Adventures in Bennionland

I started this blog back on February 23rd! So the date this actually occurred (the ‘Last Wednesday’ as I reference it below) was February 20th. Still, I wanted to get this on record for the one day that I actually use Blurb and print this blog into a book.

Last Wednesday we had quite the adventure! Aunt Patti had the day off and arranged for the boys and I to go to the Aquarium of the Pacific with her. Since Goosey is in town she joined us for a wild wet aquatic day! I missed the first part of the aquarium – for good reason! My brother Neal works downtown Long Beach (how fun!) and we met for a brother/sister lunch date. It was so much fun. That’s another story though.

When I caught up with the crew they were getting ready for lunch. The boys were loving the aquarium. Lunch proved entertaining since Walker’s mood looked like this:

Still, after everyone got a little food in their bellies we wandered back through the aquarium. The boys were anxious to show me all of the things I had missed in my absence.

The fish in the fresh water tank were a hit with Will…especially because every once and
a while a run of fresh water would pour down the canyon (you can see it behind him)
and most of the other aquarium visitors would be surprised!

Both boys, not to mention all three of us ladies, loved the deep sea tank.
Wow. Talk about perspective.

Walker was a HUGE fan of the puffins.
He even had conversations with them through the glass.

Giant crabs. Yuck, yuck, yuck.

Of course Walker was thrilled to spray people!

(The event depicted in this blog originally occurred on Friday January 6th, 2008. All people in this blog are real.)

We are so fortunate to have a wonderful dental hygienist in our family! Our GreatAunt Patti made it so easy for the boys to have their teeth cleaned for the first time. She let them explore the office, the tools, and even the electrical equipment. In the end it made everyone more comfortable to have their very 1st dental check-up!

I posted this already on the site for my Grandparents – but wanted to post it here as well. In case you don’t know my family – my Grandparents had six children (some are mentioned below): Gene, Dory, Kaye (my Mom), Patti, Mark, and Steven.

Shelly

Family & Friends,

Thank you so much to those of you who could join us on Saturday for Grandpa’s funeral.

It was such a tender and honest memorial to a man who touched so many people’s lives.

We met as a family – after the morning viewing – to say our goodbyes. Gene led us in a family prayer which put our hearts at rest.

The meeting was started with a song, sung by a dear friend of Grandpa’s, Simon Bolivar. It was soft, yet powerful and set a nice tone for the meeting.

Steven gave the invocation. It was moving to watch him as he signed – his hands gently asking for comfort for the grieving and guidance for the speakers. It would have been apparent what he was saying by the very movements of his hands, face, and body and was confirmed by the words his wife Krista relayed.

Mark spoke next reflecting on the moments from Grandpa’s life that he might want us to remember. Mark was humorous and sweet – and included many traits of Grandpa that had us all laughing and crying. It was tender to see him read his notes, smile with a memory, and then share those thoughts through his own tears and laughter.

Patti followed Mark reflecting on the life that Grandpa led. She touched on three things that she knew he would want remembered: 1) his love for Grandma, 2) his love of family and, 3) his unbelievable work ethic. She was right when she said that Grandpa ‘would get as close to people as they would let him’.

The speaker portion of the program paused as we were treated to the amazing talent of Sarah (Mark’s daughter). Playing Grandpa’s favorite song, Clair de Lune, she guided our minds to experiences we had with him.

After Sarah we were treated – and I do mean treated – to remarks by Grandpa’s younger brother Garth. Garth and Grandpa were the best of friends growing up, a bond that continued through their life. Garth touched on the man he knew, and the gospel that Grandpa cherished.

We sang as a congregation – a song which include the fitting lyrics – ‘When such a friend from us departs, We hold forever in our hearts a sweet and hallowed memory’.

Doug (Patti’s husband) closed the meeting and prepared us all to let go of Grandpa at his burial.

Below is the life story video that was played at Grandpa’s viewings. It is eight minutes long so if you want to watch it, pull up a chair and relax.

Thank you again for all your words, letters, calls, and shows of love. He was truly an amazing man, one who will be missed.

Best,
Shelly