Busy Two Weeks

This is the view of our Rancho Del Lago in Vail as we approach our neighborhood.  It's such a beautiful place to call home!

We had the services for our brother, Warren on Tuesday after we returned home.  It was in Phoenix.  It was a special blessing to be with our family to remember his life of service to others and his love for family and the gospel.

He will be sorely missed.  The services were beautiful.  Warren's children and grandchildren gave fine tribute to their father.

Here are Barbara and their children, Duncan, Tina and Rick.

This is Barbara and the four remaining Allens, Karine, Portia, Rebecca and I.  Our sister-in-law Kathy left before we took the photo.

We had a large turnout from our family.  Afterwards, we went to Heather's house before returning to Tucson.

The next day, Will & Sandy's kids had a Thanksgiving party at school.  I tagged along.

We had a great time celebrating Thanksgiving.

 Since our Idaho kids were in town, we decided to do the kids' gift exchange while we were together.

The Chewbacca PJs were a hit!  They made it a few rounds of trades.

Saturday afternoon we went to Saguaro Monument to take some family photos.  Even though we're missing two (in Brazil) we figured it would be some time before we got this many of us together again.  We'll have to post some photos soon.  This is some of us waiting to get started.

Then Sunday came along and we spoke in our Vail Ward.  It was so nice of the Rasmussens to come.  Also, Elder Hamilton's family drove down from Mesa.  We had lots of Sendai things to talk about!  Then a couple of days later, we met with the Rasmussens again over sushi.  It was great to reconnect!

And all of my sisters were able to come.  Portia left for California the next day.  Thanks to the Duron's for hosting us!

Then we drove up to Utah on Wednesday.  We loved seeing the beauties of the desert!

Aunt Vonda let us stay with her, even though Alan had on the wrong kind of shirt!

The grave side services were very touching.

Warren is laid to rest in beautiful Cache Valley near our dear parents.

The Navy flag was in a position of honor.

We were grateful that so many loved ones came to support the family.

Aunt Vonda hosted a luncheon afterwards.

And some of us still felt compelled to get some Aggie Ice Cream!  Isn't it against the law to go to Logan and not eat ice cream?

By Saturday evening, we had made our way to Idaho Falls to spend some time with Nolan & Keree's family.  We lucked in to their ward Christmas Party.

Today, we heard the news that a new stake has been formed in Tucson and we are now part of the Tucson South Stake.  Zion is growing!

Tonight we watched the Christmas Devotional and rejoice even more for the gift of the Savior and his plan that we know we will see our loved ones again.

It has been a very busy, emotional, happy, sad, beautiful couple of weeks!

Families are Forever!