October Takes a Sad Turn

 

Hiking group out on Bonanza Loop trail in the fall aspen trees

Sherry, Brittany, Becky

Audrey and I hike to Sugarloaf peak on a quick hike before Saturday morning conference starts.

Audrey and I decorated the house for Halloween between the Sunday sessions. She was excited to help, I was grateful, since I wasn't planning on decorating. 

These are the last pictures I have of my dad. He was in the hospital for an infection. This is on September 26th, after he was admitted into the Fort Worth Medical City Hospital. He had a tough day, but rallied and Elaine caught him looking himself in this picture. 

Just over a week later, Dad was still in the hospital. It was getting harder and harder for him to breathe. This was taken on the morning of Monday, October 5th, the day before he passed. Apparently, he had a tumor pressing on his windpipe causing the troubles. He probably had undiagnosed cancer that was the actual cause of his decline. 

Audrey, Julie, Jen and I got on our flights to Texas as planned, we just missed being with him by 4 days. Instead, we planned a funeral and celebrated his life. This was my most tragic moment, facing the reality of my Dad no longer with us.

I love you, Dad! I will always love you!

Putting flowers on his casket

Audrey at the cemetary.

Talking with Andrew after he dedicated the grave. This was one of the most spiritual experiences in my life, and I really appreciated Andrew being the spiritual man he has become. It was so meaningful to me. I felt my dad with us as Andrew told us that what Dad wants us to know is that we can overcome hard things. I thought, you know what, I think he really is right here with us testifying of that. Thank you dad for your testimony.

This is all that is left of our beautiful family. Carl, Andrew, Julie, Jen and Sherry

We had so many of my mom's family there to be with us. Here are the ones that also gathered on Monday at a BBQ at the Weatherstons. They were so amazing to us.

Audrey, Sherry, Liz, Carl, Katie, Audrew, Holly, Josie, Jordan, Jen, Cora, Joshua, Julie, and Sophie

Sherry, Jen, Carl, Liz, Katie, Andrew, Julie

At least we had some amazing and healing family time. This part was priceless. 

Here are Audrey and I at Buc-ees with Buc-ee

In Glen Rose - a cool bootleg and gas station relic made with brick and petrified wood.

Dinosaur track in downtown Glen Rose 

Historic Glen Rose jail

Dino World with Audrey

We sorted through my dad's things in Glen Rose and spent the time together (Julie, Jen, Andrew and Sherry). It was amazing. 

Hiked to Dog Lake with Audrey when we were back in Utah

BYU v Notre Dame game. We won, everyone rushed the field

Here we are on the field, too!

Trunk or treating - Graham's car is a main feature!

Graham and Bishop

Still out in Nature in September

 Chad and Graham went on an Alaskan Fishing trip with Grandpa Gary and all his boys and their sons. 

Here is Graham with one of is fish. They had a great time and we now have a freezer full of fish!

Back at home, the hiking group hiked Mt Timpanogos! Here we are at the meadow below the summit. What a beautiful day and fun memories.

Kimberley, Brittany, Alison, Becky, Lindsay, Michelle and Me. 

Audrey and I take a hike up the old Alta Brighton Road to Davenport Hill. Fascinating and beautiful.

For Audrey's birthday, we went to a BYU soccer game. We had a great time and watched them get a win. We had dinner before and had a great night. 

BYU football, first home game! So much fun! Attending with Mae.

Audrey and I at Cecret Lake, hanging out on a Sunday afternoon.

We go on a trail run to Hidden Peak. Here we are on the tram grate.

On our way to the BYU v Arizona game.

Audrey and I hike the grove creek / battle creek canyon loop

So beautiful up there!

Graham goes to Homecoming with Lucy - who now seems like his sweetheart. They are together as much as they can.

Chad, the dogs and I all "babysat" Gary and Kathy following Gary's knee surgery. The dogs had a blast. Gary is doing great!

Hiking Clayton Peak on the Brighton trails

The Clayton Peak approach.

Beautiful fall colors!

August finished strong!

 

At Bell Canyon Reservoir, Audrey. 

We took a short hike on a Wednesday evening.

The sunset this night was pretty!

Chad, Audrey and Sherry hiking to Lone Peak.

Audrey and Sherry at the top.

What a crazy, cliff top we were perched on top of.

Audrey, on the descent.

Gary was treated to an Alaskan fishing trip with his sons, Chad, Brett and Brad, and their sons, Graham, Mason, BJ and Max. Sounds like it was amazing!

Here is Chad and fish

Graham and his fish

Meanwhile, I had a blast dog sitting Ollie. We have gone on walks and runs and played a ton. He really likes it here.

Audrey has also been staying with me. We have done so many things!

Here we are at the Noah Kahan concert! This was an amazing night!

Hiking with Mae to Battle Creek Falls

A beautiful area we found at the base of Mt Timp

Audrey milking a cow (named Audrey) at Wheeler Farms

The view of the valley from Flight Park following a lightening storm.