Back to Virginia

After Mom's funeral here in Utah my siblings and I headed back to Virginia to do a memorial service for her and to go through some of her things. Mom's service was very nice (we gave the same talks we gave at the funeral). The thing that was different about it was the people there. The majority of the people have no idea what Mormons believe. I heard from Dad that there were many people who came up to him afterwards to tell him how peaceful and uplifting it was. There were even people who were interested in hearing a little bit more about what we believe in. I don't know what will come from those experiences, but at least they have a small understanding or respect for us and what we believe.

After the service we had the task of going through a few things. On the top of that list was her Christmas decorations. Lets just say Christmas was Mom's holiday, she would decorate to the MAX! We counted over 20 Christmas trees, with five of them belong over 7 feet tall! Plus all the boxes of decorations, and ornaments. Then there were her crafts… Mom LOVED to craft! Her craft supplies were never ending. Things from fabrics, to paints, to beads, and everything in between. Of course she was the most crafty person I know!
After a few days of not leaving the house we decided a little field trip was in order. So we drove up to Washington D.C. to see a few sights.
Here is the Washington Monument all covered in scaffolding while they work on securing it after the earthquake.

Dad and his camera

Utah at the World War II memorial

Main fountain at the WWII memorial

Vietnam Memorial

Had to take a picture of Italy at the Vietnam Memorial for Pug

Here I am at the top of the steps at the Lincoln Memorial with the Washington Monument in the background.

Lincoln Memorial

Somehow these last few pictures got out of order… Oh well. Here I am at the Steak and Shake. YUMMY!

Back to Washington D.C. at the Air and Space museum at the Smithsonian.

My Yummy food from Steak and Shake

Heather, BJ and I at the Lincoln Memorial.

As hard as it is to loose my Mom, I know that I will see and be with her again someday. And without my amazing family I would not have been able to get through as well as I have.