What a Weekend!

Only the Early family could pack a memorial walk, a dance recital, a graduation party, and a First Communion into one unforgettable weekend. What made it even more special was having nearly all of Autumn’s and my family in town — including Autumn’s uncle, Juan Carlos, who traveled all the way from Costa Rica.

Amity and Billy arrived late Thursday night, and we spent Friday preparing for Briley’s graduation party. The rest of our crew rolled in throughout Friday evening and early Saturday morning — just in time for a full weekend of love, celebration, and remembrance.

Saturday began with Autumn’s Memorial Walk at Mission Trail Elementary, a beautiful event organized by our dear friends Luke and Megan Knobloch, with help from my sisters and our friends Ali and Jeremy Lyman. Over 200 people gathered to honor Autumn and raise money for two causes she held close to her heart: Operation Breakthrough and the Triple Negative Breast Cancer Foundation. My sisters poured love into the decorations, the Knoblochs managed the logistics with the City of Leawood and Blue Valley Schools, and the Lymans made sure no one left hungry. It was incredibly moving to see such a show of support. We truly couldn’t have made it through this past year without our village of family, friends, and community.

From there, we dashed off to Finley and Emmie’s dance recital at Belton High School. In just under an hour, the girls lit up the stage — Finley danced in four routines and Emmie in two. Both of them were amazing. Dance has become something really special for Finley this year — a source of joy and healing — and I love seeing her carry on her mother’s love of dance.

Next up: Briley’s graduation party, shared with her good friends Ella and Malia. Ella’s family graciously hosted in their beautiful backyard. Amity created stunning floral arrangements with flowers the girls chose, and I built a photo backdrop inspired by their Etsy favorites. There was a gelato cart with homemade gelato (a huge hit!), cookies, Chick-fil-A nuggets, sides, and drinks. The setting was gorgeous, the evening was perfect, and the celebration was well-earned by three amazing young women. A huge thanks to Ella and Malia’s families for leading the charge in planning and hosting such a special night.

We wrapped up the weekend with Emmie’s First Communion and a post-church brunch at the Brawners’ and then went downtown to play put-put with Amity, Billy and Mike, before making a stop for some drinks at Boulevard Brewery. It was the perfect closing note to a whirlwind few days — filled with meaning, celebration, and the joy of being surrounded by family. The kids soaked up every minute with their cousins, and my heart is full.