: : Climbed a mountain and turned around : :

Spring's end meant the ranch had finally dried out enough for us to say our final goodbye to Poppa. Spreading ashes was something I have never been a part of and something I honestly didn't know how to prepare for. Even now, 2 months later I still don't know that I can sum up that experience. The view was beautiful, the family was together and yet it was still just indescribable.

This was the panoramic view from the top. The second frame is the sleepy little town of Riddle. Beautiful, somber grey reflecting the event and at the same time so full of life and the things Poppa loved. Driving up there were 2 elk crossing the ridge in front of us; Poppa and Uncle Greg spent many hours/days hunting on this property. Deer running through the fields, the cattle, Poppa's family. We couldn't help but smile as we saw the elk and deer, almost as if Poppa was making his presence known to us that day.

Kids are always a wonderful distraction and are also great at setting the mood. All of them saw the open field as a giant challenge to run through as much of it as possible.

They stopped to smell the wildflowers and truly take it all there was to see. Being "city girls" this was the first time they had literally around on top of a mountain.

Uncle Greg, Kolby, Ainsley, Ella and Aubrey helping spread the ashes.

Blue sky breaking through as we finished spreading. The grey is there but being replaced by light.

These two have such a cute relationship. Kolby walks over to Ainsley, "Whatcha doin'?" "Playing in the dirt." "Oh, ok!"

Lots of driving to get to Riddle, late night/early morning equals one tired little girl. She was so excited to ride in Uncle Greg's truck without her carseat, but even that excitement couldn't keep her awake on the way home.

Grandma had a fountain build and planted a rose bush in the backyard to be her own personal little memorial place. We spread the remaining ashes around the rose bush.

We finished out the day doing one of the things Poppa loved most... EATING!!

We love you and miss you Poppa, but we are so so grateful to the times and memories we hold.