Abuelita

I had the most amazing weekend celebrating my Grandma.  Thankfully I listened to Andrea not my dad and bought a ticket to St George.  Turns out, 17 of the 20 grandchildren were able to come and included cousins I haven't seen in years.  Jeff and I met Cam and Jill in the airport on Thursday and we flew to Las Vegas together.  Jeff and I talked nonstop the whole trip and still had more to discuss.  We spent the afternoon hiking and enjoying the bright red rocks, green grass, white mountains and bright blue sky.  I had to admit that it was one of the most beautiful places I've been.

We had dinner that night with Mom and Dad and got to see their new home, and the house Uncle Ray is building.  Later that night I headed over to Betty and Warren's. This is the first time I ever remember having them to myself.  One very nice thing about them is their complete lack of obligation.  They lent me the keys to their truck and I had total freedom and no guilt.  This is the letter I sent them and I meant every word.

I started Friday by going to Moms posture class.  It was a good core workout and I was proud that Mom does the class; it was hard!  Mom and I spent the day together shopping and enjoying the sunshine.  That night we met at a beautiful 4 milllion dollar home, a client of Uncle Rays, for pizza and some major catching up with thenTraher cousins.  My favorite part was going around the circle sharing memories of Grandma and appreciating her endless optimism, spunk and ability to be happy in every circumstance.  The only disappointing part was that Paige wasn't there.  Her husband wouldn't let her come until later.  It breaks my heart to think of her in an unhappy marriage.

Saturday I went for a run, met everyone for breakfast then said goodbye to Betty and Warren.  We went for a hike, got frozen custard and got ready for Grandmas memorial.  Aunt Clara asked Cary and I to wear Grandma's dresses and it was fun to recognize them from some of the old pictures.

Uncle Bob did a beautiful job telling about Grandmas life in a beautiful PowerPoint.  Dad taught the plain of salvation powerfully and simply.  Dad asked me to share a story he had written and I managed to get through it without a total breakdown.  It really explains my grandmother beautifully.


After the memorial we had Fritos and chili lots of chocolate and Pepsi in rememberance of Grandma. Dad brought Grandmas still working 1920 toaster and we made hot buttered toast.  It was over too soon and Cam, Jill, Jeff and I headed back to Vegas to catch our flight home.  Jeff and
I talked nonstop all the way home and again had so much more to say.  I don't know why I am so blessed to have been in this family.  I love my brothers and their wives so much.  I hated not having Stacey and Kimberly with us.  I have amazing parents.  They are flawed and have great potential for driving their kids crazy.   But they are perfect examples of trying and loving.  Oh and as a side note, I guarantee that their funerals will be catered.