Traveling to Lynden

Two Saturdays ago I traveled to Lynden, Washington for my Grandma Viola Crabtree's funeral. She was taken to be with her Heavenly Father following a sudden onset of Leukemia, on Thursday, April 15th.

Caitlin, Andrew and I headed down to be with family and celebrate the wonderful life Grandma had lived and share our memories of Grandma.

Thanks to my sister Tasha's quick workings we wer on our way. I was also so blessed to have the most amazing kids to fly with! Andrew slept most of the way down and Caitlin did a great job sitting in one place for over 2 hours (without the DVD player)! Once we got to Seattle we were met by Grandma, Papa and Auntie Chelsea! Dinner at Dicks and then a tour of Auntie Chelsea's college home! Caitlin made herself right at home with the sticky notes and pink highlighter!Checking out Auntie Chelsea's bedroom!
Chelsea's kitchen~

Then it was a beautiful drive back to Lynden. Caitlin held on the whole way and didn't give into sleep! Poor thing was just wiped but didn't want to miss anything.

The next day was fun for both kids - new territory to check out!

My little thumb sucker :)

First thing when we got to Grandma and Papa's house Caitlin pulled up a Tulip from Grandma's flower garden. After a little redirection she was all over the dandy lions and no longer pulling Grandma's flowers! She must have picke about a hundred of those flowers from the field outback!

Caitlin loved the trikes~

On Sunday afternoon Grandma and Papa hosted a potluck lunch for all of my families to come over, see the kids and catch up. There was probably over 60 people who stopped by and it was so wonderful to see everyone. The food was outstanding and seeing everyone was such a bonus. We were also fortunate to have over 70 degree weather! I think everyone got a little burn :)

Grandma Candi, Andrew and me

Uncle Spencer with MandrewAuntie Tasha with Mandrew

The 4 Grandkids!

(poor Brock was trying so hard to hold Bryce and poor Bryce just didn't want to be held!!)

The Crabtree Side
(what a good looking group of us!)

Auntie Danelle was such a big help - she watched the little ones and kept them super busy!

Whew! After a hard day of playing together, Brock and Caitlin settled down for a DVD.

After the DVD and dinner it was time for a bathtub! Happy kidos I'd say!

(You have to love the cousins bathtub pictures - oh it brings back memories!)

Then it was out like a light!

Andrew too!

Papa took Caitlin on her first ride on the tractor.

Photo Op! Papa, Caitlin and Andrew on the John Deer Tractor!

Papa and Caitlin going for a cruise. . .

Down the stree and around the corner . . . Caitlin was pooped! She didn't make it too far and the hum of the tractor put her to sleep! She hung over Papa's arm like a rag doll!

Poor girl!

Monday evening we crashed my sister Shannon and her husband Dave's house for dinner. Jim the cat was terrorized (Jim is a she by the way)! Caitlin just loved on that cat.

Our cat at home bolts from Caitlin any time she comes even close.

Great picture! I love this one - Grandma, Bryce, Brock, Caitlin, Papa and Andrew.

And everyone is smiling and looking in the right direction!!

Brock loves his cousin Andrew and wanted to hold him quite a bit!

Dinner time!

On Tuesday my sister Shannon came over to watch the kids for me while I attended the viewing, grave side service and funeral service for my Grandma. She even got Caitlin to sit still long enough to put french braids in her hair and curl it all cute!

Nice work Shannon - your hired!

On Wednesday we went to visit my Great Grandma Bernice Van Dalen. She was so happy to see us all and was looking just beautiful! It was so wonderful to get to see her and catch up.

We also went to visit Grandma and Grandpa Scholten.

If you ever have time to stop by and see their picture collection, you really should. It was amazing all the old pictures Grandpa had of their relatives!

After a quick lunch at the DQ (yep it involved a Blizzard!!) with Danelle and Grandma Candi and then swinging through the Little Red Wagon, Grandma Eileen and Papa were driving us back to the Seattle Airport. But we had a bonus this time. For some reason the Customer Service Rep allowed my Dad and Mom to come through security all the way to my gate! Neither Dad or I have ever heard of this happening. It was such a blessing. The extra set of hands and help just getting ready to go was amazing.

Dad and Mom,

Thank you for picking us up and driving us back and forth.

Thank you for letting us stay with you and for hosting the potluck.

We appreciate everything you did.

Tasha and Trevor
Thanks for the help with the flight - without your help we wouldn't have been able to make it.

On the flight home - such a happy girl!

Such a tired boy!

I am so glad I was able to come and celebrate Grandma's life.

She was truely a strong and amazing woman.
I think back to the last week and remember all the memories, tears and laughs we shared,

and I just have to smile.

Grandma will be missed but she is in a much better place and I can't wait to see her again.

We love you Grandma.