Grandpa Stagg's Funeral

My Grandpa Stagg passed away January 24, 2012 after a 10 year battle with Alzheimer's Disease. We went to Vernal, UT for the weekend to attend his funeral and enjoy time with the Stagg side of the family. 

 My cute brother!

Avalynn loved swimming in the hotel pool!

Until We Meet Again

My Grandpa Pratt's 2 year battle with Leukemia ended this morning as he returned back to our loving Heavenly Father. I'm so grateful for the opportunity we had to go to Cedar City on Sunday to see him as well as stop on our way home from St. George on Tuesday to say our final good-byes. My Uncle Jim sent the family an e-mail this week that really explains the feelings and emotions we all felt that day in Cedar as we said last good-byes in this earthly state. Here is what he said:

"There are certain images and feelings from this visit I will carry with me for the rest of my life. While it was an emotional, tender experience, it was also one that has reconfirmed to me the importance of family. Really, isn't that all we have? I think so.

While there were many images, none were no more poignant to me than pulling away from you as some of you stood in the driveway waving goodbye to Lew. He waved goodbye as best he could, most, if not all of us realizing it would be the last time he would be here for Christmas. Then up the road a bit, Lew and I talked of heading for home, that there really is nothing like it. But it's family that makes it home and in the next life, that's the way it ought to be. He's heading for home, indeed, and I hope we all live our lives to merit returning home to be with him and family. That day is ever closer.

The aspiring poet in me had to try to capture this touching moment. For what it is worth, I hope I've done it some justice.

Heading Home after Christmas (2010)

A row of family

stands in sterile concrete drive

under pewter-gray hue

of wintry stratus cloud.

Their hands carve farewell

through thickening late afternoon fog

as precipitation falls down saddened faces.

It is the fog they fear most.

There must be a ray of light,

bluer skies at higher elevation.

beyond the bleak horizon,

perhaps Beaver Pass.

Disembarking is difficult

for all, even him.

Through shadowed windshield, he musters

a languid good-bye with feeble fingers.

The rearview mirror

fades them and life too quickly.

He knows it is time

to go home."

Family Pictures

We had family pictures taken by the wonderful Noelle in October, and I realized I haven't posted any pictures yet. Here are just a few of my favs!

Colorado Trip

Brennen's Camaro was being stored in Colorado over the summer, and to allow his dad to park in the garage during the winter we went to pick it up and bring it back to Idaho. It was a fun trip to relax and spend time with Brennen's parents. Avalynn enjoyed having a big house to roam around, lots of attention from Grandma and Papa, and becoming more familar with her 4-legged friend Salem.

We were able to go to two softball games of Brooke and Shanda's on Saturday. Avalynn loved being outside, but I think she loved all the attention she got even more!

Traci was holding Avalynn and I couldn't help but to keep snaping pictures of her, I just can't get enough of this little girl!

After the softball games we went to Osborne Farm in Loveland to pick some pumpkins. Avalynn loved being pulled in the wagon and quickly learned that she felt much safer holding onto the front (top right picture). While we were in the pumpkin patch looking for that perfect pumpkin, Miss A decided she wanted to get in on the action and took a tumble out of the wagon. She is one tough cookie though and only cried for a few seconds.

On Sunday we went to Aunt Deana's house in Parker for a BBQ and to see Grandma Pearl who lives with her. It was fun to spend time with them and see other family members as well. This 4 generation picture will be one I'm sure Brennen and Avalynn will cherish forever, as Grandma Pearl is the one Avalynn's middle name, Rose, is after.

These pictures are just a few of our little princess from the trip

I had the chance to meet up with my 2 best friends from elementary school, Lacey and Karissa. It was so fun to see Karissa's little girls and to catch up with them.

Utah Trip: {Devin's Soccer Tournament}

Devin had a soccer tournament while we were there, so Avie and I jumped on the opportunity to go root him on and escape the St. George heat for the cool mountain air of Park City. We enjoyed 5 games in 3 days, along with some shopping, and time with family. My Grandma Stagg came for part of the time from Vernal so we were able to see her while we were out there. Devin's team ended up getting 2nd place, it was so fun to be able to watch him play!

The Fans

The Team

Utah Trip: {Jay's Wedding}

Being at Jay and Maddie's sealing was an awesome experience. I love going to sealings because it reminds me how much I love Brennen. My mom decorated the reception, and of course she doesn't do anything that isn't perfect. I had so much fun dancing all night with my siblings and cousins, my mom, aunts, and Avalynn even got down on the dance floor. Miss Avalynn just might be a future winner of SYTYCD!

Utah Trip: {Celebration Dinner}

Avalynn and I were able to go to Utah for fun filled 10 days. The first event on the agenda was my cousin Justin's wedding. He married a cute girl named Madison in the Provo temple on the 31st. The night before the wedding my Aunt Linda hosted a Celebration Dinner for the family of the bride and groom. The theme was "Old Fashioned Picnic" and it turned out darling!! I even got to help a little by designing the menus!

Quarter Dive

One of the highlights of the summer is the annual quarter dive! $1000 in quarters is thrown into the pool and based on how many accounts they sell, the quality of the sale, etc. determines at what point the guys get to jump in the pool to dive for quarters. Just imagine 20 guys swimming around in a 6x6 ft area searching for quarters on the bottom of the pool!

The guys waiting for the fun to begin... check out those killer tan lines!

After it was over Avalynn wanted to join in the fun

Counting dad's winnings, he came out with $40!

No Bake Cookie Kisses

A few nights ago Avalynn was tucked snugly in her bed so Brennen and I were taking some time to get a few things done. He was planning his week and I was sitting on the couch looking at some things online. Brennen came over with a half chewed No Bake Cookie in his mouth and gave me a big kiss! "Wow, thanks babe, smells like cookies" I said. We both then sat there enjoying a few rare minuets together since summer is our busy time. I asked Bren "What are we doing?", he responded, knowing full well I meant what are we doing with our life after the summer, "we're having No Bake Cookie kisses". He always knows how to make me laugh! But as we talked about our plans come October I kept thinking how I really do need to enjoy life in the moment. Even though some of our plans for the next year may not be set in stone I need to enjoy what we are doing here and now, and enjoy those No Bake Cookies kisses!

Pit Stop in St. George

My dad was coming to Rexburg to bring my sister Cami back to St. George for the summer, so I decided that Avalynn and I would tag along and make a stop there before we flew to Austin. We said good-bye to Brennen as he would be making the 28 hour drive, while we would just do a short 8 hour drive and then catch a plane! It was so fun to be able to spend time with my family before we left for the summer.

We went straight from driving down there to Uncle Devin's soccer game

Avie had to sport her school colors! Which helped cause Devin's team won and he scored 2 goals!

Great-Grandpa Despain was in town for the day and stopped by to see us

She got her first car!

Had cereal for the first time

and we got to enjoy being outside in the sun

Mimi drove us to Vegas to catch our flight

Avalynn was a little angel on the plane. She only fussed for about 5 min before we landed and slept a lot of the way.

Now we are in Austin! We are loving it so far and will post more about it soon!