Bye Bye Paw-Paw

But not forever... Grandpa's funeral was Wednesday, April 15th. It was simply the most beautiful day. You couldn't ask for a better day. I took several pictures around the church grounds before the service. Naomi and Steph brought the kids and they needed some entertaining so we took them outside so they wouldn't disturb everyone else during the viewing. Here are some pics I took.

Lydia & Kathryn holding hands. Cute Cousins!

Kathryn playing on a bench under the trees

Family Picture time: The Thibodeauxs

Uncle Markus holding Daniel, I just love this pic :)

Me & Markus

Father & Son

Uncle Markus grabbing hold of Daniel, so cute!

More of Daniel on the swing, he takes the cutest pics (or is it me?)

Uncle Markus swinging with Kathryn, Daniel, & Lydia
**favorites of this picture: Markus' feet WAAAYY up in the air, Kathryn sitting back to enjoy, Daniel leaning forward to take a peek, and Lydia turning around looking at me**

Awww... cute cousins, Lydia & Kathryn (sitting next to Uncle Markus)

Stephanie & Braden

Natalie & Daniel

Overall the funeral service @ St. Patricks was nice. Much more personal than I remember Daddy's memorial service here almost 5 years ago. The military burial was certainly like deja-vu all over again. Of course I didn't make it through taps. As soon as I heard the horn, tears began to fall. What an honor to be buried this way though. There is something about seeing the American flag drapped over the casket of your loved one and to know the honor and sacrifice that go behind it. It's hard to say good-bye. I'm so grateful that one day I will be reunited with my Paw-Paw. I'm sure it was a sweet reunion between him and his 2 children that have gone before him. We were lucky to have know him and honored to have been called his grandchildren. This day made me proud to be a LeBlanc and the heritage behind the name and the legacy Paw-Paw left for us. He will be truly missed. Once again I'm sad that my children (one day) won't have had the opportunity to know their paw-paw (my dad) and my paw-paw (their great), but the stories and memories will live on. Easter Sunday will never be the same in our family... I just can't believe I didn't see him on Easter Sunday like I had planned on. That was the only thing I wanted (other than the Easter egg hunt) to do and neither happened.