and Aunt Jean

Some of the family

Warme side of the family

Reconnecting with our "people"

The upside of funerals is reconnecting with long distance family. My sister and her four children flew in from Utah, my Aunt, Uncle, and Cousin came in from Texas, and Greg's Aunt from Washington state was in town as well. We stayed at the Valdez house during the week since GiGi's house was packed to the brim. Nanny spoiled us every morning and let me sleep in a bit and then would help me get the girls ready for the day. What a great way to start of the day. It was a fun yet exhausting week.

We started the week with a weekend at the Lake Anna Lakehouse

Ava supervising Pop Pops fixing the boat

Nanny had to tow the boat with her paddle boat- funny scene to watch!

Grandma Bath and Richard came down from Maryland

You can tell that the cast did not slow Ava down at all

Aunt Pat has a lakehouse close to the Valdez lakehouse

Anna and Ellie Bean

The Bath ladies! Great catching up with Aunt Carol

Grandma training Bean in walking

Carol and Grandma B!

Ava still the Skipper of the boat

Group shot

checking in on my dream house...

She was worn out from the day.

This picture makes me laugh so much. Ava is making one of my annoyed faces and Ellie is delighted to be annoying her (a Greg face). It is funny that Ellie has so many Greg mannerisms even though she is not around him.

Logan schooling Ava on how to play the Nintendo DS

Heidi was so sweet sharing with Ava and having lots of patience with her.

Ok after reviewing this pictures, I realize that I have to retire Ellie's shirt. It is a 6 - 12 months shirt that I just couldn't let go because it is one of my favorites. Look at that sweet pot belly though :)