Tuesday, June 1, 2010

Memorial Day Weekend

Yes, she will crawl through that little passage to get to the next great opening.

We were able to get away for part of Memorial Day weekend. We spent it with my sister Kelli in Pocatello, and her family. We decided to go on a day trip to Craters of the Moon. It is in the middle of nowhere in Idaho - (by Arco), but definently worth the effort to get there. It was created by hot lava which has cooled. There were lots of caves to explore, rocks to climb, and sights to see.

My sisters cute family.


Brayden popping his head out of one of the caves he had been exploring.



Brayden, Emilie & Zac

Ira with Kamden and Jarin




Some of our group rode their bikes through the park (oops...we forgot our helmets!)



Jarin, Tannon, Emilie and Myah.


Only a couple of owies. This was one of them (not a big deal, except Jarin thought it was the end of the world until we got a bandade.) The other mishap was Zacary needing stitches, which he didn't think was a big deal - but the adults did. What a trooper!




Derrick holding Kam and Des.



Jarin and Myah climbing down through one of the many tunnels created by flowing hot lava.




Our cute little family!


Kelli and I. We used to not get along so great (when we were kids). I'm grateful everyday that things have changed!

Debbie Moser Thompkin

Unfortunantly the Moser family (my Maiden name) has a family reunion of sorts for the last 3 years in a row on the same weekend (or close to it). We come together to remember and honor one of our family members as we lay them to rest. Two years ago was my cousin Amanda, who passed away from cancer. Last year was my Uncle Dennis who passed away from cancer. And this year was my cousin Debbie (Dennis' daughter), who also passed away from... cancer. It is wonderful seeing my relatives, but I really wish it was under better circumstances. Debbie's passing came as a shock to all of us - it appears to be more of a complication from the surgery to remove the cancer then it was the cancer itself which took her life. My relationship with Debbie has been a fairly new one. She has always been my cousin, but it hasn't been until recently that I have gotten to know her better. And for that, I am grateful. My heart breaks for her family that is left behind. I hope and pray that next memorial day weekend can be spent in a much different way! And maybe...just maybe...sometime between now and then a cure for cancer will be discovered!


This is a picture of Debbie's husband Tom, and her sister Diane and my Aunt Della (Dennis' wife, and Debbie's mom)- she is such a sweet lady, who has been through so much. She, along with her 3 surviving children are all battling thyroid cancer as well.


This is one of the strongest families I have ever met. They are going through a lot together, and look at those smiles still. You know the saying, "fake it till you make it". I have a hard time believing that they are smiling on the inside, but they continue to move on. I love these people, and pray for them every day!

Dione's son, Dione, Debbie, David and Tom




These are Debbie's sons.
Me with some of my brothers and sisters after the funeral.I really wish I had a picture of Debbie - but those pictures are on my laptop that is currently not working. She is going to be so missed!