A Sweet Goodbye

We knew that when we went up to the family reunion a few weeks ago, that Grandma Hunsaker's time on earth was growing short.  How short, we did not know, but we surely did not expect to be returning 2 weeks later to say our final goodbyes.  However, early in the morning on July 18th, (in which was her 97th birthday), Grandma was taken out to a big hearty breakfast by some of her sons.  Grandma was a good eater, and that morning was no exception, pancakes, eggs, sausage, you name it.  She even helped herself to a few hot chocolates.  Her sons took her back to her place at the rest home and visited.  In a matter of minutes Grandma was resting, unresponsive and then her spirit had left.

I keep thinking what a wonderful way to go, first of all.  After a big breakfast, surrounded by your family and in no pain whatsoever.  Also, what a wonderful birthday present for this sweet lady!  To be reunited with her husband and others family that have gone on before. 

It was an honor for Chad and I to be there, and to be counted among the huge posterity that she has left, to hear her kids talk about their mother with love and reverence.  I thought it was so touching that all of her children spoke at her service in one way or another, and every single one said that they attributed their testimony and love of the gospel to their mother.  She was the one who taught them and showed them what the gospel is all about. 

Chad was asked to be a pallbearer, which I know he did not take lightly.  When we were dating, Chad told me how after his mission, he used to take special trips up to Wyoming to see Grandma Hunsaker and take her to the Idaho Falls Temple, just the two of them, and do a session.  I knew then he was a keeper.

It was a beautiful service and beautiful day in Star Valley, just as she deserved.  My only regret, if there would be one, would be that I did not know her in her younger years, and had more memories with her.  I am confident that we will meet again, and I will get that chance.

Rest well, sweet lady.

Until we meet again.

Parties and Parades

One of these years we will go to Chad's annual work party and it will be a bust, but it was not this year.  We had a yummy catered dinner with drumsticks, tri-tip, mash potatoes, etc., and even had a bartender making your choice of Italian soda.  For dessert, this cake was made especially for the event, and the caramel cake was oh-so heavenly.  (I just about snuck some in my purse it was just that good.)

As always, there was cotton candy, 

a face painter, and also a balloon artist.  

It was very family oriented, which is funny being a construction company, but they always have a good time planned for the kids.  They had multiple bounce houses parked on the lawn.

Keaton and Emmi went to battle.

And guess who won that contest?

Sam and Chaston also battled.  They loved having their Mower cousins there too.  After a great dinner, the prize raffle begun.  I was vying for either the 50 inch tv, iPad, Xbox, or other dozen mega prizes that they had, but alas, we got a regular prize.  Chad choose an envelope with a $50 gift card to The Outback and a $20 gift card to the movies.  Date night, baby!! Last but not least, all of my kids got a little bag with candy and a $20 gift card to Walmart.  I mean seriously... how awesome is Vancon?  They are so great!

Me and the kids had to go up and see the Bountiful Parade this year.  Luckily for me, my Mom loves parades and so we got to go with her and Ab's kids.   It was super hot and crowded, traffic was a mess and when we got there we were so far back we could not see a thing, but I am glad we stayed.  We lucked out that my cousin Nate and his family had prime seats and room enough for us to sit with them.  Jack enjoyed the floats with all the animals.  The Madagascar one was his favorite.

My kids were just happy to be there with Tanner and Lauren, and a few candies tossed their way didn't help either.

 

This was the WORST part of the entire parade people... And of course we HAD to be sitting by my cousin that is a huge U fan. That made it even worse.  Ugh.  There was no BYU float, bummer.  That would have lessened it somewhat. 

Now, this was the best part and what we had come to see, the 2,000 LDS "stripling" warriors.  Young men from around Utah came to take part. I saw one in a wheelchair, dozens of YM leaders, and a big group of ones with missionary name tags, but there was 2,000.  We couldn't believe how long they kept coming and coming.  Thinking of the story and how the real stripling warriors were so young like these were, and going up against the fierce Lamanites was a terrifying thought.  But to think that all of them that I saw, and all those that kept coming and coming for like 15 minutes would have survived the battle and return home was simply inspiring.   It was worth all the drive and chaos.  My spirit was touched, and I hope it touched my kids as well.

