Thursday, June 12, 2008

Grandpa's Funeral

This past weekend we planned a surprise visit to Sacramento to visit my Grandpa and the rest of the family. We were really looking forward to seeing him because we knew it would probably be the last time. Unfortunately the Thursday before we were going to be leaving we found out he had already passed away. So we headed up there with a different purpose and with the rest of our huge family. Deaths are never easy, especially when it is your close grandpa. He was such an amazing man...always putting others first, had a big sense of humor (even if it didn't make sense to us) and love for life! It was so nice to be able to have the whole family together, it is just too bad it was under these circumstances. Ryan finally met all of my extended family...yes he has been in the family for just about 3 years, but I haven't seen most for over 5 years. Eventhough we went up for the funeral we still had a great time when we weren't crying! We had two great BBQs, visited with all the family, went materity clothes shopping with my mom, and played A LOT with our 8 adorable nephews. Here are some pics of the funeral...funeral shic that is-to cover our crying eyes.
Dad, Mom (must have forgotten her glasses) and I
Nephews Ryan and Dylan-love these guys!
My Sis Amy and I



My Brother Chris (looking very shic) with my tiny nephew Hudson

6 comments:

nikki said...

I'm glad you posted about Grandpa. I don't have any pics so I'll probably borrow some from you. A good, hard, sad weekend...good to be together during a difficult time. I love you!

MediocreMama said...

I'm really sorry to hear about your Grandpa. Times like that are so bittersweet; glad to be with family, glad he's resting now but so hard to imagine life minus that person. I hope you're all finding peace through this. Your nephews are adorable, especially that itty bitty one Hudson. You'll be holding one before you know it...

Amy said...

I agree, HORRIBLE crying filled weedkend but SO good to see everyone. I think Ryan beats Mike then, I'm not sure if he's met our ENTIRE extended family. Can't wait to see you again in a few weeks. Hey, cute picture of us!

Ryan Smart said...

I'd like to thank Erica for taking the pic the second I grabbed the casket with two hands. For the record, the guy organizing this had no idea what he was talking about, he put the two strongest in the back instead of one on each end to distribute the weight. Pretty much the back was lifted up casually and all the weight went to the top end...and I'm weak I admit it. But COME ON!!!

Nikki, Cody, and Tessa said...

Erica, Hey. I am sorry to hear about your Grandpa. :( I know what you mean though, it was the same when my Grandpa died also...we were all finally together again, so a little bitter sweet. I am sad for you. :(

Carrie said...

So glad most everyone was able to be together especially for a time such as that. Can't wait to see you guys again soon!