Ben Thomas's Funeral...

Ben Thomas has been a family friend since he was born. He is my Lyndsey's little brother, he's the same age as my Robb. He was diagnosed with ALS and it took his life slowly (and way to quickly) away over four years. I was really desperate to be with the Thomases at his funeral but how can you travel last minute during school Christmas break...that is the highest possible season. My friend Cindy offered me some buddy passes to make the trip possible, it hardly cost me anything. It was such a relief to be there and not break the bank.

The funeral was beautiful and well planned and heart felt and everything a celebration of a life should be. It was also heartbreaking and hard.

Ben had a six month old baby when he was diagnosed, she was four when he passed away.

Deb and Eric with their boy.

Lynz and her cute family with Ben.

Jena and Emmy, Ben's wife and daughter.

Matt and Charlie, Lyndsey's brothers on either side in the front.

Lyndsey is an occupational therapist and as such was able to move to Saint George and practice there with a week on and a week off schedule so she could be a huge support to Ben and his family. Her husband Brian was also very close to Ben and Ben's Emmy is like a sibling to Lynz's kids.

Lyndsey's Lily and Emmy.

Deb with three of her grandkids.

Lynz, Layne, Matt, Charlie and Katelyn. Ben is the fourth of six kids.

One of the days I was there we went walking around at a pretty place that I have no memory of what it was called, but Saint George is a gorgeous area with beautiful places like this.

Ben will be sorely missed all the days of life left to anyone who loves him.

February snow...

We had a great snowfall followed by a fast snow melt (I love that part) in February. The girls were so excited! We made good use of the snow, made a few snowmen in various stages of completion...one snowman though even had a nose and a scarf and arms.

Alice liked to be the snowman head. 

Chris took the girls sledding before church on the day that the snow melted away. I have to say that when Chris takes the kids to do fun things and I stay behind with Leo, I always ask him to take pics. HE ALWAYS DOES. I am so grateful!