Anyway, the funeral service was scheduled for February 28th, so Thomas and I flew in to Mesa on Thursday evening to be there. Matt wanted to come, but he couldn't come on such late notice in the middle of such a beyond busy semester. That night we went to The Pita Jungle with my sister Sarah, stopped by and visit taught one of her sisters, and then she and I hung out for a while after putting the little guy to bed. Oo and I even got to meet her new boy Blake. I knew him back in the day, but I haven't seen him for like ten years so that was fun.
Then on Friday I got to go to Pei Wei for lunch with two of my best friends Shauni and Jessica. It was so fun to hang out and talk to them. Thomas was loving them so much and it was cute to see them interact with him. I'm so grateful that even though I live in another state, I can still stay close to my best friends.
That night we had a big Decker get together with 26 of the 27 grandchildren, all 5 of their children, and some of my grandpa's siblings and family. It was great to see all of my cousins and catch up with them. After eating a nice catered dinner, each family had a spokesman who shared some of their family's favorite memories about Grandpa. It was sweet to hear about why everyone loved him so much and how much he influenced each of his children and grandchildren. My family had been texting back and forth in a group text about memories we had about him right after he had passed away and it was fun to hear about all of the fun memories we each had of him. Rogers Clair Decker truly was a remarkable man and I am so grateful that he was such a hard-working, loving grandfather.
On Saturday, the funeral service was held and it was a really special day. I really don't like funerals because they make me so sad, but this funeral made me happy and although it was sad to know I won't see my grandpa again for a while, it was really neat to hear about the incredible life that he lived. It was also really sweet to hear my brother Paul say the opening prayer, my brother Tim sing in a quartet, and my mom give my grandpa's life sketch. My family has always been really close, but it was neat to see everyone come together to honor our grandpa.
Schmidt Clan
Most of the Decker grandkids.
After the funeral we all hung out and partied. We had games of Kub going, Cafe Rio brought in for dinner, and a bunch of family hanging out having a good time. After a few hours of playing with everyone, the "Sassy Six" made a getaway and went to go do a little hanging out. It had been several years since my sister Sarah, my favorite cousins, and I were all together so we had to take advantage of the situation. Ever since I was like seven years old, my cousins and I have made up dances pretty much every time we get together. This time was no exception so we got our booties into gear and made up a funny dance together. It was so fun... just like the good old times. I am so grateful for these girls. They were a big part of how I grew up which is apparently sassy haha.
Over all it was an awesome weekend. I really wish that Matt could've come down with me, but his classes have been so crazy this semester and he couldn't miss school. He's only taking two classes right now, but his professor is a perfectionist and expects so much from his students. It's been a rough semester for all of us, but there's only six weeks or so left. I'm so grateful that Matt is so diligent with his school work and his research. Sometimes I wish that we could take breaks and go on trips together, but we'll have to save that for the summer when he's doing research.
Cutest little cousins. We love Maxy boy. He's about a month older than Thomas and he was attempting to teach Thomas to scoot around. Thomas tried to grab on so Max could pull him, but his plan didn't quite work out like he hoped it would.
Here's Nate & my dad playing some Kubb. There was a lot of Kubb action going on over the weekend. Unfortunately Dave and I lost. He loves being on my team... just like when we were growing up :)
Papa & Mr. T. I'm so grateful my dad loves Thomas. He's a great grandpa.
Chatchin' some rays before going back to Utah.
Love my Elena girl and her box house.
Elisabeth & Max.
Nay & Max. Nate & Elisabeth are such great parents. Matt and I have great examples to look up to. I hope I raise them right and have a girl that loves "dopies" and storm troupers like Elena does :)
Kenzie <3
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