The Mother Land

If New Jersey is Timmy's Fada-land, then Iowa is his Mother Land. Both my mom and dad were born and raised there, and a significant portion of our family still lives there. We went back for my Grandma's funeral, but it was also a great family reunion. 15 of the 19 cousins on that side were there as well as all of the aunts and uncles.

Before we got to Burlington, we met my Aunt Barb (my Dad's sister) for dinner in Des Moines. It was so great to see her, especially since it had been over two years!

When we got to Burlington, we were welcomed by almost all of the Millers at my Uncle David and Aunt Gretchen's house. We ate delicious meals prepared by friends and neighbors of my Grandma, drank Bud and Miller Light in honor of her* and sat around talking into the wee hours of the morning.

The funeral itself was absolutely perfect, my Grandma would have loved it. The weather could not have been better and the scenery was beautiful. I am so glad we were able to make it back there, both to say goodbye to my Grandma and to introduce Timmy to everyone.

Iowa October 2009

* For those who don't know, my Grandma would only drink Bud or Miller. Bud was my Grandpa's nickname, Miller was their last name.