Deja Vu

A while back I took this picture of William.

Here are two pictures I got of Braden yesterday:

I don't know what it is about this spot on the couch. It looks like the most uncomfortable place to fall asleep!

Halloween

This year we attended three different parties to celebrate Halloween. I LOVE when my kids get to wear their costumes multiple times.

Thursday night, my neighbors growing up had a backyard party with a fun DJ and some great food. Saturday night we had our ward's Trunk or Treat which was simple this year with a costume parade and candy hand-out. Since I went to both parties without Kevin, I was happy that they were short and sweet and that my kids still had a a fun time.

Kevin and I dressed up like Kate Middleton and Prince William. And no, I am not trying to be a pregnant Kate Middleton, and I don't need to make any announcements. I blame the dress, and my lack of motivation to work out lately.

We also had a dragon...
and a shark...

and a Little Mermaid.

My kids love these $1 buckets we got from Target. They wanted to make sure that their buckets were part of the pictures.

Here we are with Kevin's sister Laura the pirate and her daughter Katia who was Cinderella. We're on our way to my brother Travis's annual Halloween party. The weather this year was gorgeous, and all of the kids had a great time!

I love Halloween, and I love that it starts out the holiday season. Bring on Thanksgiving!

Granny Bowman 1921-2011

Rosetta Ellen Marie Bowman

May 1, 1921 - October 14, 2011

This is Kevin. Emily asked me to write this post about my Granny Bowman who passed away this October. She was truly an elect lady and I feel so blessed and proud to be her grandson.

Her funeral was on October 19, 2011 in Ontario California, and her body was buried two days later in Salt Lake City.

Emily and I were able to go down with the kids to the funeral in California and it really was nice. Everyone that spoke did a great job, and it was fun to see all of my family.

(Rebecca with her cousin Katia)

My Granny's Relief Society put together a delicious lunch for the family.

After the funeral Emily and I took the kids to the beach (sorry we didn't take any pictures. We're not very good about that). It was really cold and the kids could care less! They all three went right in the water and had a great time about it.

(Braden and William enjoying the lunch)

We came home and then the next day, I rode with my parents, and my sister's Laura and Emily, up to Salt Lake where my Granny's body was buried next to - and actually right on top of - my Grandad's.

(My niece Katia, My Sister Emily, and Me)

(My Siblings; Melissa, Emily, Brandon, and Laura)

It was a beautiful day, and it was fun seeing all my cousins that couldn't make it to California.

(My sisters Laura and Emily on either side of my Great-Great-Granny Edna Lambson's headstone. And My brother Brandon providing the photo-bomb in the background)

(Me and my sister Emily)

(My Dad)

(My mom and I on either side of Mary Fielding Smith's headstone. She was my Great-Great-Great-Granny)

The entire week was very special. My Granny was an amazing lady. I find it hard to grieve because I know that she is in Paradise now.

She left behind a legacy of righteousness for which I am grateful. When I was seven years old she gave me her scriptures and in the front inside cover wrote these words:

"Dear Kevin, I hope you will enjoy reading these scriptures and using them as a guide for your lifetime. I have studied them and loved them and have a real testimony that these are the words of the Lord to His people whom He loves - people like you and me! I love you very much and am very proud of the fine young man you are. Love, Granny Bowman."

There isn't anything in my life that means more to me than the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I am grateful to be a member of His Church and that is in a large part due to the example set before me by my Granny. I can't wait to see her again, and hope I can be the example to my children and grandchildren that she was to me.