A sad event

On Wednesday, August 27th, my wonderful Gramma passed away at the age of 91. She had been on hospice for a few weeks, but it does not make it easier to know that she is no longer with us. She had not been doing well the day before, so we rushed up to MN at 4 am on Wednesday to try to make it. Unfortunately, we did not. Benjamin was not able to meet his Great-Gramma but I will make sure to tell him how wonderful she was.

Included in this entry are pictures of Benjamin with a ton of family members. It was so nice to spend so much time with family during those sad few days.

As Steve had to teach at 11 on that Wednesday, he could only drive me part of the way to MN before he had to turn around to return. My Dad drove to meet us and drive me and Benjamin the rest of the way. Here, Ben and I are hanging out at McDonald's at 7 am waiting for Grandpa Lucken to pick us up. There were a lot of regulars at McDonald's that enjoyed seeing Benjamin while we were there for two hours.

Benjamin on Aunt Jessica's shoulder at Aunt Jessica and Uncle Rick's house. Perhaps it is all the pink in the background that has Benjamin looking so alarmed.

Benjamin is keeping his eye on all the girls in the room. In addition to Aunt Jessica and Cousin Lucy, Jessica's cousin, Tiffany, and her daughter Taylin were there.

Uncle Rick and Aunt Jessica with Benjamin

Great-Aunts Sylvia and Stephanie. Sylvia and Clem just welcomed the arrival of their new grandbaby, Skylar, on August 26th. My cousin Mark and his wife have a website devoted to their new little one. You can check out her website at
http://web.me.com/fatcatstudios/BabyBlog/Welcome.html
She is adorable!

Aunt Natalie and Benjamin (Great-Uncle Clem is in the background)

Cousin Zack doing a great job holding Benjamin

Cousin Trever during his turn holding Ben

Grandpa Lucken and Benjamin

Uncle Rob (I think I can assume you noticed Ben is in (almost) every pick - so perhaps I can leave his name out.) :)

Benjamin, smiling post-bath

Mommy and Ben!

Daddy's Turn!

Great-Uncle Jim and Great-Aunt Sharon, who flew in from California

Grandma Lucken

Ben may be a Cubs fan at heart (and he has the appropriate gear to prove this), but he likes to show his support for the Twins, too!

My friend Andrea dropped by to visit

On the way home from MN, Ben and I hung out at Daddy's office while he taught at Illinois State University (located in Bloomington-Normal, an hour from Champaign-Urbana).