Grandpa Earl Updike's Funeral on April 19, 2007

Allyson's grandpa Earl F. Updike passed away on April 11, 2007 at the age of 85 in Mesa, Arizona. He was a wonderful grandfather and great-grandfather ... even our oldest children are left with fond memories of him attending their birthday parties in Arizona, taking them for golf-cart rides around the neighborhood (even letting Chandler drive), and giving great enthusiastic hugs. Up until two or three years ago, he was a model of good health and exercise ... two of his passions. He and I have also shared a love of traveling, and he was thrilled last spring to hear of my trip with Marc to China (Grandpa has been there, too!). We will miss him greatly and treasure our memories of him, but we are relieved that he is in a better place and not suffering anymore.

As funerals have a way of doing, we thoroughly enjoyed our "family reunion" with loved ones near and far. It was great to see my cousins grown up with families of their own, and it was fun to get re-acquainted with aunts, uncles, and friends. Best of all, it was another opportunity to gather with my own siblings ... even though we were together on Christmas, it was wonderful to spend a little more time together.

Sisters ... Ashley (expecting a baby boy in August!), Amy (currently in nursing school), and Allyson.

My dad, Ashley, Jonathan, Allyson, and Amy ... with Carlie in front.

This is my dad's family ... front: Uncle Jim, Alan (my dad), Aunt Lorraine; back: Aunt Karen, Uncle David.

This is my favorite cousin on my dad's side: Holly. She and I have always been close, but we live so far away (she's from the east). It was great to have a chance to see each other again, we only wish her husband and four children could've come with her.