What better to do on a cold, rainy, Sunday before Memorial Day than to build a fort you can play in, watch movies in, and sleep in all day and night? Kaycee and Luke kept themselves entertained all day in their fort! It was great since it was such a bummer of a cold, rainy weekend.
The Saturday before the holiday John and I took the kids to visit John's Grandpa and Grandma Chamberlain's graves and also his Grandma Adams grave. Grandpa Lu was a super special guy and he and John had a special relationship. He also got to spend a lot of time with Kaycee and Luke when he was living and he holds a special place in their hearts. Between the 3 of them there is never a dry eye whenever we visit his grave.
On Memorial Day we got up and went out to the Uintah Basin to visit my family's graves and to spend some time with my Grandma O. It had been a while since we had visited these graves and it always brings back some good memories of good times with my loved ones who have passed on. We first stopped by the Roosevelt Cemetery where my my Grandma and Grandpa B. are buried and also some of my dad's brother and sisters.
My dad had a half brother named Corky that he never new because he drowned at the age of 2. My grandma didn't talk much about him so we don't know a whole lot about him.
Also buried with him is my Uncle Ken who was the greatest guy ever. He was so fun to have as an uncle. He loved to tease and was really hands on. Unfortunately later in his life he made some bad decisions and passed away too early. That was a sad time in all of our lives, especially my dad's. He and Ken were best buddies. Luckily we still have his 5 awesome daughters to hang out with.
My dad's sister Carole died at the age of 8 of some sort of kidney disease (maybe what would be cancer today?) when my dad was young and he still remembers the night she passed away and her saying that she could see angels. This really hit home to me this year because Luke is now 8 years old and I can't imagine losing him right now.
My sister Brooke and her family came too and also my sister Misty, all the way from DC. The boys had a ball together. I'm sure my relatives were smiling down from heaven as they watched them play.
Me, Brooke and Misty had our picture taken with Grandma and Grandpa B.'s grave.
I never knew my Grandpa B. because he passed away shortly after my parents were married of some type of blood disease. He's one of those people that I can't wait to meet in Heaven. I've heard so many stories about him and I think my dad must be a lot like him. My grandma was an awesome lady. She did not have an easy life at all and I really admire her strength. I love her so much. Complications from a stroke caused her passing and I still miss her a lot.
Raleigh was cracking us up because he kept straightening his body and then falling flat on his face on the grass - without bending any part of his body. Thank heavens for little kids who can lighten a somber mood through their innocence.
It was a really cold and really, really, windy day!
After Roosevelt we headed up to Neola to see my Grandma O and my Aunt Susie and Aunt Bonnie. My Aunt Susie was nice enough to make us a yummy lunch. I don't have any pictures because I didn't even think to bring my camera in the house. We had a great time visiting and catching up. Grandma O. looked good and is always fun to talk to.
After lunch we went to the Hayden Cemetery to visit Grandpa O.'s grave. He was a rancher through and through. He was a happy, quiet man and he has fascinating stories and World War 2 experiences. When he passed away it was really tough for me. I didn't get to go to his funeral because it was finals week at Ricks college and the weather and road conditions were terrible. It took a while before I felt okay with the whole thing but I am lucky enough to have the gospel in my life and so I was able to find peace. The cemetery he wanted to be buried in is not beautiful compared to most but the rusticness of it fits him to a tee and his headstone is really cool. His signature of his last name is engraved on it. His grave is covered with the beautiful canal rocks that he loved to collect.
On our way home we stopped in Heber to have dinner with my mom and dad who are currently serving a mission at Heber Valley Camp. It was great to see them!
We ate at an awesome place called Dairy Keen. We will go back!
This little nut never looks at the camera when you want him to so it's a miracle that I got this cute picture.
Grandma and Grandpa B. sure do love their grandkids and their grandkids love them!
It was a great day!!!
My two favorite guys!
Luke had a ton of family members come out to support him. They were all really great and we feel so blessed to have such great relatives. We had close to 60 people at our house after the baptism for brunch. It was a special day for a special kid! We love you Luke!!!
