Grandpa Coombs

Today was my Grandpa Coombs' funeral. As I was getting ready, Benson asked me if it was really smart to waste all that make up (as I would cry it off later). There were 3 beautiful musical numbers, and my aunt and uncle gave touching tributes about the man I called "Gramps." My grandpa had been sick for a while, and I knew the end was near, so the call on Friday that he had moved on did not come as a surprise. But when I woke up Sunday, it hit me... The last time I saw him was the last time I will see him in this life. I know this is all part of the plan. I know he is in a better place. I know he is with his parents, that he has had a sweet reunion with a father he had never met, who had died a month before his birth, that he is with his mother who he loved and spoke of with such tenderness. I know he is no longer in pain. I know this is only a temporary good bye. And yet my Grandma looked so small and lost and alone without him. I feel sad for myself. But grateful that he was my grandpa. He came to so many of my classes to play the guitar, he took me on a date on my fourteenth birthday, he pretended that who ever won at miniature golf was who had the highest score. He made model airplanes with my kids and showed them old movies with the real planes in them, and when they were shooting foam airplanes in their house and I was telling them to stop he told them to aim better. He told jokes (Did you hear the one about the invisible man who married the invisible woman? They didn't see much of each other. Their kids weren't much to look at either!) and sang and when I played my flute he said it sounded perfect. He would answer the phone and say, "Well Liz! You're looking good!" I have so many great memories. I am grateful. And sad.

Alan's Sick...

I hate to admit this, but I don't mind too much when my kids are sick... It means we stay home and read and watch movies and nap and eat ice cream for lunch. In my mind this is making my kids feel more comfortable when they are miserable! To George, it's encouraging/rewarding them to be sick. It's all about balance, right?

A Busy Life

Yesterday I had to schedule time to fold laundry. I hate it when decisions I've made limit future decisions I'd like to make. We're a little busy around here. Sometimes I love it. Sometimes I hate it. Mostly it's great!

George!

here's the new george... that's right bic-ed head. and he's kept it up too... except that sliver in the back that he misses every time (shhh don't tell just laugh)

10 Year Old Alan!

Alan turned 10 on the 7th! He is one amazing kid! We got to head to Lagoon as a family to celebrate... Alan is now big enough AND brave enough to go on all the roller coasters (he even hit some twice, going alone the 2nd time since no one else could gear up to go with him!) but while Benson is finally tall enough, big roller coasters hold no magic for him! George paid him to go on several, so he did experience the old white roller coaster, the mouse and tidal wave.

It's crazy to think Alan is 10! It's going by too fast!

Benson's Gallery

Benson loves to take pictures, these I thought were especially fun. Keep it up Buddy!

Panguitch

Alan, Benson and Grandpa at Big Rock Candy Mountain!

Benson and Audrey riding Maggie at the ranch

Benson and Alan riding another horse at the ranch

Grandma snuggling in the bunk bed with Benson and Audrey while I looked for the van keys!

I love Panguitch/Bryce Canyon! This year at the last minute Alan, Benson and I decided to head down with my parents and April and Audrey for the Allen family reunion at the 'ranch' in Panguitch. My mom booked a KOA Kabin for all 7 of us to stay in. We left Friday afternoon in time to swim (freeze) before we went to dinner. Late that night, after we all settled down and everything had been quiet enough for long enough that I thought I was the only one still awake Benson whispered, "Alan!" Alan responded, "What?" "Just checking to see if you were still awake!" We decided that we wanted to get up at 5 AM and go see the sunrise at Bryce Canyon. After we woke everyone up and got ready, we couldn't find the keys to the van. After a lot of looking we decided I must have locked them in the van and called a lock smith, who came and unlocked the van, but there were no keys in it! We tore apart the cabin and found them, just in time to drive to Fairyland Canyon as the sun came up. It was 34 degrees. Very, VERY memorable! The reunion at the ranch was fun, there is always great food and it's fun to see my second and third cousins. The kids rode horses, skipped rocks in the pond and explored. My dad took the 'scenic route' home so we got to stop at Big Rock Candy Mountain and drive through all those small towns. What an amazing time together!