A life gone too soon

On a night in September, I got a phone call from my  mom telling me that Karsten, my cousin Ericka's son, had committed suicide. Oh I was so so SAD! He was 15 years old and had struggled with mental illness for a while. I was devastated this happened in my family. 

The worst part, was that his mom had gone to Alaska on a hunting trip and could not be reached for 3 days. All funeral plans were put on hold until she could be found and reached. By a series of miraculous events, she was found and told the news. She got back to Idaho as soon as she could. I talked to her before she got back and she just sounded so deeply sad. 

 They held a celebration of life in his honor and he was later cremated. It was a nice tribute and many family shared special memories. Later at a luncheon, they did a science experiment to honor his love for science. Everyone was given a coke and mentos and at the same time set them off. It brought smiles to many and I thought was a tender sign of love for him.

 Ericka and Taylor were very gracious to one another and their significant others. They put on a beautiful event that I think Karsten would have been proud of.

 Whenever things like this happen, I think everyone is reminded of what really matters and how important family is. Suicide is never the answer. No one is better off without you. Period. The kids, although sad, were too young to comprehend much and played really well on the playground together. I was so glad that most everyone could be there.

Birthday Grandma

 While we partied at the Tea Party, the guys shot clay pigeons. It was Carter's first time shooting a real gun. They tried to talk him into sticking with the BB gun but he kept begging for the 20 gauge. Grandpa gave him some training and warned him it would kick. He earned some respect for a gun that day! And he had so much fun hanging with the boys.

Later we got to shower grandma with gifts 

 and have a yummy dinner.

 It was fun watching her play foosball with the kids...she didn't know I was watching but I got some fun shots of her sticking it to the grandkids.

 I tried making a lava cake with raspberries...it took a while but it finally turned out about 9:30 PM! It was ok I guess. All in all, it was a REALLY fun weekend!! Happy birthday Momma!

A Princess Tea Party

For a few years, my mom has been trying to get us to come to this Princess Tea Party that my hometown, Rupert, puts on at the old Historic Wilson Theatre. This building was condemned while I was growing up and I've never stepped foot inside! So it was thrilling to see the inside of it too! 

 The girls wore their favorite princess costumes. Mollie wore Cinderella, Bri - Elsa, and Rylee - Anna.

 They had it decorated so beautifully and there were lots of cute photo opps.

 All the girls who could came! Brittney, Taylor and Baby Snow White, I mean Camry, met us there!

 How cute are these little princesses?!

 As we got in line, Cinderella and the Fairy Godmother gave each girl a tiara.

 As we climbed the beautiful staircase, Disney characters and princess lined the steps! They were given an autograph sheet to get each characters autograph.

 Ariel, Tinkerbell, The Queen of Hearts, Mad Hatter and Snow White.

 Sleeping Beauty, Merida, Moanna and Elena of Elendor.

 Once we reached the top, a beautiful dinning room was prepared and immediately we received our food which was delicious and we were entertained by a "Be our Guest" performance.

 As we ate, each princess came out and sang a song and talked about how to be brave or strong or kind.

 It was so fun to see all the princesses but especially fun to watch little Camry in her Snow White dress.

 A cherry on top was meeting Elsa, Anna, and Christoff at the end.

It was such a fun time and the girls absolutely loved it! Thanks mom for spoiling us on your birthday!