Getting Ready

Davis And Albarran Families

Beth And Her Children: Mitch, Beth, Marisa, Tyler

It's 7:00, and the Hampton Inn's breakfast bar just opened. Both Evie and I were awake at 6:30. She stayed in bed, and I'll be taking her coffee up at 7:15. We leave for Beth's at 8:45 to help set up for the Celebration of Rami's Life, running from 10:00 to 1:00.

With Marisa And Jill

Kaia Loves Milena

Saturday was busy — depending on who you were. Everyone wanted to help set up for the celebration, and everything more or less got done. I was up early, of course, had my coffee, wrote the blog, took coffee up to Evie, and showered. By 9:30, all seven of us were on our way to Beth's.

Urn Thrown By Mitch

Nick And Renee Arrange Flowers

Enjoying Guacamole and Salsa

Beth, Marisa, And A Sleeping Pup

A Sad Tin Tin As We Uber Off

Even though Hampton offers breakfast, we had another round — or at least some of it — once we arrived. After breakfast, Beth divvied up the jobs for both Saturday and Sunday morning. Four of us drove twenty minutes to Central Market and picked up wine, fruit for a salad, the makings for a Bloody Mary bar, and a few other condiments for guacamole. When we returned, most everyone was busy doing something inside or out. Evie and Beth's mother-in-law, Chelo, were making their specialties — guacamole and salsa — for lunch. Once they finished, and it was quite a production, all of us feasted. Some of the best we've ever had. Nothing like a grandma in the kitchen to make something truly good.

We relaxed for a bit after that, got a few things done, went for a walk, and then five of us headed back to the Hampton to nap or unwind, returning at 5:00. Evie stayed behind to help out if needed. I felt like an old grandpa for most of the day — everyone buzzing around doing something while I sat there watching.

Beth had arranged dinner for fifteen of us at a nearby spot called McRae's American Bistro. They gave us their covered patio all to ourselves, and we stood around enjoying various libations until it was time for appetizers — deviled eggs, bacon rounds stuffed with jalapeños and cheese, and roasted artichoke hearts. All delicious.

Cocktails At Mc Rae's

Granny With Family

Renee And Tyler

 For the main course, we chose from salmon, a pork chop, or steak with frites and a salad. To celebrate my grandson Mitch's twenty-eighth birthday, Beth had brought two cakes, and we were each served a slice of both — a perfect finish to an amazing family evening. We Ubered back to Beth's, and then the six of us, tired from the day, drove back to the Hampton around 9:00. Evie and I were in bed by 9:30, hoping for a good night.

Dinner

Cousins: Mitch And Nick

The Girls: Evie, Lettie, Patty, Chelo, Renee, And Milena