Piano, Games, Batons & Grandparents

After leaving Utah, Eric's parents came and stayed with us for a couple of days before heading down to Arizona to visit more family. They are easy-peasy house guests, who basically entertain my children the entire time they are here.

We played, multiple, multiple games.



Although the men did join us eventually I posted this picture on Instagram with the caption: "My idea of game time vs their idea of game time."



Whenever they are here, Eric's mom (LeAnne) teaches Megan a few more things on the piano and gently encourages her to learn to play. And it finally worked! Megan consented to piano lessons and has had TWO so far.



Sade did a little jig to the music:



Like piano playing, LeAnne can also get Megan to do other things that I could never get her to do. Like baton twirling:



Just think of all the things I could Megan to do if they visited more often!

Nate, Autumn Visit

Right before Christmas Nate (Eric's brother), Autumn and their kids spent the night with us on their way to Arizona to visit Autumn's family. When we add an extra 4 kids to our rather small home it is necessary to spend lots of time outside to release energy. So we took them to Craig Ranch Park.

 

 

There was also lots of track building, Lego building, and Wii Playing that went on:

 

 

Since Nate turned 40 this year, Eric spent some time going over the 40 year old challenge rules with him. (When each of the brothers turn 40 they have a series of events they have to do. Like run a mile, shoot free throws, compete in a Sprint Triathlon. Their times are kept secret by sealed envelope until each of them has competed the challenges, and then they see who has done the best).

 

 

It seems awfully stressful.



Temple Square

Ok....Each time I have tried to blog I get an error message from Picasa, but I finally figured out a different way. Consequently I am super far behind. So in an effort to catch up I am going to publish a total of 7 new blog posts about our trip to Utah that can all be found in order after this one.

Background Info: A couple of days before Christmas we found out that Eric's 98 year old grandpa had passed away. The funeral was scheduled for Monday December 30th, so we left on Sunday December 29th.

I do not recall ever seeing the Christmas lights at Temple Square and my kids certainly hadn't, so when we found ourselves driving through Salt Lake just as it was getting dark, we made an unscheduled stop (sometimes the best kind).

Downtown Salt Lake City is amazing. We haven't lived there for 13 years, and I can't believe the changes that have been made during that time. It's just plain gorgeous.

A few pics:




 Apparently Sade didn't get the memo that we all had decided to wear black.




6 more posts to go!

Grandpa's Funeral

As previously mentioned, the reason for our trip to Utah was to attend the funeral of Eric's 98 year old grandpa, Lincoln McClellan. All of Eric's brothers were able to be there which was really great.
 

 

After the funeral services we headed to the graveside dedication.

 

Then it was back to the church for the luncheon. Sade and Dauge (her cousin) are the best of friends and constant entertainment. Sade would reign in her silliness when the camera turned on, but Dauge let it all out.



Eric's immediate family that was able to make it:



It was a beautiful day, and a beautiful service. We were so glad we could be there.

5 more to go!

Long Locks

A couple of Eric's brothers who have lost some hair tried out some new looks while in Utah. Nate orchestrated a plan to have girls with gorgeous locks sit behind them, and then flip their hair over the boys heads to create the long-locked illusion.

Fabio? Or Todd?





Nate:



Chris:



His family is just plain fun.

4 more to go!