Grandma McDonald

 Steve's Grandma McDonald passed away in April and we felt like we should make it a priority to attend the funeral as a family.  We both took bereavement leave from our jobs and headed out on an impromptu trip to UT.  It was fairly incredible - all but 4 of her children and grandchildren were able to attend out of 39 children and grandchildren.  Quite a family reunion and celebration of her life and posterity!

I should back up and say that Steve wouldn't hear of me driving 9 hours 30 weeks pregnant.  The week before I ended up working a horrific schedule of 12 hour shifts Thurs, Sat, Mon and Wed with teaching at church, sick kids and coordinating youth activities for church in between.  So his insisting I fly might have had to do a little bit with me coming home in pain, tears & exhaustion Wed night not having a clue how I was going to pack up and travel the next day for the funeral.  Yes, that was probably it.  I was protesting through my tears, insisting a good night's sleep would make all the difference and he kept nodding and ignoring me while he bought the ticket.  So my saint of a husband drove 3 kids to UT by himself and stayed at Great-Grandma Alley's Thurs night.  We always love our Laramie stop and I especially love the relationship my kids have being so close to Grandma.

The above picture is an attempt at getting a picture with her grandchildren and great-granchildren - it wasn't the quietest funeral :), but it was certainly filled with love and appreciation for the legacy she and Grandpa started.  Steve and I reflected a lot on the life and legacy we were leaving for our children...how seemingly small everyday choices really create a tapestry of faith, love, work ethic, values, etc that effect generations to come.  Grandma's humor, intelligence, obedience and work ethic were marveled at and appreciated by all.

 Grandpa and his children who were able to attend are in the above picture - (L to R) Aunt Wendy, Aunt Nancy, Grandpa, Aunt Sandy, Aunt Leslie and Uncle Billy (with Kali attached to his lap - it was precious - she climbed onto him and in his loving way he held her for about 1/2 hour while grieving his mother and strengthening his siblings without missing a beat).  They each spoke about her during the service.  You could tell each child had a unique relationship with their mother and it was just beautiful to hear the different points of view and aspects they loved and appreciated about her.  Of course it made me think of my relationship with my children, how unique each little spirit is, how I relate differently with each child, and what each child needs from Steve & I to grow confident in themselves and in our love for them.

We got to see so many cousins!!!  It was incredible.  We spent many late nights playing games and talking with these dear friends.  Sommer, Jenna and I are all pregnant with little BOYS and are due within about 4 weeks of each other.  It's always nice to commiserate - I mean REJOICE in the joys of pregnancy with someone.

 After the funeral we headed home and made it in time to see beautiful Anna off to prom.  She was all dolled up and had a blast that night. 

 Luke, Mary and Max also drove down from Rexburg to spend a couple days with us.  It was a great little family reunion (minus Em who was in San Diego running the Ragnar!!!)!

 Blake LOVED holding Max and talks all the time about how he's "gonna hold his little brudder just like baby Max."

 Mom and Dad hosted us for the week and dyed Easter eggs Sunday night, took the kids on train rides, planted little gardens and spoiled us rotten.  The kids (all of us) loved it.

 

The Monday after the funeral the McDonald cousins were still making the most of our time together!  Matt Jeppson (Wendy's son) brought up the great idea of doing some fishing on the Provo River and doing a little adventure with the kiddos in St George.  We were completely on board...what better adventure guide than Matt who LOVES the outdoors, used to be a river guide, is now an environmental lawyer and always on the lookout for the next great adventure?  And Steve, JV and Matt used to spend a lot of time together fishing and playing - I loved that they had the rare chance to do it again.  So I kept Blake with me and Steve took Trenton and Kali down to St. George.

These are some shots from the St George trip.  Aunt Wendy and 11 of the cousin's kids also went on the hikes in St George and the adults did a lot of trading off kiddos who were too little or got a little too hot to finish parts of the hike (above - Kali on Matt's shoulders) .

They found a tortoise...

 a gecko...

 a snake...

(yes, Kali is in heaven holding snakes)

 and a scorpion (no pictures of children holding that one though). They really had a blast and talk about their adventures in the desert often.

While they were gone Blake and I got to see Emily and spend some time with Johhny!!!  Yea!  Johnny and Blake are little buds - it's so fun to watch their relationship.  I also got to see our dear friends, the Barlows and found a beautiful picture of the temple for our dining room.  I have been looking for years and consider myself pretty picky.  I love it.  We also got spoiled by Mom and Dad with an incredible dinner at a Hibachi grill - it was  absolutely succulent.   Little Johnny wasn't a big fan of the flame at the table and I will be watching to see how he does in the future with fire ;).  Blake cautiously enjoyed the flame but both boys LOVED the food.

Steve once again insisted I fly home and didn't bat an eye or utter a word of complaint driving 3 kids across UT and WY with a week of very little sleep while I loaded up on a plane and headed home. What did I do to deserve him?

It really was a week of family and reflection, which I suppose is a big part of what funerals are about. 

We love you Grandma McDonald!