Last day in Massachusetts

I got back home from MASS last night. I’m so grateful I got to take this trip with my dad and a couple of my siblings. The past 2 days we saw a couple of dad’s friends, his best friend Sonny’s family (Sonny passed from cancer a couple years ago). We drove around the big city Worcester and again through Spencer, Sturbridge and even Podunk.

Worcester

As you drive along the back roads you see trees, then a house,

trees, a lake or pond, trees, an old cemetery and more trees.

I lived in MASS. around the age of 3-4 1/2, I have just a couple of memories there and I can’t help to wonder what I’d be like today if I grew up there. Some memories I have while living there; I remember when dad threw mine and Greg’s pacifiers out the window on the way home from Aunt Judy’s house, my Great Grandma Layton sitting in her chair in the back bedroom in Aunt Judy’s house knitting my Christmas stocking I got to pick out. Of course going to Aunt Judy & Uncle Roland’s probably every Sunday. I remember swinging in our swing set behind our house and being stung by a bee. I remember walking with the neighbor girl to preschool in my blue rainbow moon boots.

I’m grateful for the happy memories I have of living back east in beautiful Massachusetts.

Dad's Cousin Kevin & Wife Debra

 We drove around Leominster, MASS this morning. Dad excitedly pointed out where his first home and school once were. And where his aunt’s, grandmother’s and other family members once lived. Then we spent the day with dad’s cousin Kevin & Debra Desilets where we heard lots of old stories and fun memories. We took a short walk from their house down to “the beach." Rebecca headed back home. We were so grateful to Brittany (Kevin’s daughter) for driving her to the airport.

Leominster, MASS

Spencer & East Brookfield, MA

 Dad loved showing us all around Spencer and East Brookfield today.

Our old house in Spencer.

Michael & Rebecca's Elementary School.

My preschool.

Dad's High School, Prouty High

Now a home for senior citizens.

Clam Chow-da, at The Clam Box.

Yummy ice cream!

Dad’s old farm house, he lived in when he was in elementary school.

Dad’s old house on the lake, he lived in while he was in HS.

Lake Lashaway

We dropped off dad at his 60th High School Reunion and went to dinner at 308 Lakeside. There was a big rainstorm during dinner.

Family

 I had my whole family in the same house for 5 days in St. George.

Four generations.

Max, Great Grandma Susan, Grandma Jensen, Finn

Four generations, with Grandpa Ernie.

Max and family with Grandma Susan.

Max and family with Grandpa Ernie

Cute Finn.

Grandpa Ernie's Baptism

 I’m going to copy what my brother Kurt wrote, because I can’t say it better. “We made a quick trip to California for a truly special occasion—celebrating and witnessing my dad’s baptism. Seeing his bright countenance and happiness was a moment I’ll never forget. It’s amazing to watch someone you love embrace a new chapter with so much joy and light.

I’m also reminded how grateful I am for family—for the way we support one another, even in our differences. Those connections mean everything.”

What a truly special occasion it was! I am grateful for my Savior Jesus Christ and his atoning sacrifice, which has made this day possible and to the family members and friends that have been there to support my dad along this path. So proud of my dad!

I gave a talk and dad bore his testimony.

Enjoyed eating and swimming before heading back home.

Walt holding a HS photo of Grandpa Ernie.

We had Uncle Michael on our drive from Vegas to CA and since I'm now one of the shorter ones

I was squished in the backseat between Walt and Van.

Letter from dad.

Gravell Family Beach Trip

 Thrifty Ice Cream 

Candy store

Fancy dinner

Clark's sand castle.

Knox, Clark & Ella

Ella, Jane, Clark, Knox & Greg 

Uncle Greg & Knox                                  Ella, Jane & Clark

Danny & Clark

Campfire

The crew with Grandpa Ernie

Grandkids with grandpa.

Catching the waves.

More Thrifty's

Danny, Walt, Van and Uncle Kurt

Playing Frisbee 

Hanna got a pic. of me cracking up.

    

                                                                     Danny's big muscles. 

Swimming at the hotel.

Until next time.