Ashton Family Memorial Day

On Friday Gary's sister, Geniel, came up from Castledale and we drove together to Logan.  It was a beautiful day and so much fun.  We thought it would be a good chance to see their sister Janice (Geniel's twin sister) and Frank. 

Janice and Frank's granddaughter was getting married, and we also knew it would be a good chance to to see our Gunnel nieces and nephews.  Janice didn't realize we were coming, so it was a nice surprise. 

We have always had such a close and loving relationship with Gary's siblings and their spouses.  Margie and Lance live in Arizona, Geniel and Dickson in Castledale (2 hours south) and Janice and Frank in Logan (2 1/2 hours north).   There is such family loyalty and support, and I am grateful for Gary's mom and Dad who fostered that.  I only had the chance to meet Gary's dad, Jess, twice, and that was when I was only 14 years old.  He died when Gary was 15.   

Janice and her son Steve (father of the bride)

Bride and Groom, Justin and Meghan

Janice and Frank

We came home that night, and Geniel stayed at our house.  We went to breakfast and then to the cemetery to place flowers on the graves for memorial day.

 

 

 

Richard's Burial

I'm far behind in posting this, but on April 6 we buried Richard's ashes.  Because he was cremated, the burial did not have to be immediate, so we waited until the headstone was completed.

It was a good day, befitting of Richard, where we shared memories, read one of his poems, and had a prayer of appreciation and a blessing of his burial spot. 

I was so glad that Tom and Lynn were able to be there, and after the service we siblings and spouses went to lunch.  I truly feel so blessed by the love we share in our family, and I'm so grateful for Mom and Dad for creating a home where that was possible. 

As we were leaving, we siblings had a brief moment of humor when we discussed if it would be appropriate to place a boiled raisin cupcake in his urn (they were his favorite).  Then reasonable minds prevailed, and we decided against it. 

Cheryl, his daughter reading one of his poems.

Back row.  Carol, Lynn (Gary's wife), Lynn (Tom's wife) Tom, Gary
Front Row:  Jan, Charlene, Greg, Cheryl

Cheryl, Carol (his first wife and mother of his children), and Jan

Me, Tom, and Charlene

Patio Progress

May 2

May 15

May 18 -- A break from the patio to clean out the storage shed



May 21

May 22

Lots has gone on

since I've posted.  A big one was that we had our annual Bunny Hollow retreat.  Before the girls came into town, I warned them that there were no extra frills this time, and that the house was in a mess.

Even with all of that, it was a wonderful time having us all together.

Candleing ear wax? 

Lots of eating!

Going to BYU Women's Conference for 1 day

Misty Re-living her Timpview days with Jackson as a coach.

Watching Gary almost kill himself taking down the awningof the patio.

 

Shower for Jackson and Ellie.  Held at the clubhouse where Natalie and Trent live.

Got a little recycling going on here.