Memorial Day in Star Valley

It is always a bittersweet trip that we take on Memorial Day. We love going to Star Valley and enjoying time with family and friends and taking in all the beauty that is there. We are also comforted being near the place where so many of our loved ones rest. It is hard to live so far away and not be close enough to 'visit' Jada on special occasions, VerNon also. It is also still so hard to accept. It is a bit crazy to be glad to take a picture at the cemetery so that ALL my children can be accounted for in the same shot, but it validates her existence. She is still part of our family. We have 7 children. And it still feels we are leaving someone behind each time we leave the valley.

We were able to have Talon's name added to Jada's headstone this year.

Karlee and Allie putting pine nuts on Grandpa Burton's headstone.

Azurdey helping decorate.

We stayed at Greg's house. The kids love the chance to hang out with their cousins. They always have so much fun with them. I didn't get any pictures, but we also got to visit with my Grandma and Grandpa Putnam, and have a quick dinner at Lanis and Dale's house. Grandma and Grandpa, Mom and Dad, Sue and Kaycee, and Deb and Ron were also there. The kids stayed with them awhile longer while we took Journee and went to Kimberly and Ashley's seminary graduation. They are great girls and we were glad we got to go support them in their accomplishment. Ashley gave a nice talk. Ger's mom and Warren joined us that evening. It is always good to get a chance to see them also.
We also got to see our friends Jason and Hollie and their cute kids. They live in Utah and we look forward to each time we might get to catch up with them in Star Valley. On our way home we stopped in Jackson to visit Gerry's Grandma. So glad we got that opportunity as well.

Here we are bowling with Greg's family.