The biggest news about this trip? T1 officially started walking! He’s still pretty unsteady on his feet, but he walks all over the apartment now. I’ve even seen him pushing himself up onto his feet from a sitting position on the ground. I just love watching him toddle around.

While I was home I ran out in the cold to try to get a new portrait for Twitter/Facebook (to celebrate dropping another 10 lbs, which is an awesome reward if you’re looking for ways to reward yourself for your weight loss) but I didn’t like anyo f myself enough to use them.

My sister though, of course look adorable, even in her high school sweatshirt and rubber boots.

The funeral was held on Saturday. I admit that I didn’t think it was a big deal to be there before I went, but after it was over I realized that I would have missed out on a lot if I stayed home. So many beautiful stories about my grandmother and her life were shared.

A few people asked what an LDS funeral is like. I haven’t been to many, but I thought I’d share what this one was like (as I think it is a nice representation of the norm).

We met in a room off to the side of the chapel as a family for an opening prayer. Then the casket was moved into the chapel and we all filed after it. We sang a song, a prayer was offered, then the meeting outline was introduced by the bishop. First the great-grandkids all sang a song. My grandma spoke, then my aunt, and then my cousins and I sang Tenderly. My uncle spoke, we sang a closing song, and another prayer was offered.

After the funeral was over the pallbearers moved forward to help move the casket into the hearse. We mingled with guests for a bit (everyone was invited to the graveside but most didn’t come) and then we lined up behind the hearse for the trip from the church to the cemetery.

At the cemetery the pallbearers removed the casket and set it over the grave.

My grandpa offered a prayer of dedication over the grave, and then we said our goodbyes.

There were plenty of tears (mostly during the service at the church) but lots of laughter and smiles too!

My grandma was buried only a few feet away from my little brother’s grave.

The family. T1 and I missed the memo about wearing sunglasses.

This picture makes me laugh. All of us revolve around T1 now that he’s here :)

My grandma’s boots, which were on display at the luncheon after the funeral.

Notice the hearts on the end? Adorable!

We ended the day with a big dinner of leftovers (and some oreo truffle balls that I indulged in and very much enjoyed) where we all enjoyed feeding things to T1 and watching him make silly faces in response.

I love watching this cousin of mine with my son. I used to hold and play with her all the time when I was her age! It’s kind of strange to see the passage of time illustrated in this way.

We’re both glad we went home. :)

Mom and dad, thank so much for flying us out. It meant a lot to me.

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