Tailgating at a Funeral

While the reason for the gathering was sad, it was also a joyous time to have all the Carlson family gather together in SLC to celebrate Grandpa Carlson's life. All of the immediate cousins were able to come except for A.J and Chad and Adam Carlson. I hadn't seem some of my cousins for many years so we had a lot of fun visiting.

The day before the viewing, the family that was in town gathered at the club house in my mom's neighborhood and visited while grubbing down on pizza.

At the viewing, one of the extended family members came prepared with snacks for everyone. These snacks were ready to go in Clay's trunk for anyone who wanted them. I thought it was something Grandpa would have really enjoyed - tailgating at a funeral. :)

Kimberly and Brittany both drove up with their kids and my dad drove up as well. I wish AJ would have been able to come but it's understandable with a brand new baby why he couldn't make it.

Konrad, Ashlee, cousin Derek Hansen, Kimberly and Tyler

One moment at the viewing had us all in stitches - - A bunch of us were sitting in the lobby visiting. Tyler Amos (my 7 yr old nephew) had found a boy to play with and was starting to get a little wound up. So Kimberly separated the two. The other boy went into the next room where another viewing was taking place. A few minutes later he came out and announces excitedly to Tyler (as well as the rest of us) as he gestures into the room he was just in "there's another dead body in there!!!" It was like he was on his own episode of CSI. We all cracked up at the humor of this child's innocence and wonder. So there we all are trying to be respectful of the place we are in while completely doubling over in laughter. Grandpa would have gotten a kick out this one as well. :)

Cousin Heather Fairbanks visiting with Clay and Leanne Riding

After the viewing, Peter and I went to have dinner with the Riding family at In-N-Out. Oh so yummy and Clay is a big fan as well. I knew there was a reason I liked him so much!

The funeral fell on a gloomy/rainy day. It was a wonderful service filled with memories of and tributes to Grandpa. He was a wonderful man. I think the moment that stayed with the most was when Steve Brown recounted how each time you left Grandpa and Grandma's house, Grandpa would meet you at the door, kiss your head, and tell he sure loved you and was glad that you came over. One of these times I want to write a blog about some of my favorite memories of him but for now, check out Ashlee's blog because she is spot on. Ashlee also did a beautiful job speaking at the funeral. I was so impressed with how she held herself together and spoke. It was hard enough listening to all the tender things being said and thinking about Grandpa without having to speak, too. All the grandchildren and spouses got up and sang the primary song "Love is Spoken Here".


When we walked out of the chapel to go to the burial ground, there was a fresh coat of snow waiting for us on the ground and on our cars. Luckily, Peter and I had bought an umbrella earlier that day but I should have also bought some real shoes because I was in sandals (brrrrrr).

Grandma and Aunt Nancy

The Pallbearers from Left to Right - all cousins

Richard Kenyon, Konrad Crabtree, Danny Brown, Derek Hansen, Dorian Ayala, Alec, Preston Carlson, Steve Brown

After the burial, we went to meet my Dad at Sizzler with Kimberly, Britt and the kids. My uncle Brent Nelson also was there and I haven't seen him in years so it was a family reunion there, too. My dad is looking better than he has in a year and seems to be feeling better. I hope that this next year bring good health for him.

All the Carlson clan met back up at a church building for dinner. We had BBQ and visited. It is crazy how big this family is (and everyone wasn't there!). As always happens, eventually the cards come out and we a bunch of us played Scum. It was so much fun that we decided to meet up again after all the little ones were in bed at the hotel most everyone was staying at to play some more. With the addition of the last of the tailgate treats, dessert left from dinner, and some soda, we were ready to go! We played until nearly midnight. It was so enjoyable and makes me really miss living close to family. It's hard when people are spread so far away and it's sad that we aren't getting to enjoy each other as adults.

Peter, Preston Carlson, and Heather Fairbanks

Peter and I with Grandma Carlson The Brinton/Hansen Family The Riding Family
The Carlson Family
The Brown Family
1/2 the group of late-night card players

Peter, Steve, Konrad, Preston, Julie, Derek, Ashlee, Heather

The other 1/2 of the group

Derek, Ashlee, Heather, Clay, Michelle, Laura, Me, Danny

I hope we are all able to get together soon. It saddened me when I looked around and would realize Grandpa wasn't there. But I am also happy that he doesn't have to struggle with his failing health anymore. I am so grateful to have had him in my life.