Good Bye Grandma

We had to take an unfortunate trip to Spokane earlier this week. My grandma Dean passed away last Friday, after suffering a major stroke. She had been suffering from dementia, which had really accelerated over the past few months. She had finally been moved into an assisted living home just over two months ago. As you can imagine, this has been an extremely hard time for my grandpa. While I'm obviously sad, and will miss my grandma terribly, thinking of my grandpa and what he's going through, is what truly hurts my heart. They were married for 63 years and had a love that was so inspiring. Always holding hands, smiling, and sharing little whispers, even well after her mind was starting to go with less familiar things. I'm worried about him, but he's has a great family support over there, he's strong, and I know he'll keep on keeping on; that's just my grandpa! :o)

Despite having a bunch of family there I hadn't seen in a while, pulling out the camera and snapping tons of pictures of the events while there just wasn't at the top of the list, or too appropriate, but here are some pictures of the kids during our visit.

We tried to make the most of it.... my mom bought Mason a haunted house decorating kit. He had SO MUCH fun doing it!

not the best pic of me, but a cute one of my sis

John watched the kids during the services but was able to see everyone afterwards for the gathering at my mom & dad's house. Unfortunately, miss P snuck away from daddy while he was trying to get brother's lunch situated (one of those turn your back for 2 seconds moments) and one of the caterers came barrelling through the door, hitting Peyton smack in the head with it! :o( of course it was moments before 40 people were about the show up at the house. Poor daddy, and poor baby girl! Despite having a good bump and bruise, it didn't take too long for her world to be happy again, and the rest of the evening was very, very nice.