Lohn's dad passed away a few weeks ago. We are still so sad. Lohn said he has moments when he thinks "Hey I should text my dad and tell him about the fish I caught," and then remembers he can't. It's a crazy thing to think that we will never see him again in this life. But we have faith that we will see him again.
One good thing about funerals, is the airplane ride (Not for me, for the kids. I get plane belly. Not pleasant.)
Gunnar was so excited to go on a plane. He now proudly announces to anyone "I have been on a plane four times!"
We got to do a lot of cousin seeing. Wonderful. And people have been so kind. At least 3 meals a day were brought in, and desserts galore, from everyone in the valley. We didn't have to cook the whole time we were there. A few thoughts on serving those who are grieving- Food is awesome. It's even more awesome in a disposable container so you don't have to worry about returning dishes. Paper goods are awesome too when there are 41 people in one house. And visits are wonderful. As long as they are kept short. I learned a lot from the dear people in Teton Valley. There was a sweet lady in my mother in laws church that invited us to the Drive-In during the day so she could feed us. All 21 of us. Not a cheap or easy order. Bless her for making the day just a little more joyful in a sad time. These pictures were taken on the grass in front of the movie screen.
Later we went to the last job site my father in law worked on. It has been his big project for the last several years. The owner of the place told us that we could come any time, no need to ask and show our family what he has been working on. Here I am enjoying the lush lawn. It was like carpet I tell you.
I don't know everything (
duh), but I really think my father in law was here while his grandkids were running around exploring the landscape he created. I don't think he would have missed this for the world.
Can I just say we have the best friends?! Lohn's buddy from Notre Dame, Ali,
flew out to Idaho from Texas just to lend support. It meant a lot to us, and we loved seeing him again.
This was taken right after the graveside service. Don't bother enlarging it, it will be pixelated. But isn't that a good looking family? I sure love all of them.
After our week long visit in Idaho, Lohn flew back home to go to work, and I went to Utah to be with my family. I somehow managed to not get any pictures of my kids with the Dahle cousins. Sigh.
Hogle Zoo! I was a begillion degrees, but so fun. What a great zoo!
Here my kids are crashing on my moms lawn after picking rocks. I have memories of picking rocks at the same place and at the same age as them. I'm pretty sure rocks grow, because there are still just as many rocks as there were 25 years ago.
I went with my dad to go get pictures of the sunset. Well, he went to get pictures of the sunset. I went to get pictures of my dad taking pictures of the sunset. Follow?
We went to go see Great Grandma Johnson. I love this lady!
And then we made it home. I had to fly with four kids alone from SLC to Richmond, and my belly was all over the place, and my anxiety was ridiculously high, but we made it! The kids couldn't have been better, and everyone was super kind and helpful.
We made it back just in time for Gunnar's 6th birthday.
I am very much opposed to pinatas. But Lohn did all the shopping since I was in Utah. I made sure everyone was safe.
We put the towel over Sylas's face and he tugged it down. Hehe.
While in Utah, Lohn had me ask Gunnar what theme he wanted for his birthday. Gunnar said " Hmm. I know, dragons! Wait, Dragons
and Robots! Wait, a robot dragon!" I texted Lohn back saying "He wants a robotic dragon. You asked." But Lohn did very well. He stuck candles in the dragon nose so it looked like it was breathing fire.
In other news, we have been having some success in this area. :)
