Gathering strength from family

We had a memorable weekend last week as we spent precious family time together and as we said goodbye to Jake.  Jordan and Jake requested that we all come as a family and spend a few days with them.  Jake's parents and siblings and their spouses had come the weekend before. J & J wanted to carry on as normally as possible and that is just what we did or at least tried to do.  The girls were out of school on spring break so we had a lot of fun sharing activities with them.
Our hearts were heavy with sadness as we contemplated those final goodbyes, but this was a special weekend for our family.  There were many moments of happiness, fun, enjoyment and some very sad moments of almost sacred family time.  Those intimate moments are too special to be shared here, but I did want to share some of the memories we enjoyed as a family.  There was such a feeling of love, kindness and support the entire weekend.  Claire and R, Dave and Courtney, Andy and Chelsea traveled from out of state with their children and everyone arrived by Thursday evening.  We were all together.  There is such strength and peace in family time.  We had family pictures taken by a dear woman who offered her professional services.  We stayed in the homes of some of the ward members who love Jordan and Jake and who offered their homes.  And we rallied together and felt the strength, peace and calm that only the Savior can give.  Jake set the tone in his home, and he and Jordan's faith, calm demeanor and courage strengthened us all, even when we thought we were going to help them.

What's not to love about KID pedicures?

Pampering X 6

Cousin time was the best and they all played
 together so well in the 80 degree weather

Lizzie on the slip-n-slid A&C brought 

Ada enjoying a good slide.  Andy and Chelsea
were so good to play with them and make
 a huge obstacle course around the entire house.

Will having some fun,
while being super cautious of the slip-n-slid

Watching BYU play ball against Virginia Tech,
one of our long-time shared family activities, cheering on the Cougars

Ebelskivers anyone? Chef Lauren

Easter egg hut in the backyard...

...and in the front yard.

Eight of the cutest grandchildren of all time.

Adult dinner out to one of Jake's favorite restaurants - Barrio

Grandma Vonnie pulled another tooth,
this time for Ada

Lunch, poolside

Endless story time that I loved

Great meals for 18, thanks to the help of everyone

Those little boys love their Grandpa Rickeee

Hanging out with Jake

Darling girls getting warm and dry

Margaret finds an Easter egg

Reading stories can be exhausting

Charlie and Will love each other!

After church, saying goodbye

Crazy brothers

Ellie and a mystery person

Tommy boy finding eggs

More slip-n-slid Ada?

Lizzie conquers!

Ellie slides in every manner possible

Will enjoying (?) the tape game

Chelsea and Ada before family photos

Family parade!

Jake, the grand marshall

This picture was taken the weekend before
of Jake surrounded by the love of his family.  The love we feel for them is beyond measure.

I saw this quote the week we were there.
 I think it perfectly captures how Jordan and Jake
 are handling this severe trial.
 Even though it is terribly hard and sad,
 it is making them stronger and better people.

I couldn't help but notice their initials
 engraved in the sidewalk.  JR, JR, LR, EBR, AR, TR.
 They are a forever family and their love is eternal.