Extended Ross Family Pictures

We count ourselves blessed to have a talented cousin who was willing to take pictures for us. Thank you Melissa McAllister!

For those who may be wondering, here's the quick version of who is who in the above picture: Lindsey, Alyson's family (5 boys), my family, Brandon's family (2 boys - both next to Morgan, and 1 girl - on Grandma's lap), Ashley's family (2 boys and 1 girl - on Grandpa's lap).

When I look at this next picture, I find myself thinking about all the fighting on family trips to California. :) Now we all get along great! I am so grateful to have the family I do!

Above: Lindsey, Hilary, Alyson, Ashley

Below: We had to have Michelle join us! She's our 5th sister. :) Michelle and I have a lot in common when it comes to in-laws; I am the "5th sister" in Lee's family too. I hope Michelle feels as loved and accepted as I feel when I'm around all my sisters-in-law!

Yes, this is the same picture as above. I just wanted to show you a black and white version of one of the pictures. Who would have known how nice a black and white picture would look in the snow? Love it!

It occurs to me that I have some beautiful sisters! (It also occurs to me that Alyson looks taller than the rest of us - I guess we forgot to have her step off her soapbox before the picture. Ha, ha...) I am absolutely in love with these last pictures of Lindsey. I figure the last one will one day appear on a book when she becomes a published author!

Martha Lenore Reiley Johnson Goodrich -- Bert

My grandmother, whom I affectionately call Bert, passed away this month. Bert was 87 years old, but she accomplished so much in her life she might as well have been 123! I have never known a harder worker (and I'm not just saying that)! She is really missed, but man do I ever have a parcel full of happy memories.

Bert's funeral was on March 7. All my siblings were able to be there. We took three days off school in order to spend as much time as possible with everyone.

The entire Ross clan! Hilary, Lindsey, Brandon, Dale (Dad), Ann Marie (Mom), Alyson, Ashley (last but definitely not least! Wait -- does that imply someone is least?):

Brynne was so excited to get to keep some of the beautiful flowers. Brynne's favorite memory of Bert was a time she got to spend all day with Bert learning to cross stitch.

Melissa was so cute (as always). Her cuteness and happy personality

came in really handy during the funeral!

My mom and me. I love you, Mom!

When my mom bought a new necklace for the funeral, I doubt she knew

that it could double as a teething device! :)

Lee wasn't able to be at the funeral, although he was able to join us for lunch afterward. Morgan and Brynne were nervous about going to the funeral

and seeing Bert, but it was a good experience.

All the Roberts girls in front of the casket:

Getting to see my brother was a major plus! He has been living in Florida the past four years getting his doctorate in engineering. If you new him in high school, you'd be shocked right about now! We all knew Brandon was good looking, but smart too?!

Melissa loved bonding with Bro!

We stayed at my sister Alyson's house. My kids kept forgetting that Alyson's kids still had school. Morgan and Isaac climbed into bed with Adam to tell stories and talk the morning away. It was a great plan until Adam and Isaac had to run off to school!

Melissa LOVES playing tug-a-war with any kind of fabric. Lindsey was kind enough to indulge in the game (and she even let Melissa win every now and then)! :)

The Ross siblings: Lindsey, Hilary, Brandon, Ashley, Alyson

Bert, I could not have asked for a more loving grandmother! You were such a wonderful example of service and hard work. I know you are happy in heaven where your body can keep up with your desire to work and serve! I love you, Bert! I can't wait to see you again!!

Visiting with the Ross Cousins

Not to be outdone by the Farmer Cousins (see next post below), the Ross Cousins decided to come to Utah to visit. My brother, Brandon, recently moved to Florida to pursue a doctorate in engineering. We've been lucky that his wife, Michelle, and his two kids, Zane and Annie, have been able to come to Utah to visit a couple times since the move. Last night we drove up to Michelle's parents house in American Fork to let the kids play and say hello. It was a short visit, but very nice. Next time maybe Brandon will be able to come too?! :)