Today, I hope, is the first day of my official return to blogging. And while this hiatus was unplanned, it was much needed! Now begins the large task of catch-up....
Christmas Eve 2010 - that evening we received some unexpected and very sad news: the death of my older brother, Jacob, from a major glycemic episode. We quickly made plans to drive to Utah for the funeral.
Jacob's Senior Portrait
I can totally see a resemblance between him and my kids
The drive to Utah was tough, to say the least! We were fine until we hit Wyoming, and then this is what we had to deal with:
Blinding snow and heavy winds!
We had to stop for three nights on the way there - the snow was just too bad that last day!
Here are the kids at our room in Little America, Wyoming. If you ever ask for the address I can tell you the answer - the hotel is the town! It was a fun, retro place to stay, but we liked the perks of Holiday Inn Express much better. :)
It felt so good to make it home to Salt Lake! My dad told us several times how much he needed to see the kids - it made the whole drive there worth it.
We arrived the day before the funeral which gave us time to think and share with each other our memories and thoughts about Jacob. From these discussions I was able to write the talk I gave at his funeral. I wouldn't have been able to write anything without the help of my older sister or my three younger brothers. I'm posting the talk on Facebook in my notes if any are interested in reading it.
We are so grateful for the opportunity this trip gave us to see our family. We miss them all so much - seeing them once a year or less is not enough!
The kids LOVE their Uncles! Adam, Ryan, and Matthew are wonderful and loving uncles - we love you so much!
Brian and Ellie also enjoyed getting to know their Utah Cousins, Katie, Shook, Nick, and Emily, again. I didn't get a picture of it, but Shook was my #1 babyholder, followed by Katie at a close second. I can't believe how much these kids have grown up!
It was so nice seeing my sister, Carol, again. I also was able to meet her soon-to-be fiance, David. The big day is coming up - April 9!
We had a special visit with my Grandpa and Grandma Hauert. They still had their Christmas Village up; the kids really enjoyed seeing it!
The kids all had a turn sitting with Grandpa - he is so patient and loving! We love you so much!!
The best part was being with Grandma Lille and Grandpa Rick.
Grandpa Rick is the best storyteller. The best thing in the world is having a sleeping child snuggled up against you. :)
A lot of bonding went on between Liam and his grandparents. He is such a loving baby!
And we loved being with Grandpa Rick and all his silliness!
The way home went so much better weather-wise! We took a southern route and it was just beautiful.
The scenery really was amazing - a great drive as long as the sun is shining!
We truly are grateful to have been able to spend this special time with my family. If we ever drive to Utah again, though, it'll be not in the winter and over a longer period of time. The days of driving were very long and tiring.
For much of the driving portion of the trip we felt like this:
And every night we just wanted to do this:
The rest of the Winter has been pretty uneventful except for A LOT of snow and ice!
In January Brian went to school a whopping 1 day because of our trip, sickness, and a few snow days. Because there have been so many snow days, school has even been extended one week into June.
There is so much to look forward to: Spring, Easter, Family Visits, and more Blogging!
Christmas Eve 2010 - that evening we received some unexpected and very sad news: the death of my older brother, Jacob, from a major glycemic episode. We quickly made plans to drive to Utah for the funeral.
Jacob's Senior Portrait
I can totally see a resemblance between him and my kids
The drive to Utah was tough, to say the least! We were fine until we hit Wyoming, and then this is what we had to deal with:
Blinding snow and heavy winds!
We had to stop for three nights on the way there - the snow was just too bad that last day!
Here are the kids at our room in Little America, Wyoming. If you ever ask for the address I can tell you the answer - the hotel is the town! It was a fun, retro place to stay, but we liked the perks of Holiday Inn Express much better. :)
It felt so good to make it home to Salt Lake! My dad told us several times how much he needed to see the kids - it made the whole drive there worth it.
We arrived the day before the funeral which gave us time to think and share with each other our memories and thoughts about Jacob. From these discussions I was able to write the talk I gave at his funeral. I wouldn't have been able to write anything without the help of my older sister or my three younger brothers. I'm posting the talk on Facebook in my notes if any are interested in reading it.
We are so grateful for the opportunity this trip gave us to see our family. We miss them all so much - seeing them once a year or less is not enough!
The kids LOVE their Uncles! Adam, Ryan, and Matthew are wonderful and loving uncles - we love you so much!
Brian and Ellie also enjoyed getting to know their Utah Cousins, Katie, Shook, Nick, and Emily, again. I didn't get a picture of it, but Shook was my #1 babyholder, followed by Katie at a close second. I can't believe how much these kids have grown up!
It was so nice seeing my sister, Carol, again. I also was able to meet her soon-to-be fiance, David. The big day is coming up - April 9!
We had a special visit with my Grandpa and Grandma Hauert. They still had their Christmas Village up; the kids really enjoyed seeing it!
The kids all had a turn sitting with Grandpa - he is so patient and loving! We love you so much!!
The best part was being with Grandma Lille and Grandpa Rick.
Grandpa Rick is the best storyteller. The best thing in the world is having a sleeping child snuggled up against you. :)
A lot of bonding went on between Liam and his grandparents. He is such a loving baby!
And we loved being with Grandpa Rick and all his silliness!
The way home went so much better weather-wise! We took a southern route and it was just beautiful.
The scenery really was amazing - a great drive as long as the sun is shining!
We truly are grateful to have been able to spend this special time with my family. If we ever drive to Utah again, though, it'll be not in the winter and over a longer period of time. The days of driving were very long and tiring.
For much of the driving portion of the trip we felt like this:
And every night we just wanted to do this:
The rest of the Winter has been pretty uneventful except for A LOT of snow and ice!
In January Brian went to school a whopping 1 day because of our trip, sickness, and a few snow days. Because there have been so many snow days, school has even been extended one week into June.
There is so much to look forward to: Spring, Easter, Family Visits, and more Blogging!
5 comments:
Heather, I loved seeing the pictures and reading your comments. I hope your heart is healing. xoxo
I'm sorry again about your brother. Looks like you guys were able to spend good quality time with your family!
I've been wondering when you'd post again. I'm glad I got to see you over Christmas even if it was on unexpected terms. I'm glad your heart is healing although I know you have great perspective. I can't wait to hear about Carol's wedding, so please don't go on too long of a hiatus next time! You're kids are adorable and growing so fast!
Dear Heather,
I have been waiting and worrying, watching for your next post. I am so sorry about Jacob... I know it has not been easy. I have been checking and checking hoping that you would be alright. Everyone loves you sweet Heather. We all love you!
I loved seeing baby Liam and Brian and Ellie at the funeral and luncheon. You have a beautiful family. You are a beautiful young woman. Please keep posting.
Take care sweet heart and know that you are always in my heart.
Hey Heather,
I am so sorry about Jacob's passing. I hoped to be able to make it to the viewing to offer my condolences and to see you, but I wasn't able to :( I hope you and your family are doing well.
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