Quick Trip to Utah

Matt's Grandma Preece passed away after a long full life last week.  She was undergoing surgery at the time, so the end was peaceful and pain free.  She was ready to move on, though it is sad to see how much grandpa misses her.  He is very ill himself, and may not have long to wait.  It is hard watching all our grandparents finally show their age, as they have been so full of energy and great works.  It's hard to let go, though I know it's selfish to wish them a prolonged life when it is full of physical pain.

Because of the worsening health of both their fathers, Matt's parents came home from their mission a couple weeks early.  They flew in Thursday night.  We drove up Friday morning and got to Troy and Beccy's in the late afternoon.  It happened to be Jared's birthday, so we stopped and bought a couple of rocket fireworks on an Indian reservation to shoot off in his honor.  (Isaac is bugging us non-stop about going back to get more!!)  The funeral was mid-day on Saturday.  There was a large group of great-grandchildren singing a medley of her favorite primary songs, accompanied by Kyle, the oldest great-grandchild.  Amazing to see the living genealogy.  Jess was very matter of fact about all the funeral and gravesite details.  Isaac was very bothered, Makenna somewhere in between.  It helped those two to have cousins around.

The kids got some cousin playtime Friday night and in the afternoon after the funeral.  Then we drove back Sunday morning.  It was great to see Don and Chris, even if they were jet-lagged and living out of suitcases, still wearing their mission tags because their stake president is out of town, and they haven't been released.  Too much was already planned and paid for for the end of July to change the "reunion" date.  So this was a quick trip for Jen and Matt's families.  More fun to come in July.  Our kids have been moping around all day.  They didn't get enough playtime.  Of course, if they had a solid month, I'm not sure it would be enough.  Here are a few pictures I snapped.

Isaac and birthday boy, Jared

Katie and Makenna

The rest of the Martin kids: Curt, Jessica, Kyle (and Beccy too)

Still their favorite thing--bath time!!

Instead of staying inside, they came out to wait for the rest of the cousins and to. . . 

DANCE!

Italian ties are not just for boys.  Jess and Jaimi

The little girl table. Jess, Makenna, Alie, Rylie, Katie

And the men.  Jared, Isaac, Curt, Kyle and Jake.  Where were Kaeli and Jaimi? 

Someone caught grandpa.

Grandma had beautiful necklaces for the girls. 

The dirt was irresistible.  

They made a fire pit and a garden with a flowering tree.

Pretty picture of Makenna.  Good lighting.  

One more of the 8 year olds.  Love the teeth!