As a side note, I had to post this picture.  For family night a while back, we watched some family movies, and had some popcorn.  I had forgotten until the popcorn was coming out and Jack was screaming with excitement, that he had never seen this before.  I dare you to find one kid that isn't awed that first time.  I also love Chad's expression.  This pic is just priceless.

And, what other 2 year old that you know loves Perfection?  This is one of Jack's favorites right now and amazingly, what you see above he did all on his own.  What a smart little stinker.

Name That Tune...

Keaton has been taking piano lessons now for 5 months, and lucky me, he is loving it and wants to continue.  Since he has been out of school, he will usually practice a couple of times a day without my asking.  He has memorized a couple songs and have heard him playing from memory at his grandma's house.

I love that he loves it, that he is almost as good as I am already, that his piano teacher gave him a primary songbook to play, and that I get to hear these sweet melodies all day long.  It all makes me so happy. 

In just a few weeks, he will be having a little recital, and I know he will do awesome. 

Hunsaker Reunion

It was time again for a trip up to Star Valley, Wyoming and to see all the extended fam and pay respects at the cemetery. 

The drive was smooth sailing and the kids behaved rather well thanks to some movies we rented on Chad's iPad.  The most exciting thing would have been having to stop 2 different times in Wyoming because of the huge amounts of sheep covering the road.  You don't see that everyday, even my little Utah town!

We love this reunion, but this year was especially important to attend.  Grandma Hunsaker will be turning 97 in just a few short weeks.  We don't know how long she will be with us, even though she is a trooper herself.  

Most of us in Chad's family were able to attend, save the Mowers and Nicole.  We missed them this year.  Nicole had to work, and Lydia just had a baby last week.  We can't wait to hold little Lincoln soon.

But, baby Bryce did come, and we had fun holding and loving him.

Like always, we had a lot of fun. 

Buzz Buzz Part 2

Still busy bees, we have taken the kids now to 3 movies.

That is more movies than we usually take them to in a whole entire year.  Thank goodness for the dollar theater.

We have also had trips to get our teeth cleaned, and for a few of us, a trip back to get cavities filled.  It was the little misses' first time getting numbed and drilled.  She was a trooper.

Another couple trips to the reservoir, but most recently, with cousins.    

Tanner, Sam and Keaton surprised us all by swimming the entire length of the reservoir (with life jackets on) and were quite proud afterward.  Good job boys!

  

My parents came down as well, so my kids were in heaven. 

Especially Jack Jack.

We had an awesome Fourth of July with the Hunsaker's for the annual BBQ and fireworks and this is by far the best picture I captured.  Jack was determined all night to pull these girls in the wagon, whether or not they wanted to be.  It was a fun night.

Buzz Buzz

To say that we have been busy would be an understatement.  I have been trying my hardest to get the kids and myself out of the house a few times a week to do something.  Already we have done so many fun things.  Like the reservoir, for example.  We are already planning on going back this next week.  Can't wait. 

Then there was the day at Trafalga.  The rock wall was the hit with my kids.  Both boys made it to the very top.

And Emmi came close.  Much higher than I thought she would have.

There was also the bumper boats and planes.  We still need to visit this place again.

We have also made a tent or two in the basement.

Em went to the "Kindergarten Preview" and we have been working hard on the little study guide that they gave all the kids to practice over the summer.  She will be ready.

I also bought these workbooks for the kids to prep them for next year, and they love them!  Keaton says, 

"Mom, I love this homework!" 

We also visited a couple parks and splash pads already too.  Anything to get out all the wiggles and beat the heat.

Ha ha ha.. I just love this one of Jack.  It makes me smile.

Lastly, just recently I was also able to get a babysitter and get out of dodge for the day to visit Baby Edward, and have lunch with the ladies.  He didn't pose too well for his Aunt Sara, but I will forgive him. :)  He is doing so well.  He is over 3 pounds now and very alert.  I just love this little guy.