In Memory Of My Brother

I received a phone call at work on Thursday the 11th of June that I will never forget. My brother Clayson was not going to make it. Although we hurried as fast as we could we didn’t make it in time to say good bye.

In the few days that followed, there were many hugs given and tears shed. We watched several of the home videos he had put together with brothers and friends to remind us of the good times and the cute pictures when he was a little guy. I never realized how much work it takes to put together a funeral but we were able to work together and get it put together. There were many late nights putting a movie together for him, planning the program and writing his obituary. It was a wonderful experience that helped us grow closer as a family.

In the hussle and bussle of trying to make it to him as fast as we could, we forgot church clothes so we all got a new outfit. The viewing was wonderful and we had a big turnout for the funeral services as well. It was so amazing to see the love and support offered by friends, family and ward members. We had dinner delivered every night for a lot of people, flowers, cards, funeral contributions, hugs and visitors.

During the viewing there was a group of 30 men that graveled and leveled my parents driveway, mowed the lawn and weed wacked the yard. We had people help clean the house and babysit the little kids. There just are no words to express our thanks for your loving kindness and the expression of sympathy you have shown us during the passing of my brother. Always hold your family close and let them know how much you love them. Life is so very fragile. . . . .

The Walsh Family

We were able to spend time with several different families that Doug built a relationship with on his mission and still stays in contact with them very regularly. They were all good people with sweet spirits and a love for our family, just good people. Of all of the families we visited, I absolutely fell in love with the Walsh family. They are an amazing family! They have private lakes right at their gorgeous home. I was only able to go fishing once and never caught anything but Doug was able to go another time with Bill and really enjoyed it.

They took us into their home and let us stay with them for a couple of days and took very good care of us. Bill cooked us breakfast every morning to start out the day right. We had so much fun spending time with them. Bill is a firefighter and he gave us the grand tour of the Fire House. It was fun and I learned a lot by asking him tons of questions which probably drove him crazy. We stayed up every night talking or playing cards or making smores and talking around a camp fire.

I think that it was really late and we were all a little out of it.

We went to the Meramec Caverns which was Jesse James Hideout. It was really humid inside. They had a restaurant, homemade fudge place and a cool gift shop. The hats were the best!

Stetson loved playing with Beth!

You can tell that Stetson wasn't spoiled at all! He got so much attention and was loving life.

Jake is the coolest guy in the world. He has a wonderful heart and would do anything for anybody with a great personality and WAY FUNNY! He kept us laughing the whole time.

I love all of these hats.

I think Stetson has been adopted and has a new Grandpa Bill. In all of these pictures he is playing with Bill.

These guys eyes are really glazed over - Are you sure thats just root beer?

Thank you Bill & Donna & Family for the wonderful hospitality that you showed our family. It was wonderful to have a breather and be taken care of so well by you. We truly enjoyed our visit and didn't want to leave. We love you dearly and cant wait to see you again!

Saint Louis

Saint Louis is a big city! The first day we got there was a little scary for me but once we got a map and got acquainted with the area I did a lot better with the crazy roads and traffic. Here are a few of the things that we did in St Louis!!

The first night we went to a Cardinal vs Cubs professional baseball game at the new busch stadium which is nice. It was really relaxing and tons of fun to watch. One of the players hit a home run and knocked out the "I" in the "Big Mac" sign.

Thanks for Priceline we were able to stay in 3+ star hotels which were so nice. Here are some pictures of the chandeliers I liked.

There is nothing sweeter than a sleeping baby!

Stetson loved the City Museum which is basically a big playground to play all through. He definately deserved it after all of the traveling and visiting of families Doug taught. They have a new World Aquarium there as well. I touched a shark, a stingray, and a huge turtle. There was a tunel through one of the water pools that was knida fun to go through and watch the fish.

Nauvoo

I am so glad that we were able to make it to Nauvoo on our trip. It is the cutest little town. We didn't get to see everything but there is definately alot to see and learn. We were able to see how bricks were made, the browning home where they made guns, the family center and a few homes. It was fun! The temple was amazing and to think that it was built so long ago is amazing!