So Long for Now...

Grandpa's funeral was an emotional day for everyone, from the talks at the funeral to the Vets paying tribute to him at the graveside service. The one thing that I will remember and take from this day is the importance of family. This is the GREATEST treasure we have been given in this life!!!!!





All of Grandpa's grandsons were pallbearers.



The great-grandsons payed tribute to Grandpa by wearing their BYU hats at the graveside service. Grandpa would be so proud of his little cougars :)





Don't my kids look like there at a funeral with these pouty faces??? They're actually mad at their mom because she wouldn't let them run around at the church. (Mean Mom :)



Here's a picture of Grandpa's 17 grandchildren and below that, one with our spouses. It's very rare for us all to be together at the same time. I think these pictures will be keepsakes for sure!

Grandpa Ike

As most of you know Grandpa passed away last night. I am so glad that my Mom called me this past Saturday and suggested that we go see him. He wasn't in the best spirits and we could tell that he probably wouldn't live much longer. I want to share some of the memories I have of him. Probably one of my fondest memories would be that Grandma and Grandpa L would take us to Lagoon every year on Grandpa's birthday. This was such an exciting day for his grandkids to look forward to each summer. I think I looked more forward to his birthday than I did my own:) I can remember fun Christmas' and Fourth of July parties at Grandma and Grandpa's house. I recall being shocked recognizing him under that suit one year as well :) When Grandpa lived across the street from us he would take me to Drivers Ed early in the morning everyday for two weeks. He would crack jokes and share stories from his childhood with me. I think this is when I gained a stronger relationship with him. He even let me drive his truck once but only if I promised not to tell my Dad. We will all remember the great stories he would tell. Some of them may have been a little stretched on the details but they were entertaining all the same. He was the biggest BYU fan ever and this passed on to his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. One thing that I think was amazing about Grandpa was his polished mind. He was able to remember all the names of his 30+ great-grandkids names whether they lived close and he saw them often or lived far away. Everyone knew what great love he had for his family. I know he cherished this above everything. He was a very kind and giving man and he will surely be missed by all who knew him.