Ben, Rachel & Audrey Kristine: family time!

Ben and I have taken some unexpected trips lately. The first was up to Bozeman a few weeks ago for Grampy Harrison Hayford's funeral. It was very unexpected and hard to take for many, but the gospel gives an added peace. We know Grampy is where he needs to be. It helps to know that his last day consisted of fishing with a good friend and listening to his favorite records.

Ben's maternal grandfather, Harrison Hayford

As far as we heard, he had a very peaceful last day on earth. We are all grateful to know he's with Grammy now and hope they had a very joyful reunion. All of the Hayford's that could got together in remembrance of Grampy. A LOT of effort and love was put into his funeral and memorial. Uncle Mike and cousin Seth put this box together for Grampy to rest in.

This was modeled after what Grampy made for Grammy to rest in several years ago when she passed. It was great to see family gather together in Ben's Grampy's name. It was a sentimental weekend. This is a picture of the family able to come:

These posters were made to commemorate the life of a hard worker,

a caring husband and father,

and a loving grandfather.

To the left are the sons in the family receiving the flag and holding Grampy. Below are all the Hayford children.

We all placed roses. This is my mother-in-law and sister-in-law:

Harrison & Lorraine Hayford are loved and missed!

Until we meet again...

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The other last minute trip we took was to California to visit family, particularly my aunt Kimberly. Kimberly and her husband, Ray, live in England but visited the States to see family at a time when Kimberly is very sick. She has breast cancer and a goal to make it to her 50th birthday this December. Despite her ailment and fatigue, Kimberly looked great and was so fun to be around!

(I feel really lame saying this but I don't have any pictures of us with Kimberly from the trip... they were all taken by cameras other than my own... so when I get them, I'll add them to the bunch. Until then, here are some other pictures of our trip...)

One of the nights Ben mentioned it would be fun to do a barbecue, so we did!!! We really wanted to eat outside, but the Californian's said it was too cold. (It was 40 degrees WARMER than our home in Idaho..)

Have I ever mentioned that Ben is a phenomenal cook? He is.

After the barbecue we got together and played games as extended family. This is just a bit of our extended family.

My Grandparents live in Irvine, California in a beautiful community. The best part about where they live is that the Newport Beach Temple is practically down the street! The church building they attend shares the Temple parking lot, so after church we took some immediate family pictures.

This is my brother Andrew and sister Anna. They insisted on having a picture of this pose. : )

Left to Right: Spencer, Benson, Andrew, Mom, Anna, Rachel, and Ben!

My brother Tanner and his fiance Keeley were on the trip, too, but unable to come to hop in this picture.

Ben and I at the Newport Beach temple

Me with some of my siblings. Handsome Benson on his 2nd birthday! Also with Spencer, who is very loved and missed as he is living in Couer d'Alene right now, and Benson.

This is Ben showing off the well at the house and also taking care of Benson! Can you see why I feel so ready to have kids? Ben is going to be an AMAZING father.