The Taylor Times: Arizona Trip--Funeral

Our month started pretty normal (as normal as possible while Cathy was recovering from illness the previous week). About mid week we got news that Derek's grandmother had passed away. It wasn't a surprise, as she had been struggling on and off for a couple of years. We had a day to decide if we would go to the funeral. In the end we decided to go. It's always nice to be with family to pay your last respects to a beloved grandparent. The children hadn't been to a funeral yet (those who had in the past were really young then), and they wanted to experience it. We were also looking forward to a few days with family.

We had the usual long drive, but it went pretty well. Katelyn struggled the most, but in general did better than expected. Even Laurel and Samantha surprised us how quiet and content they were through the long drive. (I think it was mostly due to having such great big sisters available to entertain and help them)

Once in Mesa, we had two full days of time with cousins and aunts and uncles. Plenty of visiting and playing. (some of these pictures were taken by Aunt Diane--thank you!)

Our children and their cousins enjoying Grandpa Taylor's back yard

Hannah with cousin Sarah

Jamie with cousin Sidney

Samantha with cousin Reagan

Katelyn, 4 months, with cousin Owen, 1 month

The third day there was the funeral, which was touching. I didn't know Derek's grandmother very well, so it was neat to hear her life history. It was special to see so many of her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren gathered to remember her.
Since I didn't take pictures during this time, check out my sister-in-laws blog with pictures at http://dannyandbeka.blogspot.com/2010/02/grandma-mary-taylors-funeral.html

After the luncheon, the remainder of the day we relaxed and spent more time with the family. That evening we had the monthly Taylor birthday dinner with everyone and that was fun. We were also celebrating Grandma Taylor's 60th birthday! And we also spent time repacking for the drive home. It was a quick trip, but a nice change of scenery for a few days!