a day trip to Castle Dale, Utah

After I spent a short time in Castle Dale for my Grandpa's funeral, I decided that I really wanted to share my childhood memories with my little ones before it was too late. My sweet Aunt planned a fun day for us, and I will forever cherish the memories that we were able to make. 

We grabbed a quick bite to eat, and then we were off to find treasures in my Grandpa's house, and on his farm. I had spent the drive down telling the kids all the fun and quirky things about my Grandparents house, and I was so excited to show them.

We went down in the cellar, tried to catch a snake in the yard, went up the stairs that are just plain scary to come down. When we landed ourselves in the kitchen, I was just not prepared for the emotions that I had. All the same magnets that I remember playing with were still on the fridge, and I couldn't help but cry and then laugh at myself for crying. My Aunt had said we could pick a few things to remember him by, and you better believe those magnets came home with me. 

{The magnets found a new home on my fridge!}

It was interesting seeing what my kids found priceless, Devin found a touch lamp with horses on it. That lamp has been sitting next to my Grandpa's chair for about 25 years, my Aunt said. Savannah brought home the coolest vintage camera. I took a picture and a mirror off the wall that I thought I could find a spot for. Sabrina wanted the crazy tole painted cat that sat in the bay window.

We headed to the farm, and decided to go on a long walk. The kids loved exploring, and finding feathers. We had to stop for Drake multiple times, because he just wanted to sit in the dirt and play with bugs. He was totally in his element. Something about watching your kids be totally happy doing things you did as a child, made this Momma heart so very happy.

Of course a trip to Castle Dale is not complete unless you go to the cemetery. Auntie Joyce has that place memorized, and showed us all of our important people who are there. The kids were so thoughtful, and went and got all the feathers from the van they had collected and decorated their headstones.

We made new memories, and we won't ever forget this little slice of the past that we got to experience. We came home happy and exhausted, and the kids can't wait to go back soon. 

grandpa joe

My cute Grandpa in the Mountains passed away. It has been years since I had spent time with him, and wish that I could have introduced all of my kids to him. 

Jeff and Deanna invited me to ride down to his funeral with them. We spent the drive catching up on life, and talking about growing up. I was glad that I was able to go with them, and have a chance to spend some extra time together.

It was a short and sweet service. They opened it up to whoever wanted to share memories of Grandpa Joe, and it was so fun to hear all of them. 

Left me wishing my kids had gotten to make memories of their own with him. Made me realize how important the little things are in life. Life is so short. Relationships are what make this life more enjoyable. I came home wanting to give more of myself to those I love, and make memories with them.