The Sun Was Out and So Were We

The Funeral

 The night of the viewing we got to stay at a Hotel in Oklahoma that Seth treated us to. The next morning we woke up we felt like we had been hit by a train. Words couldn't describe so we took this pic. That day it was Lacey's birthday. That was funeral day. This is the view from our hotel. Freezing and sad.

 We got to meet Phyllis and Pam some of my Dad's life long friends. I didn't take any picture at the funeral, but we had a lunch at a Baptist church where the funeral was held followed by being escorted to the grave site.

 It was so good to see my Dad and Cindy again. It had been too long. So bitter sweet.

My Papa Ken. Through all the quite moments of the plane ride out or sitting in the viewing room where his body laid or at the grave site as they put him in the ground, I pondered what I felt about my Papa Ken. And I realized in those moments that he was love. Every moment I have of him is happy. He always told us girls how beautiful we were and how lucky he was. He never once raised his voice to me as sometimes grumpy old men can. I know he wasn't perfect and I am sure he had many regrets in life, but I know he loved me and I know he loved many people. We were never close in distance, but he will always be my Grandpa. I know he is in a place far better than this earth. I know he is with those that can wrap their loving arms around him welcoming him home. And I know he is surrounded in love just as he was here on earth.

Staying with Lacey

 One good thing about going to Texas was spending time with family. I got to see these little rug rats and squeeze and kiss them to bits. Lacey and I couldn't help ourselves after having too many sad days. We had to take some ugly funny shots.

Papa Ken-Viewing

 On February 25th 2014 my Papa Ken past away. I found out as I was driving to our "Cowboy Party." I had to set all emotions aside until I goth home that night. It was rough. My good friend Megan Burnside knew it was hard on me and brought me these doughnuts so that I might eat my feelings away. It worked. I ate all three in record time. The next day I flew out to Texas. I was feeling really stressed about leaving on such short notice. But, everything just happened to fall into place perfectly. Randy was able to get time off and handled the kids beautifully. The day I left I was really anxious about flying out. I had never been on a plane by myself before and the last time I flew with the kids was one of the worst days of my life. But, as I got to the airport I ran into my friend Katie. I chatted with her up until my plane left and by the time I took off I was no longer nervous. I believe it was a tender mercy.

 Lacey picked me up from the airport and then the next day we drove to Oklahoma for a little dinner and the viewing. We met many people and lots of friends and family that cared so much for my sweet Papa Ken. They played a slide show of his life and music that was fitting to describe the amazing man he was. I went around and took some snapshots of some pics that were at the viewing.

Papa Kens parents Doris Sickman and Guy Herbert Cornelison

Papa Ken with his siblings

Papa Ken, My dad John and My Uncle Dick

Cowboy Party

Last month we had our blue and gold banquet for scouts. The kids called it their cowboy party and they were so excited about it. We served chili and corn bread and root beer floats and popcorn. I borrowed some cowboy gear from a couple of guys that Randy knows. A few lasso's and saddles, hats, boots and chaps. We set it up for decoration all around the gym and added just the right touch. I think Cort won cutest cowboy by far.

50 Degrees

We had one kinda nice day and it felt like Summer. The sun wasn't out but we didn't have to wear a jacket and I will chalk that up to a win!