Our unexpected visit

For those of you who didn't hear, We made a trip to Utah this weekend for my grandpa's funeral. As hard as it was, I have to say that I am so grateful for the knowledge we have of the gospel. I'm so grateful for our Savior Jesus Christ, and the Atonement. I'm grateful for the plan of salvation, and that we can return and live with our Father in Heaven. I know that our families are eternal and that my Grandpa is happy and healthy (which he hadn't been for a while) where he is now. I look forward to seeing him again and giving him a big hug.

It wasn't the ideal situation for family getting together, but I really was grateful for all the family that we got to see and visit with. I'm grateful for all the friends and family that were there to support my grandma and our family. I'm grateful for all those people being able to know my awesome grandpa. My dad and Aunts did a wonderful job speaking about him, and I enjoyed each talk. Even though the grandkids song wasn't what we expected, I'm sure Grandma and Grandpa both loved it. :) My grandpa was a wonderful man and saw beauty in everyone and everything. I remember walking with him and having him pointing out things that most people wouldn't even take the time to notice. We would hold your hand and give you love squeezes. You never had to question that he loved you, cause he always told you. When you were hurt, he'd spit on the wound and tell you, "You're okay. Germans are tuff." He loved to sing and I always remember singing with him. I remember, "She'll Be Comin Round the Mountain", (he had the best actions for it) and "You are my Sunshine" as my favorites. He was a wonderful poet, and I have special memories of ones he wrote for me. I remember he went to a poetry reading group and they would all give feedback and analyze your poems. He told me they loved my poem he wrote for me. I told him they better, cause I didn't want anything changed about it. I would always try to take time to sit with him and ask him about life and growing up. I loved listening to his stories and memories. I'm grateful I had him as my Grandpa, and that I got to know him as a person. We all will miss him and love him lots.

Even though it was a funeral, we all enjoyed reminiscing about Grandpa, and talking to one another. I saw cousins I haven't seen in years, some second cousins I honestly couldn't remember the names of, and lots of awesome Aunts and Uncles. I figured I'd post some pictures of the family. So here you go all. If anyone wants a copy of the pictures, Dad and Janene have them on their computer, and I don't mind emailing some or mailing you a cd. I just need addresses. I took a ton of pictures for Grandma, so there is a bunch.





GRRRR guys


Not bad hansens, not bad at all

Sig toasting the camera. Ha.



And Cassie is obviously a lot taller than I remember, either that or I'm shrinking


This one is for Cassie and Katie






The kids Saturday night unwinding, playing together: