This month we have had so many events, both happy ones and two extremely sad ones, that it is intimidating to even begin writing about everything that happened in May, but I'll give it a try! The month started out with a very sad event, that even though it wasn't in our immediate family, affected all of us indirectly. The end of April, Rob became engaged to Kathryn Cox, and we were all happy about that. However, the very next week, Kathryn's ex-husband died by his own hand, and catapulted that family and Rob into a time of extreme turmoil and sadness, and of course, caused our family to mourn for Kathryn and her girls. Gary and I attended the memorial in Farmington, and were able to meet all of Kathryn's siblings and her mother (which was the only good thing about that most difficult day.)
But life goes on, both for us and for them, and after the viewing and graveside service in Oregon, the family had to come home and finish the school year and Rob had to leave for a week in China.
The next event was Aubrey Dyson's baptism on May 8th. On Saturday, May 8, Aubrey Dyson --Julie and Todd's youngest child, was baptized at the Stake Center in Centerville, Utah. Here is Aubrey with her parents just before the baptism ceremony. After the baptism there was a gathering of Aubrey's relatives at the Dyson home to celebrate her baptism. It was a special occasion, and we all want to congratulate Aubrey on her baptism.
The day of Aubrey's baptism there was also a baby shower that morning for Becky Whittle at Serena's home which I managed to attend, but because of the baptism that same day, only Dave's family was able to be there. Becky and Jared are expecting a baby girl the first of June and she will be named Sarah, and she received many lovely things at the shower.
Julie Dyson and Kathy Whittle both have birthdays on May 16th, so, as is our tradition, the girls all got together to celebrate. On Monday the 17th Holly and Jennifer hosted a birthday luncheon for Julie and Kathy at Holly's home which turned out to be thoroughly delightful. The weather was perfect, so we ate on the deck on beautifully decorated tables, Holly prepared food that was fantastic and Jennifer made the most clever and beautiful arrangements featuring the birthday money we traditionally give the birthday girl, so everything was really special. Everyone enjoyed visiting so much we all stayed most of the afternoon. I forgot my camera, but I will get pictures from one of the girls and add them later (if I can figure out how to do that!!)
The next event was the extremely sad one I mentioned above. Jennifer Bascom's father, Rex Walker, fell to his death while working at Timpanogos Cave on Thursday, May 20th. Mike called us and Gary and I went over the minute I arrived home from doctor appointments in S.L. and we had the sad task of informing Mike's children about the death of their grandfather...one of the hardest things I have had to do. Mike had joined Jennifer in their vigil at the cave, waiting for the body to be brought up by Search and Recovery from the deep ravine he had fallen into, and I later took Heather to be with all the relatives at the Visitor's Center where the family was congregated while waiting. Loree, Holly and Gary and I took turns being with and helping the children until after the funeral on May 25th, Jan and Julie and Kathy brought in meals (as well as Holly and Loree and the R.S.). The funeral was one of the largest I've ever been to, and was a wonderful tribute to a man who many, many people loved and respected. Kathy, Jennifer, Laurie, Sherilyn and Jim (his wife and children) did a remarkable job of planning the viewing and the funeral with every detail very appropriate and special. Rex will be greatly missed by family, friends and fellow workers at the Cave.
Because of this sad event the next two weeks were very busy for us and Mike's sisters as we all tried to rally round Mike and Jen and do everything we could to help with the children, meals etc. At the same time taking care of all that needed to be done to prepare for the next two events, which were thankfully, happy ones.
On Saturday May 29th, Joe and Nicia Esplin had a blessing for their baby boy, (Logan) at our home, with Nicia's siblings and spouses, parents and both of their spouses, Joe's parents, and both sets of great-grandparents in attendance. Gary and I worked very hard to get our home and yard into shape for this event. The yard needed lots of work because it had been raining so much that we had not been able to do very much for almost two weeks, and the house needed lots of attention because we had been so busy with all the events preceding this one. Kathy and Serena provided the refreshments, so we just had to get the house and yard ready, which was a good thing because that was all we could manage with the time and energy we had available.
Logan is an adorable, healthy baby brother for Alyssa, and Nicia and Joe are proud parents, and we are so happy that they shared their special event with us. Joe's parents even traveled from Cheyenne to be here for this event. They are gracious, friendly, special people, as you might expect if you know Joe at all and we were pleased to have them join us.
Here is the sweet family. The blessing outfit was made by Kathy's sister, Karen, who you can see in the background of this picture. She is another wonderful supporter of the Whittle family events, and it is always a joy to see her and enjoy her special spirit. Nicia and Joe were here in Utah for several days and were able to visit with Nicia's mother and her family, Dave and Kathy and all Nicia's siblings and several friends, and they timed their visit and the blessing so that they would be here for Emily's baptism which was the next day Sunday, May 30th.
Emily Ann Whittle was baptized and confirmed by her father right on her 8th birthday, May 30th, with many family members attending the baptism and later celebration in the park behind their home. There was such a good feeling at both Whittle events that it made me feel extremely grateful that both the families are united in wanting the best for the children and grandchildren they share, and we are able to mingle as friends, which is the way it should be.
What a month! And I know I haven't reported many, many other things that all of your families were involved in for the ending of the school year etc, but I will try to do that in a separate post.
I'm glad that not very many months have so many events, happy and sad ones, as this month did!
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