Goodbye For Now

My father-in-law passed in early March. I didn't know him pre-dementia, but I knew him in the early stages and am happy I was able to spend some time with him then. His obituary is here.

It was snowing as we left town the day of the viewing. Our neighbors say we got about 8 inches, but when we returned after a couple of days it was pretty much gone. The snow created some problems for people flying in, but otherwise wasn't an issue for the funeral.

My sister-in-law and her youngest came from Colorado and we went out to dinner with them and my mother-in-law before the viewing.


We were at the funeral home for about 3 hours. The first hour was just family and after visiting grandpa the kids had some fun. My 2nd and his cousin ran around together a lot and it was fun to see them be friends.


The kids got their dad in on the fun too.
Once it was time for others to arrive we tried to contain them a bit better. I had originally thought I'd leave with them at some point, but they were pretty good so we stayed. Throughout the evening our oldest went over to look at his grandpa a handful of times. I think he understood a bit more than the rest of the kids.


The following day was the funeral and graveside services. They were both beautiful services. Our oldest made a point to sit next to his Grandma during the funeral. He seemed to know she needed someone and stepped right up to be the one.

I didn't take any pictures that day but think it's okay if I share these ones that were taken by my mother-in-law's friend.

Viewing before the funeral & me trying to keep the boys from getting too crazy.


Luncheon after the service.



After a while the kids discovered they could get away with a little crazy.


Family photos. His youngest daughter lives overseas and couldn't make it.


Grandma & grandkids photo.
Our oldest loves babies; and his cousin is a cute one!


Graveside service.


Family's goodbyes.

Dec 28 - Jan 1

We visited with my in-laws before going to Busch Gardens.


That night we stayed with my brother's family. The next day we had a piano party for our oldest at my parents'. My whole family & my mother-in-law came. He did amazing.
In rehearsing for it he didn't want to bow. I told him that when he was done with all his songs he had to do something while people clapped, so he opted for jumping around.


Games!


My baby sister's birthday!


New Year's Eve we spent another night with my brother's family. They are a lot of fun and wonderful hosts and we loved staying with them so much over the holidays!
The rest of my family (including a cousin of mine!) came for the celebrations too. And my mother-in-law came for a bit.


Pictures taken by my siblings, thanks for sharing guys ♥


In the morning we were sure to get a cousins picture!

Labor Day

We had fun at Great Falls with my parents!

August

Whole family trip to the temple!  I love when we're all together!



Playing in the basement


Hugs!


Watchin' somethin'.


3rd day in a row with no nap!! He'd cry in his crib forever rather than sleep. This was Sunday though, and as soon as we walked in the door after church he fell asleep. We were all still taking our shoes off. He was sooo tired! The next day I implemented something that we still do to this day. Quiet time (for the big boys) begins when his nap does, and we go see them in bed and say "night night."


We'd been to the pick-your-own farm a few times but they only dig potatoes on Saturday so this time we were able to bring dad :)


We got peaches too. Toddler was very cuddly.


Ward party. Sack race and ice cream.  I'd been getting that raised eyebrow from preschooler a lot.


1st grader had been asking for an indoor picnic since I'd let them have lunch in front of the TV earlier in the summer. I decided I'd better get it in before school started!


You can't tell from the pic, ha, but 1st grader was excited to use the stickers and stamps that I'd used with preschooler & his journal. Baby brother was excited too.


Brookside Gardens train ride & mound.



Outside the elementary school, after visiting 1st grader's teacher & classroom! Summer is almost over :(


Our toddler is talking more, giving kisses, and plays with my hair with the hand that goes behind me while I hold him. My husband says our preschooler played Nephi & the boat in the bath and it sounded adorable. Our oldest gave a talk in primary while we sat in the back and watched! He's getting so big!