Minnesota '09

Back to catching up...

Derald and Nita left on Thursday, David's G'pa S. died on Friday, and we were in MN on Saturday.  Talk about a whirlwind!  Grandpa was 93 years old, had lived a very good and faithful life and was ready to leave this world.  He was ready to meet the One he lived for.  The rest of us, however, weren't so ready to say good bye.  It's never easy, but it is so much sweeter when you know they have gone to their real home.

Lia and her G'pa S.  It was the first time David Sr. had seen Lia since she was 4 months old so there was much catching up to be done!  I think they kind of liked each other.  ;)

The kids got lots 'o lovin from cousins Shalyn and Heidi.

The cemetery where G'pa S. was buried.  It was absolutely beautiful.

Jacob with his flag from Aunt Darla.  Notice the flag in the background at half-staff for G'pa S.  The flag in Jacob's hand in memory of G'pa S.

The 6 S. kids.

Diane (#6), David Sr.(#3), Duane (#1), Derald (#2), Darwin (#5), Darla (#4)

We finally got to do some playing out in the snow.  This was Lia and Jacob's first time ever to see real snow.  They weren't too sure what to do at first.  Lia is having fun here...

...not so much here.  Poor girl.  She fell then couldn't get back up!  And YES, we DID try to get her to keep her gloves on but she was not having anything to do with them!

Now it's Jacob's turn on the sled.  He had a ball.  But "what's with the snow on the gloves...and what am I supposed to do about it"??  The nice pink snowsuit he has on was compliments of his cousin Sarah.

Nicholas and Shane so helpfully got the snowmobile and sled ready for David and I.  It was really quite a chore for them to have to take the snowmobile out for a few spins before they handed it over.  ;)  Thanks Nicholas for getting the ice out of the sled - that would have been REALLY cold to sit on!

David and I on our ride.  The snazzy outfit I had on - it was compliments of David's cousin Jamin - he's 6'4".  It was just a wee bit big - but I sure was thankful to have it!

Sweet Cassie.

Sarah - she and Jacob are 1 year and 2 days apart.  These two were inseparable once they finally got a chance to spend some time together.  They almost look like twins don't you think??

Jamin S. family

Sarah, Jamin, Bonnie, Tanner, Cassie, Nicholas

Darwin S. family - we stayed in their home while we were up there.

Shalyn, Karen, Darwin, Shane

All in all it was a great trip!  We're ready to go back - just when it's a wee bit warmer!  The snow was fun to play in for a couple of days though.