We weren't planning to go to Idaho for Thanksgiving. And then Oma Simpson passed away and the funeral was planned for the Saturday after Thanksgiving. We picked up my cousin, Jenny, in Pocatello and drove to Eagle. Thanksgiving is such a fun time to reconnect with cousins - Carter and Bree pushed Lincoln in Ellie's car - around and around and around. I can't believe this is my only picture from Thanksgiving Day.
On Friday, James and I had a movie and dinner date. Lincoln stayed with Oma and played with cousins. We met up at the funeral home. Lincoln and Oma and Oma-Great's casket.
I see Mommy! Where have you been? I am not happy!
Whew! They didn't leave me, I guess I'm okay.
All day Saturday we were involved in events surrounding the funeral. The funeral program.
The Great Grand Children Choir - by this time, Lincoln and I were out in the lobby trying not to be too noisy, so he didn't participate in this one.
At my Opa Simpson's funeral 10 years ago, the grandsons were pallbearers and the granddaughters each got a flower to place on the casket. Today, there were two vases of flowers for all the great-grandkids to participate in putting a flower on the casket. A really nice way to say goodbye.
I just love this picture (thank you Uncle Neil for sharing all your pictures.) of Oma's lap warmers - Christy, Zoe, Hallie and Emma.
After the funeral and graveside service, we had lunch at Uncle Gord's church building. We had some group photos taken - The Simpson Boys - now the oldest generation in our Simpson branch. Neil, Norm, Gil and Gord.
The Gil Simpsons also wanted a family photo - having everyone in the same place at the same time doesn't happen very often. So we got a quick just-in-case-the-weather-is-terrible-outside picture in the church. Jed Simpsons, McCalvys, Kurt Simpsons, Oma and Opa, Davis' and Dotys.
And then we climbed a tree. Dotys, McCalvys, Kurt Simpsons, Oma and Opa, Jed Simpsons and Davis'.
Simpson Grandkids - Back row: Emma, McKayla, Hannah, Zoe, Carter, Jake, Tyler, Stella, Hallie, Tucker and Lincoln. Front row: Rachel, Bree, Ellie, Aspen and Christy.
McCalvy family
While we were in Eagle, I made this "frame" out of cardboard, wrapped it in Christmas paper and then Oma tied a pretty bow. I took about a million pictures of the little cousins in varying poses and combinations in a "present".
We left Saturday night to get my cousin home in time for work on Sunday morning. Lincoln had only napped between events during the day - 10 minute naps. So he was asleep before we left the neighborhood and slept the entire drive to Pocatello.
It was around midnight - with a three hour drive still to go. My uncle had given me some gas money (since we drove his daughter) and we decided to use the money we didn't spend on gas to stay at a hotel in Pocatello. Lincoln woke up while we got situated in the room and played. But as soon as we got him into the port-a-crib, he went right back to sleep.
And in the morning, he climbed on daddy's face.
This is my favorite picture of Lincoln from the weekend - check out those blue eyes! He was climbing the stairs to the stage in the gym during lunch. Up and down, up and down.
I'm really grateful that we were able to go to Idaho for Thanksgiving, to attend my Oma's funeral and especially to visit with so much family. I am grateful for eternal families and have hope for a huge, heavenly family reunion someday.
