Trip to Canada

Ryan's Grandmother passed away in December. At the last minute we figured out that you can still drive across the Canadian border without a passport. So Ryan booked flights for the two of us to fly to Great Falls, Montana and from there we would drive in to Canada. My parents agreed to keep Madalyn and Ethan while we were gone. Which was really sweet of them to keep the kids for the week.

We drove to Dallas Wednesday afternoon and went to Travis' house. He took us to the airport that evening. When we were boarding the plane a lady that worked for the airline told a few people in front of us that the overhead bins were full everyone else would have to check the luggage in that would not fit under your seat. We were not very happy about this but what choice did we have. Ryan knew we would lose our luggage once it was checked in.

We boarded the plane and made it to Denver, Co were we met up with Ryan's parents and his sister Elissa. We were all on the the next fight to Great Falls. When we arrived in Great Falls Ryan and I had NO luggage. The fastest way for us to get our luggage was for us to come back across the border the next day and meet up with the delivery guy. So we made to Aunt Nola's house in Canada at 3am. We did get our clothes the next evening and all was well. We had a wonderful time visiting with all of Ryan's family that was in the area. Friday we drove to Cardston for the viewing and then Saturday was the Funeral. It was a very nice funeral service but the bitter cold made the grave side service short. After the Funeral we had a nice luncheon with the family.

We had a wonderful visit but we were worn out from all the driving. Sunday we went to church which happens to be just behind the back fence at Aunt Nola's house it was nice to walk through the back yard out the gate and be in the church parking lot. After church we rested and the had another great evening visiting with the family. We had great meal and learned a new game called "werewolves". They said it is just like "Mafia" but we had never played that either. Although it was hard to be away from Madalyn & Ethan we definitely enjoyed the visit.

Monday afternoon we packed the car and headed to the airport. We checked in and saw that our plane was delayed for and hour. Ryan decided to go check with the airline to see what was going on. They figured out we would miss our connecting flight in Denver so they gave us vouchers for food and lodging in Great Falls. After we got to the Hotel, Ryans parents called because the plane was still delayed and they were going to miss there connecting flight too. So we all ended up in the Hotel across the Highway from the airport. We walked through the snow filled parking lot to the Flying J and ate dinner. The next morning we caught our flight and made it to Denver. We sat in the airport for an hour and then boarded our next plane. We finally made it to Dallas. The nice thing about the flights home were: in Great Falls they checked our luggage on for free due to our delays. When we boarded our plane in Denver we realized that the guy in Great Falls upgraded us on our flight so we more space to be comfortable.

Streets in Cardston.

Standing in front of Aunt Lois's house.

Me in front of Aunt Lois's house.

The temperature on Friday in Cardston (-22 F).

Grandma Bennett's Children and some of the spouses.

A few of the girl cousins. Hillary, Isabeile and Jennyin the front row. Myself and Elissa in the back.

Elissa and myself talking with Aunt Jeannette and her daughter Hillary.

Cousins Dallin & Bradley

Ryan clearing the snow off the car.

Aunt Nola's house where we stayed.

The snow plow in Taber.

5 people & 26 hours in a Tahoe

Last Wednesday Amy, Travis, Mason, Ryan and I headed out on are 26 hour drive (straight through) to Canada for my Grandma's funeral.

We arrived Thursday afternoon and we spent the afternoon visiting with family and friends (The Kolbs). That evening we met as a family with the preacher to finalize plans for the service and so she could get a feel for what Grandma was like. It was a very touching experience as we all set around reminiscing about Grandma and our favorite memories of her. It was so nice to hear everyone share their memories. My husband (who never met my Grandma)told me afterwards that he felt like my Grandma was their with us enjoying our company and thoughts. We also had the viewing Thursday evening. This was much harder then I had expected it to be. I think as I reflect back on the moment that Grandma seemed very peaceful. As hard as it was I know that she is in a better place and that she was ready to be with her beloved husband again.

Friday was a busy morning as Travis and I prepared a slide show of pictures to represent Grandmas life and family. It took us all morning but we finished and it turned out very nice. The funeral was at 2pm so we rushed to eat and get ready. The service was nice but not what I am accustomed to. My favorite part was the solo "I'll Fly Away". The lady that sang it had a beautiful strong and very controlled voice and was accompanied by another lady on guitar. Ryan (my husband) read a poem called "Heartstrings" that was very appropriate. My Grandma was an Auxiliary member of the Legion so the Auxiliary members had little poem they read at the end and then they formed an honor guard as we left the church. The graveside service was just for family and was again hard. As I set my rose on the casket I reflected on all the beautiful things that my Grandma had taught me and shared with me. Even now as I sit here I think of what a grand person my grandmother was and it touches my heart to have known and loved such a great woman.

The rest of the evening was spent with family and close friends (the Kolbs). We are so grateful to have friends like the Kolbs who graciously let us stay at their home anytime we visited Carnduff since Grandma went into the nursing home. Thank you Jean and Ron for your hospitality and your friendship.

Saturday morning was spent packing and some of us went into the next town, Oxbow, so we could get charm bracelets for all the girls. Apparently they are quite expensive but we got the bracelet plus 10 charms for $5.99. WOW!! It was fun picking out all the charms to represent different things we like or are children like. When we got back to the Kolbs we ate lunch and said our goodbyes. We hit the road once again this time we added two people. My parents flew in early Tuesday but decided to drive back with us. We stopped to take a few pictures along the way. First we had Mason stand by the Carnduff sign with his mom (Amy). Then when we got to Rugby, North Dakota Mason, Travis and Amy took pics at the geographical center of North America.

(The old Grain Elevator in Carnduff)

(The ice that was cleared out of the ice rink a couple of weeks ago)

We had a very cozy drive home and all made it back in one peace. Although I think we will all be catching up on sleep for a while.