Funeral Games for Helen the Triops

Abby was heartbroken yesterday morning. Her triops Helen had died in the night. Abby cried and cried. I did my best to console her, but it didn't really work. But then Will brilliantly said, "You know Abby, I think we need to have funeral games for Helen tonight." I had no clue what he was talking about, but Abby immediately cheered up and started talking quickly about marathons and treasure and armor and gold chalices. I was lost, but it clearly stopped the tears.

Will later explained the funeral games to me. It made good sense given that Helen was named for Helen of Troy and her fellow triops (who only lived 24 hours or so) were named Agamemnon and Odysseus.

Unfortunately, Will was on his own because I had evening plans. But he planned a fantastic tribute to Helen and he and Abby were kind enough to take photos to document it all.

The games began with the feast. Will made a hearty pasta to allow the athletes to carb load before the games. The goblets were a hit! As I was leaving the house, I think I heard the King of Stottica offer a toast to Helen and I imagine the goblets were raised.

At some point Abby lit the ceremonial fire and Daniel sang the Star Spangled Banner (check out his microphone).

The athletes were then ready to begin the games. First up was Test of Strength. Daniel was the champion -- lifting FIVE pillows!

Next came the Test of Endurance. Abby was the last athlete standing/running!

And the final game of the evening was the Test of Battle Skills. Abby and Daniel soundly defeated the King of Stottica and were victorious!

King Stottica then presented the Awards of Treasure to the Champions.

The evening was a fine tribute to a fine triops. Helen came to us as a teeny tiny egg and developed into an elegant, mature triops. Her three weeks with us were extremely special. She will be missed.

(In case it wasn't totally obvious to you, Will is a G-R-E-A-T dad!)