Lincoln and I got a chance to take a road trip with Uncle Jaron and Aunt Kelsey to Mackay. Although a funeral doesn't make for the circumstances, it was a rather pleasant trip. This is the first time the three siblings have been together Angel and I got married, almost 5 1/2 years. We met Grandma and Grandpa there and stayed in a graciously donated strange house that was very 60's up with a fairly newly remodeled basement. It was actually pretty nice. We took this picture in the bathroom downstairs to make Angel jealous that she wasn't there:
Since this was Mackay, the house was surrounded by farm land and farm equipment. So, we went out to take some pictures on some tractors.
Lots of tractor noises.
Trying to get it started.
More tractor noises.
He wasn't too happy when he had to share a seat with Dad.
This is just like the tractor I got to drive back in my pipe moving days. I started it up for him but decided not to take him for a ride because who knows what the tractor's owner and country laws would have done to me.
This is a picture of the sweet satellite dish installation on the house we stayed at:
If you can see there, the dish is mounted on a pole (and surrounded by chicken wire) and the cable is loosely on some tree branches over to the house. I just thought it was funny and then I started thinking about how the lumber yard sold satellite dishes and started wondering if Grandpa had anything to do with this...
While he was there Lincoln consoled and comforted Grandma and performed a waltz with Barbie for the amusement of everyone:
This may be the best picture I've ever seen of Grandpa. Also, Aunt Ann gave me an awesome hat.
This is more typical.
I have better picture of this group but they aren't as embarrassing for Jaron.
I like to see Lincoln play with things I played with as a kid.
For Angel's family's annual summer vacation we all headed up to Eden, UT to occupy a large rented house for about a week. There was lots of fun that happened but I only took pictures of a couple things so that's all you get.
Doug, Ken and I led an expedition to help all the kids learn a thing or two (probably just one) about repelling. As a primer, Doug rigged up a practice station on a column around the back of the house. Lincoln had been watching the other kids and wanted his turn to practice:
He did pretty good. Although he is stepping on the rope in that last one.
Lincoln didn't go for the real repelling though, maybe next year. He did however take a pretty serious hike with us up to a waterfall.
Getting psyched (and hugged) at the trailhead.
The goal.
The hike wasn't too long but it was pretty steep and rocky. Lincoln made it all the way to the top by himself. He likes hiking but he did need a bit of help on the way down.
Lincoln spent a lot of his time there just running around the house being happy and playing with cousins.
Also, my wife is beautiful.
Earlier this week we (and by 'we' I mean Angel) cooked up a roast in the crock-pot. For whatever reason this one was a bit drier and tougher than usual and I ended up cutting it into slices around 1/8"-1/4" thick (I promise this is going somewhere). Later I used the beef to make myself a sandwich for lunch. As I was sitting at work eating my sandwich with thick pieces of roast I was reminded of sandwiches from Grandma Vaden. I found myself wishing I had packed some milk in a mason jar with my lunch. What a genius idea.
This week I also designed our annual family Christmas card. As I was putting the finishing touches on it I started thinking about the people who might appreciate or care that I had made it myself. The list was pretty short (luckily I make them because I like to, not to impress people) but Grandma Vaden was on that list. She was an artist and her approval was worth having. It made me sad that she wouldn't be seeing it.
I think about her a lot more than I ever realized. I don't think about her since she's gone anymore than I did before, it's just that it's a much more poignant experience now. Each time it forces me to face the fact that she's gone and the world is worse for it. Even as I write this I'm reminded that I've lost my 'silent watcher.'
I meant for this to be happier but it's been more like the process my thoughts tend to follow:
Some event or thought triggers a memory from my childhood that involves Grandma.
Waves of happiness and nostalgia wash over me as think about anything related to her (everything about her makes me feel that way).
I slip into a bit of darkness when I remember she's gone.
I feel grateful that I was privileged enough to have the influence of such an amazing person in my life and grateful for the knowledge that I'll be able to be with her again.
I guess I'll end with that last point. I can think of numerous points in my life where, even from a distance, she influenced me for good (she still does). She left an immeasurable heritage of quiet dignity and strength. I look forward to the lessons that I'll continue to learn from her in the future. And here's a picture of her with Lincoln that makes me happy:
