Four Drivers and a Funeral

28 hours of straight driving will get you from Lake in the HIlls,IL to Cottonwood, AZ. Thank goodness for four drivers.
The first thing Anna did after hugging Grandma was go hunting for Lizards.
Anna and her cousins Traygon and Cheney taking a break from Lizard catching
The funeral was lovely. All the grandkids sang "I Am A Child of God". Tender to watch Traygon trying to be brave and his little sister Chaney patting his back, offering comfort when she was having a hard time also on that last verse. Just got to me. Such sweet, sweet kids.
David and his 2 brother in laws named John spoke. Such a great tribute to Norman. He really did touch tons of people. The place was packed. Afterwards we headed to the cemetary for the final resting place of Norman.
David and his sisters saying a few words. Then David asked his uncles and aunt to say a few words. Aunt Donna said, "I hope I'm next because I can't bear to bury another brother" Uncle Dale responded with his arm up in the air, "All in favor" quite comical those uncles are.

Then back to the church for lunch and visiting with the families






So good to see cousins
The following day we decided to drive to Disneyland with countless cousins and Grandma didn't even hesitate when David invited her to come. Her bags were packed within minutes. So a convoy of three cars headed to the Happiest Place on Earth. There were 15 of us and we never took a group pic. bummer. I took a few others mostly under protest.
Buzz and Anna




I did learn that if you go on the Grizzly River Run that you should bring an exta pair of dry socks. Emily and Molly's socks never dried off and they were ever so smelly on the ride home that night. Yes we were insane to spend 2 full days at Disneyland then drive 6 hours to Mesa.
Some things never change!!



















Why did it take us only 27 straight hours of driving from Az to IL? hmmm... maybe because lovergirl would only let us stop and eat one meal and then she gave us a time limit of 10 min. "I have to work tues. morning so I need my sleep" was her reply. We arrived home exactly at 9:08 just like Darla (our GPS) predicted and who should drive up at 9:15? Yep Loverboy - Life goes on <3

David "Norman" Allred, Sr. 1935- 2009

My father in law was a wonderful man. He was quiet,kind,friendly,artistic, extremely helpful, worked hard,smooth dancer, loved to hunt and fish,endured pain without complaint, great listener,a tease and loved his family as well as the gospel.

Norman and Sandy were together for almost 53 years and I mean together. This picture was taken out on a boat tour of Lake Geneva, Wisconsin.

Grandpa love to help even combing Anna's tangles out before church.


Grandpa Norman love to play and Molly even got Grandma to come play frisbee. See what I mean about always being together. :-)

Ok I had to put these in here because Norman loved to hunt, we saw these deer when we were in Nauvoo, Illinois. The Mississippi river is right behind this group of trees. Good thing he didn't have his gun with him that day.

Norman was a very spiritual man. He loved our Savior and was very knowledgeable of the scriptures. He was a great teacher.

He enjoyed traveling but more important he loved being with his grandkids. He is probably the most playful grandpa I know. Actually I don't know if he really enjoyed traveling, I think it was more of just being with his extended family,

Anna loves her huggy grandpa. He always had a hug for everyone.
One of the kindest things anyone has ever said to me was by my father in law who after hugging me goodbye when I was dropping my in laws off at the airport said, "You are a good mother, love you hon"

He will be greatly missed.
My son also wrote a lovely tribute. You can find it here.
http://jk38.blogspot.com/2009/03/my-grandpa.html