Just Another Day in Paradise: August '13

We had a great trip to Utah planned for a reward after finishing the Bar Exam. The night Tyler finished his last day of testing we heard news that his mother was unwell, and that we should come immediately. We packed quickly to come, but in the early morning we received word that Shirley had passed away. We were happy for her release from the pain she suffered, but miss her very much. These pictures were taken the last time we saw her on the week of the 4th of July 2012.

I love this one of Tyler pulling her over to be in the picture, such great candid shots of everyone, and showing Tyler's thoughtfulness and love for his mother.

Here is the concert Shirley always sat through assuring my children that they were the best musicians in all the world, of course I agree.

Mother and son having a nice chat.

So this year on our trip to Utah knowing Grandma Shirley had passed we tried to shift our mindset from vacation to funeral...but still made the best of the time we had together.

Rachel and Sarah playing cards with Sophie in the playroom loft.

Mitchell and Adam playing outside.

Everyone getting chummy.

Great cousin bonding time.

Tyler's sister Tiffany flew in for a couple days, we were thankful they had not yet moved to Chile. She had to have a special doctor's note to fly so far along in her pregnancy.

Tyler and his sister, do they look a little alike?

It was great being together will all the family.

Wonderful friends and neighbors kept us supplied with food.

I found Adam making faces at himself in the entryway mirror. Great entertainment.

Snuggly siblings in the mornings.

Sunday night was the viewing.

Andrea's girls Olivia, Abigail, Sophie, and Caroline.

Andrea's son Connor and Brett's son Mitchell.

Brett's daughter's Ayrdrie and Chelsea and their aunt.

Andrea's family.

Brett's family.

Tyler's family.

The Burr family with my kids.

A selfie that Sophie sneaked in on my camera without me knowing...

The whole family that came.

Gary with his 6 children.

Monday the funeral was beautiful with children speaking and grandchildren providing the musical number and finally all coming to the burial sight.

Trying to smile through it all.

Monday at the funeral luncheon.

I've heard stories, but I really couldn't believe there was jello with carrots in Utah.

I finally caught a shot of each of Paul's kids. This is Aspen.

and Kaia

and Kinley, being held by Sophie.

A few days later we went back to the cemetery to decorate the grave.

Great cousin bonding moments.

And then life went on. We played don't eat pete,

ate too many gummy bears,

and played in the park,

and missed Grandma Shirley through it all.

While being in Utah we also had a special circumstance that my nephew Elder Joseph Walker entered the MTC and we got to say goodbye. We hadn't seen him in 2 years.

He is so prepared and ready to get to work.

Bye Elder Walker, serve Portugal well!

We got to see my nephew Scott and his lovely wife Katie who come visit us often.

And we got to see this lovely sign at the old Conoco corner gas station. What a terrible thing to brag about.

Sweet kids snuggling in for a little movie together.

Now that is a cozy couch.

We took Sarah to the temple for her first time to do the baptisms of the family names she found. Our Cole Grandparents met up with us for a few special moments inside.

and stopped by Krispy Kreme's on the way home and Steven treated us to a dozen donuts.

We had a little time to visit with Cole Grandparents after their temple shift.

The kids enjoy playing in that huge doll house Grandma and Grandpa Zimmerman built together.

They are such special wonderful people. I'm so happy my kids have felt close to them reading their personal history.

Just a little memory for me to see these birds. Grandpa used to wind them up to sing for me.

Of course we had ice cream and Sarah got a candle to celebrate her #12, and I showed the kids my what Charmkins are.

Happy boy.

Happy girls.

We took a hike through crystal springs.

The Lee's met us there too, we had not seen their family since they had been back from China.

Sarah loved the natural beauty.

Adam rekindled some friendships with a nice car picnic...it began raining...but we still had a great time.

The rain clouds were beautiful.

When we got home Andrea, Sarah, and Rachel danced in the rain.

Adam got warmed up and cozy.

The next morning it was time to go home.

We had a wonderful time regardless.

Goodbye Grandpa Gary and Aunt Andrea!

We had to stop by for a few more last hugs on our way to the freeway.

We stopped by Nelson's frozen custard in St. George on the way home in honor of Grandma Shirley. Tyler told us memories of going there.

After driving all the way home we needed to do some yoga to stretch out our backs. Adam chose to build a fort instead of participate.

Diana Maturia that we've been teaching with the missionaries had to go back to Texas to start school again. We will miss her pure love of Christ and faithful spirit.

Rachel cooking with Halle.

Halle is a chef.

Random day doing what we love to do, Sarah working on her story, Rachel playing with her doll, Adam joining in and loving the table fort.

We celebrated our 13th anniversary on the 17th of August by taking the family to see Planes and have ice cream at Coldstone. Adam didn't like the ice cream, but he loved the movie.

And we went for a swim...

Here come a few random pictures of Adam. He is very proud of himself here for making the whole family lunch by himself. What a help it is to have a boy like him! Homeschool doesn't have the budget for lunch ladies, but who needs them with Adam around?!