Eternal Families

One of the blessings of the gospel is that I know our Heavenly Father gives us the opportunity to live with our families not only here on earth, but also throughout all eternity. It is a great comfort to me to know that because our family was sealed in the temple, we will be an eternal family. We will all miss my dad, but know that we will certainly see him again. Some of our children and grandchildren were able to fly west for their grandpa's funeral. Jason brought Juliet. Loni bravely came with 2-year-old Taya and 6-week-old Carson. Jolene was the resident favorite aunt/nanny/mother's helper on the flights. Jamie and Ethan completed the traveling family members. Kristi and I joined them, and we drove to Idaho for dad's funeral.
It was also wonderful to be with my brothers and sisters and mom. Most of the time we were together, we sat around telling stories about dad, remembering and reminding each other of adventures we shared with him. We have such a treasure trove of tales to share! It was comforting to be together.

Just the eight of us with mom.

Lonnie, Nancy, Janet, Kevin, Helen, Patrick, Darin and Robin.

It was also comforting to have the support of cousins who have been a part of my life.

Karen and I stole some of the flowers from the casket so every daughter could have one to dry and keep.

Dad would have loved that!

Dad's legacy continues.
Kevin looks and acts very much like his father.

Carson slept through most everything. He is a very sweet baby.

Ethan just smiles. All the time.

See?

Juliet loved having dates with her daddy every day.

Ethan practices his cheesy grin for the camera.

I think I took this picture of Loni and Jason in high school, too.

Kristi and Jolene were very happy to be together again.

Jarom and Natie were moving from Virginia to Texas that weekend.

We missed them.

Ethan likes all of his grandmas!

Where did these girls get so much attitude?!?!?

Taya thinks grandma Holderness is hysterical!

Juliet and Taya are looking for treasures.
Bruce and Kristi

Ya think?
For more pictures of eternal families, click here:

2011.09.10 to 15: Dad's funeral