Lance's Grandma, Patricia Colleen Shields (Traband). passed away last week and we traveled to Washington for a few days for the funeral. I learned a lot about her life story at her funeral, and she was such a strong woman who went through some tough times. But through it all, she always took care of other people and was a fabulous mother and grandmother to her kids and grandkids. Our kids know her as the "horsey" grandma because she loved horses and used to breed champion Arabian show horses.
She and Grandpa Keyes at their wedding:
Grandma and Richard at our wedding reception in 2005
We will miss her tons, but we are so glad she's not in pain anymore. I couldn't help but notice the whole weekend just how amazing all four of her children are, and it's definitely because of her great influence.
We heard about her passing on Tuesday night, and the kids and I hopped on a plane Wednesday morning. I had so much anxiety about flying alone with all four kids the next day that I think I only slept about 35 minutes that night. Luckily the flight went amazingly well. My prayers were answered and there were no delays, mechanical problems, or my worst fear--screaming Lucy problems! The kids were so good, and Lucy just slept the entire way there.
In order to get to Washington on such short notice, we had to fly to the Pasco airport, which is near where Starlie and Nate live. They were nice enough to pick us up and we stayed with them for a day before driving the rest of the way to Oak Harbor. The kids loved playing in the car, and I loved talking to Starlie on the way.
We met at the graveside for a small service and then for Grandma's burial. The kids were so cute and all of them put dandelions on Grandma's casket. I think it was my kids' first experience with the death of someone they knew, and it actually ended up being a great experience to talk to my kids about death. The only weird thing at all was that Addi thought we were going to go, "watch Grandma die." Uh...scary! We cleared that up really fast.
After the graveside service, we went to the beach to play for a while with cousins. It was such a treat, because it usually happens just once a year. So despite the circumstances, it was so much fun for everyone to be together!
On Friday, we prepared for Saturday's memorial service. Emma, Evelyn, and Addi washed the dishes...
I went to Joe's office and was able to get my invisalign brackets off my teeth (finally!), and discovered my filling had come out once again, and I was on the verge of needing a root canal (noooo!). Afterwards, Lucy was having quite a screaming session, so she and I waited in the car for Lance while he talked to a friend/owner of the practice we are hopefully going to buy...(so exciting! Trying not to get our hopes up too much though in case it doesn't work out!).
Grandpa was getting a crown at Joe's office at the same time I was getting my brackets off, and while he was waiting, Lucy joined him. It was her first (but definitely not last in this family!) visit to a dentist's office.
Hanna had Tye and Addi do some push ups before eating their food. We don't mess around.
Nine grandkids, one enormous bowl of popcorn and a movie while the adults got the food and house ready for the next day.
The next day was the memorial service, and afterwards was a lunch at the house.
Watching Grandpa's trains
Two beauties: Roxanne and Hanna
Tanner and a magnifying glass
Great Grandpa Crosslin and adorable Jane
Roxanne--what a pretty, sweet girl. She is just six weeks younger than Lucy, so I'm sure they will grow up being good friends!
The only picture I got of them together...next time I will have to get more!
I got to know Lacie a lot on this trip and I LOVE her personality! So funny! Evelyn still talks about how cute and funny Lacie is.
Best friend cousins reunited at last! When we get together, these two run off and play, so I finally caught a picture of them while they ate!
To remember "Horsey" Grandma, all the great-grandkids were given little horses to keep and play with. Addi and Tye played horses for hours afterwards.
Later that day, we got out the big bubbles. So. Much. Fun. Addi was a pro at karate chopping them, but after taking one too many bubbles to the face she was beyond soapy. It was a fun way to end our short visit. We were so glad we could come up to celebrate Grandma Traband, and we felt so lucky to see all the Keyes family together (all of Grandma Traband's grandkids were able to be there--minus two on missions). We can't wait to get together again this Summer with our family!
