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The Burlington kids love to travel- especially on a plane! My father-in-law, Big Daddy to me, gave us a wonderful reason to do so- he retired from the priesthood on 10-10-10. We celebrated his service, my niece Rebecca's 5th birthday and our 10th wedding anniversary. And we just had a lot of fun.
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CC and Esther with their growing cousin, Laurence.
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My very generous in-laws sent Rob and me to the Hotel Providence on our anniversary. The view of Grace Cathedral from our room:
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In the hotel lobby next to massive jade sculpture that I loved.
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We enjoyed a LOVELY dinner at Chez Paschal so much that we tracked down the food cart run by the same folks and bought lunch there the next day. :) I love a good food hunt.
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So does Rob.
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Rebecca celebrated her birthday at Chuck E. Cheese. Really people, how do they grow so fast?
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Uncle Dickie, in town for the party weekend, Stephie and Laurence.
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Esther models her new boots later at Tante Jen's house.
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Now, what can I say about the fabulicious, glorious and heartfelt send-off tribute that St. Luke's gave Big Daddy? Well, let's start with the red beads that everyone wore for the service. Ron Clement models here:
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One of many many gifts, a quilt inlaid with photographs from BD's tenure.
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Quilt detail.
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BD and LM listen to a musical blessing.
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Viewing a bound album of their lives, another gift.
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A signed framed photo. Did I mention the gifts?
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Following his formal retirement service, there was a reception at the parish hall. And then, lunch at the club. I think St. Luke's loves BD and LM.
Rob and Meghan at lunch.
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Jen and Rebecca.
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Looking dapper in his Austrian jacket, the man of the hour.
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Esther drew a picture of 'Esther airlines' for the pilots on our return trip. I think they liked it.
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Other trip highlights: we finally got to see Stephie and Larry's house in Walpole where they have done an extensive and beautiful renovation. I LOVED their light-filled and well-organized place so much that I threatened to move in. Also we rented a car for the weekend which turned out to be a guilty pleasure- a red Chevy Suburban. Wow. That puppy was huge. I could get used to driving around with that much space- enough room for 9 people! And a huge trunk! I am starting to gush. . .