Here's a rundown of our trip to Utah for Ashleigh's funeral:
Dave and I flew into Utah Sunday morning and spent the day with his family. We loved having the entire family there for the first time in 2 years! We got ready for the viewing Sunday night. We felt sad to leave our little ones at home, but knew 4 extra hands would be helpful to Jeff and his 4 sweet kids during the viewing and funeral. The viewing was sweet, it was hard to see Ashleigh instead of saying lifeless I think a better explanation would be so "spiritless". She looked frail, but beautiful. Monday we enjoyed a beautiful tribute to Ashleigh's life at her funeral. There is no doubt in my mind as I watched the power and comfort of the Holy Ghost work within all the families effected by Ashleigh's death that the Lord is aware of each of us and has a plan for us all. I know without a doubt Ashleigh finished her mission on earth righteously and accomplished all she needed to before she was called home. I am grateful for the knowledge of eternal families, and was impressed to see the sweet testimonies of Jeff and Ashleigh's children who have this testimony at such small ages. Sarah, 6, was consoling her cousin Ella and I heard her say "It's okay. That's my mom's body, but her spirit is with Heavenly Father. She doesn't hurt any more." That type of comfort she felt about her mom's death came from a testimony that wasn't built in a day, but over 6 years of her life. Sometimes as parents we don't see the fruits of our labors as we teach our children the gospel. But it was clear in this case, the effort Ashleigh and Jeff took to teach their children the gospel provided comfort at a very difficult time to Sarah (and Ella)!
The kids decorating their mommy's casket.



The beautiful cemetery.
Sarah holding a flower from her mommy's casket.
Audrey's flower from her mommy's casket.
Jeff's family.
The twins, Alex and Lucas, helping carry their mommy's casket.
