We’re back from our trek northward to pay respects to Uncle Neil and visit with family, and I’d say it whupped all three of our butts. The drive up was great, but long, and Finn did really well in the car. Friday morning we got up super-early, put on our church clothes, and drove another hour and a half northward to attend a warm, at times humorous, and solemn service. Afterwards there was a reception at a local restaurant and later still a party at a house I only recall from snapshots and dust-covered memories. It was great to catch up with relatives and friends, and Finn was so incredibly well-behaved, it made my heart hurt.

Saturday was filled with more family, starting with an invitation to meet cows and ride a tractor under a deep blue sky. Later my sister hosted a spaghetti dinner for a gaggle of aunts and uncles, and we toasted my uncle Neil once again. As always, Finn was the life of the party.

Speaking for myself, the trip was tiring but very, very good, even if the reason sucked.