The Thomsons: David Thomson's Passing

Our family had some sudden news at around 2:00 am that Sheehan's Dad, David Thomson had passed away at the age of 54 earlier in the night on September 27th, 2013. We worked things out to be able to attend the services in California. Sheehan had gained a great relationship with his Dad over the last couple of years and it meant a lot to hear his Dad say how proud he was of Sheehan. He always ended his phone calls saying that and "be sure to give Kiersten and Lincoln a hug and a kiss from me." We know will see him again someday.

David drove the 500 miles to our house from California in his little red Toyota truck to help Sheehan with some projects at the house.

When David come up to to Utah to help with the house

Waiting in the Provo airport

On the airplane (Lincoln is a frequent flier now)

At LAX waiting for Lincoln's stroller and car seat

Back in Provo after the trip

We flew to California and were able to get a rental car (I find getting a rental car so fun. I love test driving cars). Lincoln struggled a little on the plane ride although it was only 1 hour and 15 minutes of flying time. It was nice to have Sheehan there to trade off with Lincoln unlike my last flight solo with him in May.

Lincoln enjoyed looking out the window this time around which really helped entertain him. I was SOOO glad we didn't drive. I don't think we would have made it past Nephi.

We were able to make a lot of visits in our short couple of days. We were able to see Aaron Craig (Sheehan's best friend) and eat dinner with him and his family before he left for Afghanistan. We visited Grandma Marilyn and Grandpa Pat. Lots of extended family were able to come to the services from the Thomson-Hinman-Snyder side of the family. 6 out Colleen's 9 children were able to attend the service. We were able to go out to breakfast as a big family with all six siblings and Grandma Patty and Payne.

Rental car fun

Ihop breakfast before our flight home

A huge positive note that came out of an otherwise sad weekend was meeting Sheehan's brother Micheal and his wife Annie. All 4 of David Thomson's children were able to attend the funeral: Micheal, Shay, Sheehan, and Shanette. It is wonderful that despite the circumstances life has given to all of them, all 4 of them came together to support the family and build relationships with each other. As the pictures show, we all had a great time together. It all felt very natural, like as if we'd all been getting together for years.

While we were in the High Desert we took advantage of visiting our first apartment to get a picture and stopped to get some ice cream at Rite Aid down the street, an old favorite date of ours. Dollar theater movie and double scoops of rite aid ice cream. We didn't have much money then and had a cloth pouch with change in it that we would use to pay for the ice cream. Fond memories!