Happy things, Sad things

There are two exciting things to talk about.  Grace had her first day of first grade today!  Grant completed his first full marathon on Saturday and finished with a time of 3:49, not too bad for a rookie! 

 

 

 

And, one very sad thing.  See that cute family?  That is my oldest sister and her family.  Despite what the picture says, those two got along a lot better than that :)  Friday before last, August 23, early in the morning before 8am, the boy on the far right, the seemingly annoying one bothering his sister, was taken from this world in an instant.  He was on his way to work, all alone on the highway, and somehow rolled his car, was ejected and died at the scene.  He was only 18.  We've had a sad week.  But, despite it all, the gospel is still true, and that is the beautiful thing!  He was a great kid and I know exactly where he is right now and, the best part, I know he is still my little nephew!  He will be forever and ever and ever! 

He was a very sweet boy, he loved to read and to his mother's dismay, probably read more than slept!  He was kind and included everyone.  He knew when to laugh.  He got good grades and could figure just about anything out.  He could argue a point, and well.  When he was little he loved Blue's Clues, the Spot dog series and, like any boy, airplanes and trucks and trains.  He was the oldest grandchild on both sides and this year, turned one year older than my dad!! (his birthday is leap year day)  He played lacrosse, sang in 3 different choirs, ran cross country and earned his Eagle Scout award.  He knew how to work hard and he didn't shirk his duties, just sometimes his chores :)  He was ordained an Elder a little while back and was working to earn money to serve an LDS mission.  He will be missed greatly, and I can't wait for him to greet me when my time is up here on earth.