Jeremy's Uncle David

David Brunner passed away last Saturday morning. He had been in the hospital since Monday, Christmas Eve, for breathing problems and a bladder infection. My parents came up the day after Christmas and my dad was able to visit him in the hospital on Thursday. David had been in a wheelchair for the past 37 years, paralyzed from the shoulders down. Apparently, around 5:30am, David had a heart attack and either couldn't tell what was happening, it happened too fast, or he wasn't able to signal the nurses.
I was born two weeks after his accident (don't dive into shallow swimming pools!) and he and I were always pretty close. I have lots of fond memories hanging out with David after school when I was a teenager. We played Dungeons and Dragons, and a bunch of other computer and board games. I remember he loved to tease people and tell jokes.
It's going to be strange now when we visit Grandma and Grandpa's house and we won't see him there. He was always sitting either right by the front door at his computer, or over by the kitchen table. I'm going to miss him.
My last memory of him was visiting him on Sunday, the day before Christmas Eve. Robin, the kids, and I, all stopped by to deliver some Christmas cookies and we spent the whole time listening to Kurt and David laugh as they told stories about when they were younger. Kurt told a story about dressing up as a girl and fooling all the other guys around and David laughed and laughed.
David's nickname growing up was "Moose." He was a big tough guy who loved to play tackle football. I remember hearing a story where he broke his collarbone during a football game and kept on playing anyways.
It's comforting to have the gospel. It brings me peace to think that his spirit is no longer trapped in his broken body and that he is probably walking and running around in heaven right now.
David's funeral will be this Thursday. We're all going to take the day off of school and be there for it. I've been asked to dedicate the grave, which will be an interesting experience.

Garrett

Garrett's Happy Face!

Garrett's candle he made for me.

Aquarium

People at Jeremy's School got Jeremy a family pass to the aquarium. We went on the Saturday before Christmas. It was great!  My pictures turned out dark but I still think they turned out cute.  We will be going back again.

Garrett in the otter hole.

The otter exhibit was one of our favorites.

The Jelly Fish were cool.

This shark was in the petting section.

Jenn came with us too.

We were there when the penguins got fed.  They were really active.  I love that you can see Olivia in the reflection of the water.

It is amazing how big some of these fish are.

Snowman

We had a white Christmas this year.  We haven't had a lot of snow this year but a couple of days before Christmas we got snow.  The kids love going out in it to play.  One of our neighbor's got us this snowman kit so they made a super cute snowman.   They have also gone to the park a couple of times to play in the snow.    Devin doesn't like to wear gloves outside but he usually comes in pretty quick to get them. 

Christmas Pictures

We start with the kids getting new pajamas the night before.  Then we get to get a picture of them coming up the stairs to see the Christmas Surprises.

Olivia's Stocking

Jack Opening his Stocking.

Devin getting his stocking.

Garrett's stocking and he got his "Hammer Brother" Mario toy that he wanted from Santa.

Jenn got Fuzzy Socks in her stocking.

Pictures in front of the tree.

Opening presents

Thanks Grandma and Grandpa Doolittle.

Thanks Emily.

Thanks Thomas.

Jennifer passing out the gifts.

Thanks Jenn.

The only thing Devin said he wanted for Christmas was magnets.

Jeremy had the biggest box.

I think he was really excited.

Jeremy me got me a new ring set for Christmas. 

My new ring.

All of Olivia's new things.

Devin's new things.

Jenn's new things.

Garrett's new things.

We had a wonderful Christmas. We missed being with family.  We love you all and hope you had a Merry Christmas.