Funeral Festivities (Oxy moron, I know)

Look at that BYU professor in action! Nothing like a good knowledgeable professor to teach the delicate details of how to drive a Deere. As the saying goes, "Nothing runs like a Deere" and this tractor proves it. Good thing Travis was hanging on nice and tight!

Grandpa Bell's funeral was an ironic one. As most funerals go they are usually sad, however, Grandpa's was a celebration of his life. Amanda felt badly that no one seemed to mourn his passing. I feel like because he had such a rich full life that to celebrate him was more appropriate. The mourning was for those of us living who feel the loss and the sadness is for those who loved him and won't be able to hold his hand, serve him and visit with him. That is where the good memories come in. The Indian H'ach Lebl'eck'um dialect he spoke so fluently, his practical jokes, his High Council nick name "5 Minute Phil", his love of ice cream and grandkids and always wanting updates on certain peoples love life's. Memories of him in his cowboy hat and big belt buckle, Louis Lamour novels, using Grandma's raspberry jam as a side dish not as a condiment, (but then who didn't?), being fully dressed in suit and tie 2 hours before church, his love of the gospel and his close friends and I speak from experience when I say that the memories only get sweeter and sweeter as the years go by until one day no one can ever remember one cross word or bad memory. It was a good funeral and Grandpa would be happy to know that most every one actually had fun in honor of him...ie tractor rides and introductions of possible new families members (Grandpa would have thoroughly enjoyed some Q and A there)

Daurell and I posed for an unusual moment...it has been years since we have had our picture taken together. We look just like we did on our wedding announcements........plus a little.(At least we can say our teeth are straighter. We've both worn braces since we got married.)

Thank you Robin for joining Nalani and I in our photo. It was going to be a definite delete until we saw you in it.

"Why did she post 2 of that picture?" you ask and I say "I don't know, it just happened and if I knew how all this worked I am sure it would be a lot easier."

Many pictures were taken and this one of Nalani and I did not come easily. It took many takes, angles and poses to get one that looked candid and without effort. We were looking for a "one-chin" look. Most of the fun family pictures are on Robin and Amanda's cameras so until then I use what I have. The one I wish I had was of David in his brand spanking new suit he got to wear to General Priesthood Meeting and General Conference. My next posting will be of Daurell and David in their suits and matching PINK ties.