Albuquerque

Let the road trip begin

Over the past year or so several people have passed away in my life.  Unfortunately last month my Great Uncle Don Pearson passed away. While we knew his health had been in decline and we knew he would be back with Heavenly Father soon, we were a bit taken aback at how soon that ended up being.

In my family my Great Aunts and Uncles on my mothers side are like my grandparents. We spent so much time with them when were young. My Uncle Don was no exception, so really it was like I had 3 grandfathers pass in a years time. We have kept in contact over the years and we were lucky to see him twice this last year before his passing.

We all loved Uncle Don. He and My Aunt Betty were such an iconic couple in my mind. So in love and always serving those around them. He took great care of her, my grandma and my Aunt Gerdy.
It is bitter sweet as I know he was in pain and his body has now found relief. I am again thankful for my testimony of Eternal Families because I know I will see all these significant people again one day. You are missed Uncle Don.

Entering NM

Its so odd how I only lived here a little while as a child but some things are so familiar

My Great Uncle Don-A True Cowboy

The silver lining is that despite all the grief and pain we are able to see a large portion of our family at one time. However little time that may be. Some people I haven't seen in 25 years! My Dad and Cindy now live in Albuquerque and their house made for a good home base. They were awesome in watching the little kids as we took the older kids to the funeral.

At the hotel tuckered out after a long day

One afternoon we took the kids on a walk to stretch their legs

Jen, Briggs, Abby, Lexi, Jamison

 

 We decided to stay over Sunday night to not make our trip too miserable which meant some good eating during the super bowl. We had fun hanging out and watching the kids go crazy.

My sisters and I

 The night of the funeral Codee, Cassidee and I went to the house we used to live in with our grandma (its also across the street from my Uncle Dons house)  We kinda reenacted a picture from 25 years ago. It so sad to see it in the state it was in. Then we walked across the street and visited with some more family for a bit. We also were able to go out and have a just sisters night which turned out to be some funny times.

Watching a movie

I wish I would have taken more pictures of the luncheon after the funeral. So much family. I thought I had for sure taken pictures of my Grandma, Aunt Betty and Aunt Gerdy but I cant seem to find them. So maddening.

On our walk

Nothing like a kids dance party to liven up the mood