Porter had been sporting a fever of 103 -104 the day before our travels and of course while we were traveling. When we got to Utah and he wasn't sleeping because of his fever of 103 I decided to take him to the ER. Three days of a fever that high and I was starting to worry. So at midnight on our first night in Utah after having travelled all day long I headed off to the ER. My brother happened to be taking his girlfriend home at that same time so he volunteered to come with me. Thanks Tay! The ER tested Porter for the flu and never called me with the results. I'm assuming it was negative or else I would have heard from them. And as fate would have it after spending all night in the ER his fever broke the next morning and didn't return. I was just glad he was feeling better.
The reason we went to Utah was to celebrate the life of this amazing kid, my cousing Spencer McKay. "McKay had a great love for his country and desire to help in the cause of freedom. He joined the Army and began his military service at Fort Knox, KY. He was a member of Bravo Troop, 1-33 Calvary, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (The Screaming Eagles), Fort Campbell, KY. McKay excelled in his training, was an expert marksman and was known for his ability, enthusiasm and love for the military. We remember him with love: His handsome face, his irresistible, contagious smile, his love for children, his willingness and sincere desire to play with his younger cousins, his helpfulness, his kind interaction with people and animals, his enjoyment of certain video games, his willingness to express love to others, his bravery, and the way he sang the hymns in church with great gusto when he was young." - obituary excerpt
Philip and Jenny put together this video of Mac's life:
A poem I wrote for McKay's family:
I’m in a different army now and the battle continues here. The Commander . . . He is different. He is merciful, He is just, and He is true. He loves me like a brother and He always has my back. I’ve sworn to follow Him forever - just like you taught me to.
His orders are much clearer now that my mind is calm, free from all the static, free from all the hurt. He’s washed me clean with His blood and freed me from my chains. I know I am in good Hands and hope it brings you peace.
I want to thank you for loving me. Know I will always be your soldier; standing brave and strong. It’s my duty now to safeguard and protect those closest to my heart. You’ll feel me all around you; I’ll be forever near. I run and jump with the wind as it races through the trees. The stars will twinkle with my smile. The sunshine will be warm on your skin when I reach out and give you a hug.
I promise I have not left you. I am not gone, I’ve just moved on, to a better place for me. I am your soldier, I am your baby, I am your brother still.
All though the battle is still raging, there is no need to fear. Christ is my Commander now and my orders are crystal clear. Keeping watch just a breath away until this battle we call life is over with and won. Then your soldier will come home. Home to you where I belong. Home with you forever.
In remembrance of Spencer McKay
We love you. We miss you.
Sunday we were able to attend church and spend the day with my family again. It was a wonderful day spent reminiscing about McKay and just enjoying each other's company. It was wonderful to see so much family, I just wish it could have been under different circumstances.
The reason we went to Utah was to celebrate the life of this amazing kid, my cousing Spencer McKay. "McKay had a great love for his country and desire to help in the cause of freedom. He joined the Army and began his military service at Fort Knox, KY. He was a member of Bravo Troop, 1-33 Calvary, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (The Screaming Eagles), Fort Campbell, KY. McKay excelled in his training, was an expert marksman and was known for his ability, enthusiasm and love for the military. We remember him with love: His handsome face, his irresistible, contagious smile, his love for children, his willingness and sincere desire to play with his younger cousins, his helpfulness, his kind interaction with people and animals, his enjoyment of certain video games, his willingness to express love to others, his bravery, and the way he sang the hymns in church with great gusto when he was young." - obituary excerptPhilip and Jenny put together this video of Mac's life:
A poem I wrote for McKay's family:
I’m in a different army now and the battle continues here. The Commander . . . He is different. He is merciful, He is just, and He is true. He loves me like a brother and He always has my back. I’ve sworn to follow Him forever - just like you taught me to.
His orders are much clearer now that my mind is calm, free from all the static, free from all the hurt. He’s washed me clean with His blood and freed me from my chains. I know I am in good Hands and hope it brings you peace.
I want to thank you for loving me. Know I will always be your soldier; standing brave and strong. It’s my duty now to safeguard and protect those closest to my heart. You’ll feel me all around you; I’ll be forever near. I run and jump with the wind as it races through the trees. The stars will twinkle with my smile. The sunshine will be warm on your skin when I reach out and give you a hug.
I promise I have not left you. I am not gone, I’ve just moved on, to a better place for me. I am your soldier, I am your baby, I am your brother still.
All though the battle is still raging, there is no need to fear. Christ is my Commander now and my orders are crystal clear. Keeping watch just a breath away until this battle we call life is over with and won. Then your soldier will come home. Home to you where I belong. Home with you forever.
In remembrance of Spencer McKay
We love you. We miss you.
