Our Trip to Parowan

At the end of April we took a last minute trip to Parowan, Utah for Aunt Kathy's funeral. She passed away unexpectedly in her sleep and when Eric heard the news he really felt like we needed to make the trip for the funeral. Eric was able to get Friday off work so we headed out Thursday afternoon and stayed in St. George Thursday night. While in St. George we met Eric's friend Mike, and his fiance Louisa for dinner at Cafe Rio. (Yum!) Visited with Shelby and got to see her apartment. Did some shopping at Down East Outfitters, and most importantly...decided that if we ever get the opportunity we really want to move to St. George!

On Friday morning we drove the rest of the way to Parowan. I had never been to Parowan, only driven through on my way to Salt Lake so I was excited to spend some time there. Eric had told me about a time when they were there visiting Uncle Gene and Aunt Kathy and he and Rob were stopped by a Police Officer for riding their dirt bikes on the road and when they told the officer that Bishop Carter was their Uncle, he let them go! So I knew that Parowan was a small town, but I really liked it there. When we got there on Friday afternoon all of Uncle Gene's family was at the mortuary in Cedar City so Papa Jeff walked us to a little park across the street from Uncle Gene's house to entertain Kollin. We bundled up because it was SO cold!




Later that night, was the viewing at the church. I still can't believe how many people came to the church for the viewing. It must have been everyone in Parowan and then some because people kept flooding in. The line just to get into the Relief Society room was crazy long. I had only met Aunt Kathy once at a family reunion before Kollin was born so I didn't know her well but after seeing the number of people at the viewing, and the funeral and all the love and support from their ward, I knew she was a special lady.

The funeral service on Saturday was beautiful. Kollin and I listened from the foyer because I knew he wouldn't be happy in the chapel. I think my favorite part of the service was hearing a memory of Aunt Kathy from each of her Grandchildren. It was really special, and reminded me of how influential Grandparents can be. I'm so greatful for the few memories I have of my Great-Grandparents, and the hundreds of memories I have of all my grandparents. I'm so glad that Kollin has lots of Grandmas and Grandpas. It's so special to see the bond he is already forming with each of them. I know he definitely enjoyed spending the weekend in Utah with Grandma and Papa!