A sad week for lots of folks ...

I'm sorry to say that I went to my first funeral this week. My Grandpa Mike passed away on the 7th and the past week has been a blur of tears, laughter, family and travel.

Uncle Chris came into town on the 8th and it was great to see him again even if it wasn't for a good reason. We got to play and catch up a bit on Saturday when I went to the farm with Mom and Dad.

He, Grandma and I spent time in the house looking over things and I did my best to keep everyone smiling and occupied.

I also got to visit my Great Grandma Margaret who is the sweetest lady ever. She was sad but still gave me some fun things to play with and spent time with me.

Dad walked me around the farm a bit and I got to sit on Great Grandpa's 4020! I really liked it and was sad when Dad said we had to go.

Uncle Matt and Aunt Emily got into town Saturday afternoon and after my tractor fun got an "uncle ride". I laughed and laughed because Uncle Matt was being silly.

We went back to Chariton on Sunday for the visitation and got to the house early which gave me time to explore. Grandpa Mike was passionate about photography and I found one of his tripods. It was a lot of fun to figure out and I bet he could have really helped me take good pictures.

Dad's cousin Eric was at the farm with his family and I got to meet his son Ethan for the first time. He was a nice fellow and we found that we had much in common.

All of the things I did got me really worn down so I found a bed and just crashed. It felt good to sleep.

Sunday at the visitation I was able to finally meet the Pierce family! They came all the way from Austin and I got to know Dad's Uncle Ken. What a cool fellow!

Monday was the funeral so Mom, Dad and Grandma didn't go to work. Before we left Des Moines I got to watch the garbage truck and it was awesome!

Once everyone got to Chariton we looked at photos, told stories and relaxed before the funeral. Here Dad's cousin Robin, his Aunt Penny, Uncle Matt, Aunt Emily and his cousin Mark hanging out.

I really liked seeing these guys again. I love you so much Uncle Chris and Uncle Matt!

There were lots of family and friends around the house which helped Grandma Maggy, Uncle Chris, Uncle Matt and Dad a lot. Here you see Uncle Mike's best friend Ed Kees and Dad's "brother from another mother" Steve Andersen.

Mom made a bunch of food and we all had a nice meal then headed off to the funeral. It was really sad but I got to see Grandma Kathy, Grandpa Dave and Uncle Eric. They came to help and support and I really liked being with them. I know Dad and Mom appreciated it, too.

Afterward the burial and a reception we said our goodbyes and headed back to Des Moines.

I liked riding in the car with Dad's cousin Mark. He lives in Austin but spent time on the farm when he was younger and had lots of stories about Grandpa. He also had sunflower seeds ... yum! He rode back with us to Des Moines Monday.

Monday evening we had a nice dinner. Everyone was really, really tired and hungry but there were lots of laughs.

To top off a crazy few days everyone went to Grandma Maggy's band concert Tuesday night. Uncle Matt and Aunt Emily "cut a rug", much to the chagrin of Uncle Chris.

So, there you go. I only met Grandpa Mike once but, after hearing about him all week I think he and I might have really gotten along.

Love to all.

Pierce