Sunday we were able to attend church and spend the day with my family again. It was a wonderful day spent reminiscing about McKay and just enjoying each other's company. It was wonderful to see so much family, I just wish it could have been under different circumstances.
Porter loved Spencer!
Emma was such a good little babysitter!
Born just a week apart - this was the first time Porter and Boston met!
Funny note: When the evening was over we walked outside and it was snowing. Gabe saw the snow and exclaimed, "It's Christmas!!!"
Monday we had lunch at Macaroni Grill with Rose and Wayne.
I LOVE these pictures of Wayne and Porter - so cute!
Then Monday night it was time to hang out with my Dad & Cheryl.
Then Monday night it was time to hang out with my Dad & Cheryl.
Adyson & Lexi weren't sure about the wild thing eating at their table. We heard a lot of, "He's touching my food!"
Sisters
My Nana and Grumpy
Gabe beating up Uncle Taylor
Grammy reads all of the kids a bedtime story.
Tuesday. Lunch at Cafe "you are so yummy" Rio. Need I say more? Oh, and a visit to the distribution center, $153 later John and I own white underwear again (not yellow). Okay, TMI. Ended the day by having dinner, visiting and playing games with John's family.
Porter's first visit to Cafe Rio
Isn't he a doll?
Mmmm . . . we love Cafe Rio!
Porter upset because he just learned they don't have a Cafe Rio in Ohio.
More pictures of Porter and Boston
This is what Bradon and Kolten did when their Mom went to pickup dinner . . .
Gabe thought it was great fun! I can't believe how grown up they are.
Gabe LOVED playing with Aiden!
Here they are in the bathtub.
Wednesday - we had lunch in Springville with my Dad. Which meant a trip to the construction yard to show Gabe the equipment.
Checking out the rock truck. One sexy machine in my opinion.
Notice his outfit. He put on my Dad's hard hat when we got out of the truck. After a few minutes of looking at equipment he said, "Wait, I forgot something!" Gabe runs back to the truck and pulls out . . .
. . . the orange safety vest.
Taylor and his cute girlfriend Nikki
Wednesday we drove to Salt Lake to celebrate my Great Grandmother's 95th Birthday.
Before having dinner at the Lion House we took our kids into the Joseph Smith Memorial building so they could see the temple. Gabe thinks we go to church every week at the temple. So I wanted him to see the difference between our church and the temple. Cheryl asked Gabe who was on top of the temple (correct answer for those of you who don't know is the angel Moroni) well, Gabe said, "the Statue of Liberty." Funny, yes, but I was pretty proud that my 3 year old knew what the Statue of Liberty was.
My cute boys in front of the temple.
Happy Birthday Pinkie!!!
Porter and Grammy
The Birthday Girl!
Taylor and Nikki
John and Gabe blowing their party horns. I think the staff at the Lion House thought we were crazy for having a party like this for our grandma (especially since they had to wear party hats too), but it was fun!
Our attempts at a cousin picture. HA!
And finally Thanksgiving. What a fabulous day. I have so much to be thankful for this year. I am thankful for my family. I love all of you and feel very blessed to have seen so many of you while we were in Utah. I am grateful to my Dad and to John's parents for helping us come home for McKay's funeral and for Thanksgiving. I am thankful for eternal families. Tragedies are not so tragic when we know we can be with each other again someday. I am thankful for my Aunt and Uncle who believe that with all their hearts. It's a testimony builder to me to see people live their beliefs when hard times come. Finally, I am so thankful for the gospel and the light, the peace, and direction it gives me.
Here's pictures from our awesome Thanksgiving Day!
What's Thanksgiving without a Turkey Bowl?
John and Gabe enjoyed getting out and playing a little football!
Check out the adorable cornucopia place cards Cheryl & I made.
Let the feast begin!
My Dad's entire family was there, minus Matt and his family.
33 of us total!
My plate. I couldn't eat before taking a picture of this gorgeous food. And I wanted a picture to curse at later when I'm working off all the calories at the gym.
Gabe's Thanksgiving Feast was not so great. He threw up about 3o minutes before we ate. So I put him to bed and we enjoyed Thanksgiving dinner without him : (
On the other hand Porter LOVED his first Thanksgiving!
After eating with my family we drove to Heber and had dinner with John's family. I couldn't leave without getting a picture of Rose and Wayne in front of their new Amish stove. On their first visit to Ohio they bought a beautiful Amish table and 14 chairs. On their next trip they bought this stove. We took them to Lehman's Amish store on their first visit out here and it was like taking kids to a candy shop! (Notice Rose holding the Lehman's catalog.) Love you guys!
Finally on Friday we again boarded three planes and finally made it home to Ohio. Our return flights were much easier and the kids seemed to travel better. Gabe finally fell asleep on the plane just as we touched down in Dayton. Isn't that nature's law? And to think all this happened in just one amazing week.
