Grandma reunites with Grandpa again

Today, we sadly say goodbye to our sweet & loveable Grandma Tate. Not that we didn't know this day was coming, she was 96 after all!; but, still tough to say goodbye! The past 6 months, especially, have been very difficult to watch her frail away. Honestly, we didn't think she would make it much into the New Year, as her health was declining rapidly. Though, she would continue to surprise us with her continuous spunk & some kind of determination to keep going (despite her saying she was done & ready to check out many times! :}). She would ask why we thought she was still around, and we let her know, it was for our own selfish reasons...because we treasured every chance we got with her & we hadn't had enough! We were also determined it was because she just wanted to have the most impressive obituary with the number of kids, grandkids, great grandkids she had! :}. (total of 181 under her & Grandpa...6 kids with 5 spouses, 41 Grandchildren with 32 spouses, 93 Great Grandchildren & 1 spouse, and 3 Great Great Grandchildren!). She has touched many lives & I feel truly blessed to be able to call her Grandma! May she RIP and enjoy the reunion with Grandpa again.

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Just sharing a few special moments....

How glad I am that my kids got to know their Great Grandma, and have many fabulous memories together!

Getting to celebrate her 95th Birthday

This past Easter...she was so alert this day. We couldn't believe she was up & wanting to be out of bed. She said she was thrilled to watch the family out the window having a football game, something we always did on Thanksgiving when we'd meet here.

She was even up for a round of cards, her favorite activity to do together. And she was still on her game, even then!

I always have enjoyed getting to see the Tate Family every holiday season!

Last Easter at our house.

New Years this year...an evening of playing games (which she was still sharp minded enough to win a round!)

Her 93rd Birthday...we didn't think we'd be fortunate enough to get 3 more to share with her!

This brings back many memories of gatherings on their back patio, ever since I was a kid (well, every since my Mom was a kid really :})

Memories that all the more special now. Grandma, give Pops a big hug for me!!

We'll sure miss you Grams, thanks for all the beautiful memories!!

A day in the canyons

One of the many things that I love about our fabulous "Chosen Extended Family" is how much we appreciate our time together, and make sure we do things together as families! We had to fit in a day in the canyons together before Suzanne went off to her new adventure in Seattle, WA. It's hard to watch your loved ones move away; but, happy for them at the same time for the experiences life brings them. Good thing she still knows we'll still always be here for her (and even better that she is fortunate to get to come back home frequently with her job too! :}) We couldn't have picked a more beautiful day to share in our mountains!

Glad Lil' One could join us too! :}

It was also great to have the Moultons join us as well! 

Bradon was glad to get to hang out with Connor again!

But, Kaley...she was a little more than excited to see Bailey! :}

It was also great to see their long time friend, Bubba, who has struggled with some health issues for a while. He's a fighter, and hangin' in there! He is fortunate to have his long time friends always there for him!  

I'm not sure who enjoys it more....us, or the kids! :}

Sweet little Maddie picked out a gift (one of her dolls) she wanted to give Suzanne, so she wouldn't forget her! That was just precious!! 

Hugs for Doug too! :}

Grateful for quality time together!

The kids decided, as long as they had a stage, they were going to put together a skit. Little Ms. Thing appears to be in charge! :}

Oh, I love these kiddos! 

We had to get in a couple rounds of 'Left, Right, Center' in!

Tyler was sure he was going to take it! :}

Show me the money! :}

"Whatzup Studs?" 

Kaley was sure blowing on the dice was going to bring her the win!

"Ohhhhh.....that was a Center...Round 1 over!"

The winner is....MaryAnn...Whoo Hoo!! :}

There goes Dylan and "his poses". Bailey's like "What the heck?" :}

Happy Mary to be among her good friends again. We know she missed us! :}

On to Round 2...who's going to take it this time? Tracy & Kaley thought for sure it was their turn!

Shake 'em Jeff!

Oh, and Julie is the winner of Round 2! :}

Oh how I love my other family! Fun times!!