The rest of the story...

So after the family bonding time at the beach, it was time to head to Shelby to spend time with my father in-law's side of the family. You see, this wasn't just a family vacation for fun. We were there to bring my father in-laws ashes to his home so he could be laid to rest. While emotional and sad, we also got to spend time with his brother, sisters and their families. What an awesome group of people! I just can't say enough about every one!

A couple years ago I had met Keith and Phyliss and their granddaughter, Anna, when they came to visit Clyde. Everyone else I hadn't met at all or only through Facebook. You would never had known!

We started with dinner at Vivian and Don's. They served us a delicious dinner of North Carolina bar-be-cue that was to die for! My father in law had made it once for us in Granbury. Unfortunately this fell during my pregnancy so I was on a strict diet of hamburgers and chicken strips, lol. Here's the pics from that first party:

Silly faces get my girl every time!

 Our gracious hosts!

"Texas Crew" 

Our technologically savy kiddos

Cousin Kristy teaching Leighton "thank you". She now says it regularly!

The next morning Keith and Phyllis hosted the whole crew for breakfast. What an undertaking! It was a great time, though, and the kids had a blast in "Anna Land".

Lexi's our diva! She makes wagon-pulling look glamours:)

After breakfast the adult crew headed out for the burial. It was a quiet, intimate moment with those that loved him the most. It was sad, it was heartwrenching, but it was peaceful. He is where he wanted to be physically.

That evening was the service. After the service we took a family picture. What a keepsake!



We all had one last meal together after. Unfortunately Bill started to feel under the weather after dinner, so had to run out to get him some Emergen-C and rest, but I'm a little glad we didn't do big good-byes. Good-byes are no fun and I'm sure we will not be waiting years to see this crew again!