Funerals, Family, and Food

When we found out my Grandpa had passed away we began making plans to attend the funeral.

Why was I so shocked that plane tickets would be so expensive on a 2 day notice?

After going back and forth about whether the whole family should go we decided it would be in the best interest to leave the boys home and take Kara with us to the funeral (she's still free)!

We left early in the morning and spent some time in the airport just staring at the airplanes.

I was armed with toys, snacks, puzzles, you name it I had it. . .

and she didn't need any of it.

She only needed dad's lap and the clouds outside. She was fascinated.

We even managed a little nap on the second flight.

The funeral was really good.

I have not seen some of my extended family in years and it was so neat to see all of my mom's brothers and their families.

My sister gave an amazing talk about some of the memories she had with my Grandpa.

I directed (yes I waved my arm - but probably not in the right time) all of my Grandpa's grandkids, great-grandkids, and great-great-grandkids, in a medley of primary songs.

The entire stage was filled in the chapel.

I had to stand down in front to lead them and as they all sang 

"Families Can Be Together Forever" 

I could feel the spirit so strong.

It was such a testimony of family to me.

My Grandpa was in the Navy and was given full honors at his funeral.

So neat.

Kyle was so sweet and bought pink flowers to take with us to the cemetary so we could give them to my mom.

I got a little emotional when I saw my daughter who is named after my mom sitting there next to her. It's the closest she will be to her in this life.

Really though, the highlight of the day for me was having my 2 brothers and my 3 sisters all together. 

I made them all pose in the 103 degree heat for this picture.

(but I'm the oldest and they do what I say)

FOOD

One morning we woke up and took a drive up to Ogden.

We hadn't been back since we moved almost 9 years ago.

We drove by the old house, drove up the canyon, visited the campus of Weber State where Kyle graduated,

and we couldn't leave without eating at JAKE'S OVER THE TOP!

Kara did not know what to do with herself. She had an entire kids meal to herself! No getting the leftovers from her brothers this time!

And you better believe that Strawberry Milkshake was ALL MINE!

On Sunday my Dad's brother and his wife hosted a lunch for all of my dad's side of the family. 

It was such a bonus to get to see that side of the family while we there as well.

I was bound and determined to get a picture of Kara and my brother Kasey.

This is how they all turned out!

I was able to catch these little gems!

Just look at those looks that Kara is giving him!

And try I did to get a picture with my dad and Kara. . .

This is as close as he could get to her without making her scream!

I could blame her attitude on the fact that she was either on a plane, in a car seat, or sitting in a funeral for the past 3 days.

But I think she just liked being with her mom and dad all by herself.  That's never happened. And I have to say it was kinda fun only having one child for a few days!