Utah

As i quickly mentioned before, we made a impromtu trip to Utah this summer for my grandfather's funeral. The reason for being there of course sucked, but what a great chance to see family that i haven't had a chance to see in years. I had such a good time. I wanted to stay another few weeks... but, work is work... My mom, Steph, and my kids and I drove my van out. We hit construction and bad weather both ways... but, really it wasn't a bad drive.... and that's with 3 boys...

At the funeral and the lunch afterwards was when the whole family was together. i can't believe i'm related to so many people that i don't know!!! everyone looked familur... and i could usually guess who's kid went to what parent... but, there just wasn't enough time to catch up with everyone.

My favorite times while we were there is when we would sit around my Grandma's back deck and visit. That's when I felt like i really got the chance to get to know everyone so much better. Kim and Matt are about my age... but, we've never really spent much time together since we've been adults. It was so nice being able to bond with them and get to know their kids a little more. We have so much more in common then i thought we did. It was so much fun rememinsing the old days and hearing stories of their families. I was able to spend a little time at Debbie's house as well. I went to her house for a tour. But, in each room I was able to hear a different story about her, or her family. it was fantastic! Of course, we stayed at Julie's house. because they lived the closest to us for so long we know their family, it seems, the best. It was so good to see them, and see how old Julie's kids have gotten, but how young Julie still looks. We were able to spend a little time with Dan's family and Lori's family. I spent not near enough time catching up with Brooke (who was always my bestest cousin.) Dave and Jon were able to come into town as well. It's always so much fun to spend time with both of them. i don't get to see them as much as i would like. I'm so glad that my siblings and i are so close.

And then, of course, Grandma. She is such an amazing woman. She has raised such a fantastic family. She held up so well at the funeral and throughout that week. She was so funny. She would tell a story about Grandpa from years ago. She would have us all laughing so hard, and then she would end up with tears. Laughing to crying and back again in a matter of seconds.

She has such a fantastic heart. She spent one evening playing board games with a few of the great grandkids. they loved it so much. Grandpa and Grandma were so happy for so many years. Grandpa was such an amazing man. He was funny and extremely smart. The only problem was that as kids we knew he was brilliant, but he would tease us so much that we didn't know whether or not to believe what he was telling us. He had such a strong testimony of the gospel. Of family, and the importance of it. He left behind an incredible legacy. He did so many things in this world. Did the world know who he was? no, but, they should have!

These are some of my favorite pictures that were taken that week.