Grandpa's Funeral

This was our boys' first experience with a death in the family. The kids have met Grandpa Chester once or twice, but they didn't have a close relationship with him. The day before we left, I sat down with Ben and Luke and we talked about what would happen when we arrived in Phoenix (we would be spending a Friday afternoon in our church clothes, attend the funeral, burial services, etc.) Zack was asleep for our discussion (which made it better for everyone.) But apparently Luke felt it necessary to explain things to him as we were getting ready to leave. I was putting the last few bags in the trunk, when I overheard my 5 year old tell his little 2 year old brother where we were going and why. This is what I heard Luke say in a really sweet, [and rather excited] voice...

"Zack, do you want to go to Arizona to see a DEAD guy?" When Zack nodded his head, I smiled.. but then Luke followed it by saying, "And it will be cool because when we touch him, he will be really, really cold!" and as morbid as that sounds, I just couldn't help but laugh. That was definitely NOT the discussion I thought we had earlier, but apparently that's what Luke got out of it. He did find the open casket fascinating and had ALL kinds of questions for us during the viewing.

Ben, on the other hand, did not like the open casket at ALL. He barely looked at Grandpa and he just kept saying over and over, "It just makes me creeped out." I was able to sit down and talk with him for a while before the services started and I was amazed by his little 7 year old brain. He asked deep questions like, "why can't everyone just remember how he used to look when he was alive rather than seeing him like this?" I thought he was very sweet and sincere and I will never forget that moment.. holding my big, little boy on my lap and explaining that life can be very fragile, so we must try hard to let those around us know how much we love them.

The funeral services were very nice. Our kids were relatively well behaved and Aaron and I were able to listen to Chester's children share memories of their father. Aaron's dad gave a great life sketch of him (and he was well prepared, especially after having written a 120 page book on his life.) I learned during the funeral that Chester was a 12.7 POUND baby! How grateful I am that large babies don't run in the family!


Aaron had the opportunity to dedicate the grave site and that was a neat experience. During his prayer, I couldn't help but feel overwhelmed with gratitude for being married to a worthy Priesthood holder who loves and honors his family so much. I am truly blessed and hope that I can show Heavenly Father how grateful I am for my family.


Ben wanted to know EXACTLY what was happening with the casket and how deep it was going to go. I just happened to snap this picture of Aaron giving a little tutorial. He is such a great, attentive Daddy and I love how affectionate he is with our boys.

Luke and Zack fell asleep in the car during the burial and we just left them in the van with the windows rolled down. I am glad they were able to catch a little shut-eye because the rest of the day was crazy.. (and will be documented another day!)


Even though Ben was serious during the service, he was able to loosen up and crack a couple of good jokes. My favorite joke of the day is-- Question: Where do mashed potatoes go when they die? Answer: The Gravy-yard. He is getting pretty clever with his words and I think he might be ready to publish a joke book (or at least get a few on laughy-taffy wrappers ☺)

Ben LOVES his Grandmother. They have always had a special relationship.. since day one.
Also pictured is Uncle Jerry's wife, Carol.

Three Generations of GREAT Men.

It was a warm day in Phoenix but it wasn't unbearable. We enjoyed visiting with cousins and family members at the gravesite. Aaron isn't really close with his cousins (which is completely FOREIGN to me!) He moved around so much as a child and didn't really have the opportunity to get to know most of them..

Above is a picture of Chester's six children.. They were ALL able to make it, even Uncle Steven who had to get permission from his parole officer to leave the state!

Steven Lloyd and Stanley Floyd are TWINS. Yes, Aaron's dad has a twin brother and it's a strange case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde! I have heard so much about Steve over the years and this was the first time I was able to meet him (and I believe it was Aaron's first time too.)

Steve and Stan are TOTAL OPPOSITES and have been since the beginning. Stan (Aaron's dad) is the most upbeat, happy, righteous man you will ever come across. Steven is a very skilled man who has lived his life on the wild side. I believe the reason why Aaron hasn't ever met him is because he's spent much of the last 30 years in and out of prison... I was seriously excited to finally meet him-- and I just HAD to get a picture of the twins!

I am truly feel blessed to have such wonderful in-laws. Aaron's parents are so loving and such great examples to me. We had a lovely weekend with them. After the funeral, we drove 3 hours north to their home in Snowflake. It was great to be able to stay in the new addition to their house and sleep in every morning while they played with my kids! I always have such a good time with them and love them like my own parents. (Sorry for the picture overload, but these are for Aaron's siblings who weren't able to attend.)