A funeral/Family Reunion

So much has been happening in our family/ extended family over the last 2 weeks. My brother got home March 20th from Switzerland and we found out on the 23rd that Jacob's grandmother had passed away. We had just spent the 20-23 in Port Orchard and were now going to have to make the long trip down to Utah the 27-28th for a funeral. I am 32 weeks pregnant mind you. I was not looking forward to this little rendezvous. My family was headed over on the 27th to our place to build us a shed so we could get all the crap out of Linnea's room before she comes. I had to teach primary and play the organ at church on the 29th which I had skipped out of the weekend prior for my brother's homecoming and didn't want to skip again. Besides, my whole family was coming over and I really wanted to spend time with them. Can I just say that I have the best 2 year old in the world!? She was such a trooper on our trip down to Utah.

We left at 6pm Thursday night and made it to Boise and stayed the night. In the morning Jacob and Emma went swimming in the pool while I slept (because I slept like crap the night before) and then we piled in the car and headed to Payson. We got to Payson at 3pm Friday afternoon and Emma had a lot of fun playing with her 2nd cousins in Great Grandpa Willey's backyard.

Then we went out to eat dinner with Jacob's sisters Rachel and Kathryn at Cafe Rio at 6pm. Emma loved hanging out with her Aunts and newest first cousin Aubrielle (I'm pretty sure that's NOT hour you spell it, but if it is YAY for me!). Aubrielle is Rachel's daughter and is 6 months old.

Then we went to my Uncle Russ' house around 8pm where we were going to stay the night. Again Emma had fun playing with my cousins (her first cousins, once removed), Ally, Izzy and baby Paige (6 1/2 months).
We woke up at 7:30 Saturday morning and got ready to go to the funeral in Payson. We left my Uncle's in Highland at 9:30 after a delicious breakfast of Swedish Pancakes and grapes and got to Payson just after 10. We stood around and chit chatted with extended family members, paid our respects and went into the chapel at 11 for the funeral. Jacob's cousins were playing prelude as we walked into the chapel and can I just say WOW! AMAZING!

His cousins all play a string instrument. They have a Bass, 2 Cellos I believe and 2 violins (maybe one of the violins is a viola?). As I walked in they were playing an arrangement to one of my favorite hymns "If You Could Hie to Kolob". It was the most beautiful music I have ever heard. For a point of reference, these kids play, or have played in the Orchestra on Temple Square. Yes they are that good. The 2nd oldest is a professional Celloist. The spirit that filled the room as they were playing that song was overwhelming. When we got back I was describing the spirit I felt to my brother Tyler and it was comparable to the spirit in the Celestial Room at the temple. I was bawling my eyes out. Jacob said the opening prayer and was a Pall Barer.

I have been to lots of funerals in my lifetime. Three family members and multiple family friends/ friends funerals. This funeral for Jacob's grandmother was the most spiritual funeral I've ever been to. I was wonderful to be able to feel everyones testimonies of the Plan of Salvation through their spoken words and musical numbers.

Emma and Daddy at the Cemetery in Payson

After the funeral we got in a processional line to go to the gave side for a dedication by Jacob's grandpa. Again Jacob's cousins graced us with their beautiful talents. After the grave side service we headed back to the church for lunch provided by the Relief Society. Right after lunch Jacob, Emma and I changed out of our church clothes and headed back to Washington at 2:30 pm.

This is Emma with her 2nd cousins Stephanie and Sophie (Skylar is hiding behind Clothield) and Great Grandma Willey's sister Clothield Rogers (who use to sing in the Tab Choir)

We got home just after midnight Sunday morning and crashed in our beds.

I played the organ that morning and taught my lesson in Primary and then enjoyed a peaceful Sunday afternoon with my family.

My dad and brothers built the shed while Jacob was at work this week and they left yesterday morning to head up to Leavenworth. I wasn't ready to let them go so Emma and I tagged along with them. I forgot my camera so I don't have any pictures of us in Leavenworth. We hung around there for a couple hours and then headed back home. It probably wasn't worth the drive but I got to talk to Tyler in my car on the ride up which was really nice. I love him!

This weekend is General Conference. Next weekend my Sister in Law Rachel and her husband Jared and their 2 kids Genevieve and Aubrielle will be in Seattle and we are headed over there to go the the Zoo for the day on Saturday. The weekend after that we are headed back to Port Orchard for my friend Andy's wedding reception. We are busy busy busy this month!