Easter in Kansas City

Having made a non refundable reservation to get a great price on our hotel, we stayed over Easter Sunday. I didn't realize it was Easter- but since it was non refundable we made it work.

With all the running around the kids all went to bed very quickly- but Carly was so worried the Easter Bunny wouldn't find us. She left an adorable not for him.

We had to wake the kids up at 7:00 to make it to my brothers ward at 9:00. Can you say- tired kids?!

Everyone got a new swim suit, flip flops, and some outside toys. With of course the usual candy.

We thought our hotel was closer to my brothers church and ended up being almost 20 minutes late! Kevin and Amy had a busy weekend as well with their foreign exchange students parents visiting, but they were so nice to have eggs for the kids to color and to make an Easter Dinner we could eat at lunch time. The kids had fun with Brooke and Kristina- I didn't have to help color a single egg!

Shortly after we were on our way home my friend sent me a text that they were turning life support off for our friend Duben. It was heart breaking news! Duben passed away shortly after leaving his wife Carrie, and his 2 year old daughter Ainsley, and 2 month old son Anderson.

While Darrell and I talked about Duben and Carrie- we also talked about how thankful we are that we know families are eternal. Having been to the temple and it being Easter those thoughts were very prevalent and gave us comfort.

Duben and Carrie- what examples they are to all of us! Carrie carried and juggled so much through her pregnancy and Duben's chemo appointments. Even if she was sick, it just didn't matter- she still carried on. It was quite the count down to when Anderson was going to be born because it also meant Duben would be almost done with chemo. We kept Ainsley while they went to the hospital to have Anderson- and even then there were some complications. I was so worried for Carrie and Duben. Things were taken care of and Carrie and Anderson were healthy and able to come home. It was amazing to watch Duben through this. He was so worried for Carrie- and so torn because he wanted to be with Ainsley as well. He loved his wife and kids so much! But no matter what trial was put in front of Duben and Carrie they never complained- they just continued to push forward. I know I complained for them- when was their break giong to come because they definitely deserved it!

Duben's break came in a way that no one expected. Carrie has been a rock. Her focus is on her kids and she is so realistic of what needs to be done. Duben's funeral was incredible. We are so thankful to have been blessed to know Duben. He has set such an example of what it means to just keep going and keeping a good attitude. I know he is watching ever so closely on his little family. Carrie is going to have hard days, but she has a great support system to help her in any way we can. There are fundraisers set up to help her be able to stay home for a bit while they adjust to things and to help with the unimaginable bills that are going to come from Duben being in the ICU for a month. Even if you don't know Carrie and Duben- their little family can use as many prayers as possible to help them through this. And if you are able to help add to the fundraisers that would be great also.