Granny's services

There were 3 different funeral services for my Granny. The first was in St. George where she had been staying for the summer. You see, my mom flew out to DC at the beginning of the summer, packed her up, and brought her out to Utah so that she could be with family. We knew she wasn't doing very well, and later we found out that her cancer had returned and was at a stage 4. This service was mostly for her family since she had a lot in Utah. I can't believe I only got 2 picture the whole time we were down there. One of my sister and me, and the other is of Anna with Jordan, my cousins daughter (her 2nd cousin?)- they are only 3 days apart in age- cute girls!Her other 2 services were in Washington DC. I was able to fly out, with Kate, to attend them. The first was a memorial service that was held at her ward house. This happens to be the same building that I attended when we lived back east- it's also the building I was baptized in. All of my cousins but one (Melissa- we missed you!) were able to be there. I think this was the first time in a very long time- if ever- that we were all together. My youngest sister's husband was the only in-law that came, so his filling Melissa's place. So we have: Denny (the in-law), Bailey, Bradley, Tyler, Allene, Aubrey, Rachael, Lauren, Megan, Stacy, Jessy (me) and Tiffany. Here is one of my Mom with Kate chasing leaves outside the church. And one of my Dad holding Kate. She loves her Papa, he was one of the few people she would willingly go to while on our trip. The second service was the interment at Arlington National cemetery. The cemetery was beautiful, but a little loud with the airport so close by. This is a picture of my Grandmother's 4 children: Stuart (my dad), Trudy, Michael and Allen. The services were beautiful in all locations. There were lots of tears and laughs. It was wonderful being around family that I don't get to see very often. More to come from my trip later!

Ellie's Tea Party

This year Ellie got to have a friend birthday party and she picked a tea party. It was a lot of fun and a lot of crazy- with twelve 9 year old girls! They eat treats and punch, played bingo, opened presents, and played outside. I'm so glad we only do parties ever other year because it was tons of work.I made all the girls a flower hair clip and they got to eat on antique "snack sets" (glass party plates with matching cups). Kate just couldn't get enough of the necklaces.
It was the kind of party that I won't mind NOT doing again for a long time. Too much work. But Ellie had a really good time and that's all that matters!
It

We'll miss you Granny!

My dear sweet Granny passed away last week. She was an amazing women who will be truly missed. She was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer at the beginning of the summer so we knew this was coming, but it still came sooner then I would have liked. I was able to drive to St George (where she had been living with my Aunt and Uncle) 2 weeks ago. It was hard to see her so frail, but at the same time I feel very blessed to have been able to care for her for a few days after all the care she had given me over the years.
We lived pretty close to my grandparents while I was growing up, so I was able to spend a lot of time with them. She use to take us to the swimming pool on the air force base; she would take us to feed the ducks (always making sure to wipe the poo off the bottoms of our shoes before getting back into her car); she would have us over for sleepovers- which usually meant taking a bath in her pink (yes- pink) bath tube and eating toast with whipped honey on it for breakfast. She had the best collection of dress-up clothes, board games, records, and books; and always made every holiday extra special. My granny was dutch- so I can thank her for my blond hair, blue eyes, and big bones :)
I love her so very much and will miss greatly!

Happy Birthday Dad!

Dad (Papa)-
Happy Birthday. Here's a little video from the kids just for you! We hope you had a good day!
Love-
Bryan, Jessy, Anna, Ellie, Tyler and Kate

Happy Birthday Ellie!

Elizabeth had her 9th birthday on the 1st. Between soccer practice for Ellie and YW for Anna, we didn't have much time to celebrate. But we did get in some birthday donuts, ice cream and presents. "Why donuts" you ask? Well, she asked a while ago if she could have donuts instead of cake this year (I think she got the idea from a cousin). So that's what we had. Ellie's full of spunk (and a little sass here and there too!). She's a great part of our family and we love her very much!She gets to have a friend party this year and has asked to have a tea party. So on Wednesday we will be hosting a tea party for her and her friends. I've already started preparing- my freezer is quickly filling up with cream puffs & tart shells. Wish me luck- I've never thrown a tea party.