The funeral

The reason for our trip to Utah: my mom's Uncle Robert's funeral. 

It was really quite nice. His wife, Aunt Helen, died just 8 weeks ago.

They were both well into their eighties, and it's sweet to think of them together on the other side. 

Attending Great-Aunt Rosalie's funeral last month, and then Great-Uncle Robert's funeral this got me thinking. Last time I knew half of the people in the room. This time close to none. But they are my family. How sad it that? That the first time I go out of my way to get to know them, is because someone has died. I made a pact with myself right then and there that I want my son to know his family. I want to make family a priority. I want to do whatever it takes to always go to family reunions and get-togethers, to support my family, no matter how distant they might be.  I'm grateful that my mom always made family a prioritry. 

It's finally sinking in, mom.

My mom with her grandparents

Incredible military service. So moving.

His 6 children

Fred was cold!

eating my face?

on the road...to Utah

Last week my mom, Collin, Frederick and I left for a 5 day trip to Utah. My mom's uncle died and so, it was time for another funeral. We packed up and left for the long road trip up north. It took hours longer than usual, having a sweet little babe and all, but we watched lots of movies to make the time pass by. 

The drive was gorgeous. 

I love and miss Flagstaff. 

The red rock in southern Utah is breath taking.

The air is fresh up in the mountains.

Frederick did pretty well considering. But towards the end he was just downright miserable. But, finally, we made it. To Provo. We stayed with cousins, Gussie, Spencer, and 10-month-old Maelo. We all had a great time together and we got to hang out with my brothers, AJ and David, who recently both returned to school at BYU. And, of course, Collin and I got to reminise about the old days and showed Freddie all our old spots....our old apartment, our favorite restaurants, old jobs (and I even stopped in and showed off my handsome baby boy at the restaurant I worked at, La Dolce Vita), and the school. One of the most amazing sights to see in Provo was the brand new temple being built right off Center Street where the old Tabernacle was. It was incredible. I just saw it and gasped at it's beauty. It's all just a wooden frame now.

CLICK BELOW TO SEE MORE PHOTOS

a funeral and inspiration

We attended my Aunt Rosalie's funeral (my father's mother's sister). We lived in Vegas not far from them for 5 and a half years and saw them often. We knew her well. I looked up to her and her teenage daughters. They were so glamorous and cool. It was hard to go to the viewing. Hard to see Aunt Rosalie that way. And it was overwhelming to see her children and husband missing her so much. The look of pure sorrow in her husband's eye was indescribable. It made me sad to think that Collin and I might be apart for a short time one day. But her oldest living son gave her eulogy and said it best: we do not mourn her loss. We know she is in a better place. We know she is free from pain and happy. She is with her parents and son and former husband and sister (my grandmother), and other friends and relatives. We will miss her until our time comes. 

It was wonderful and sobering to hear her children and grandchildren celebrate her life by telling stories. She was a confident, loud, happy woman. She took strangers into her home and gave to everyone around her. She loved playing games and telling stories. She was a dancer. She stole a car once!! haha!

When I die, I want to be remembered like that (well maybe minus the stolen car, hehe): fun, giving, loving, friend and family to all. I want my life to change others' lives as hers has changed mine. 

The circle of life: our darling son.

Graves of her son, Kent, killed on his mission in Argentina, and her parents. Beulah and Merle sure had 4 amazing, independent, strong-willed daughters.

On the way home the stars were so glorious. We had to pull over and look at them for a while. It was chilly!

Grateful. grateful for my eternal family.

after christmas and on our way to las vegas

Pajamas at the movie theater. We saw the new Sherlock Holmes. I liked it just fine. It was entertaining and all. But it was definitely a sequel.

Tuesday Morning my mom, Collin, David, and Freddie and I drove to Las Vegas for my Great Aunt Rosalie's funeral. It was a sudden thing and I knew her well. We got together with her family often during the 5.5 years we lived in Vegas. We know she is in a better place. It was wonderful to see family we hadn't seen in a while, but it also made me think: 5 hours is just not that far away. Why don't we get together more often?

Here is Frederick on his first road trip. That is his new book that HE LOVES SO SO MUCH. Three pages that CRINKLE and 1 that squeaks. Oh man he loves it.

He slept most of the way, but when he'd wake up he'd be like...I'm STILL IN THIS CARSEAT?!?!?! NOOOO. Poor guy. Poor darling. So cute when he cried though, huh.

At the hotel. Happy boy again.

We got in the night before the funeral. David, Collin, Freddie and I drove down the strip. It really is an amazing sight to see: all those lights and buildings. Seeing some f the other ones brought back lots of fun memories.