And they called him "RED"

 Gratitude...That sums up my feeling after attending the funeral of Byron's grandfather Red. We all called him Papa, his mother called him Melvin but only when he was in trouble. His two children called him Dad and everyone else called him Red. You learn a lot from your parents, more at times that I am willing to admit but we do....who we are is basically a reflection of what we learned from those who raised us. Every once in a while a strong soul will brake out of their "cycle" and become something more than what they were brought up to be; thank goodness for that but in this case there was no need. Red was a good man, quite the joker, full of love and most of all he taught his children well. He and Nanny raised two amazing children who then went on to raise amazing children of their own. I am grateful for those who came before and have influence my amazing husband. He is all I could have ever hoped for in a husband and father and I attribute his goodness to his father and grandfather. Don't get me wrong; the ladies had a lot to do with it as well but I am just taking a minute to show gratitude to the men in his life who have shaped him into the man he is today. Thank you Papa Red and Phil. I am grateful!

 Jason and Chris folded the flag Papa received for his service in World War II. Who knew he was a pilot? He even buzzed the tower just like in Top Gun. Of course it was after nearly crashing trying to fly a loop-de-loop.

 The grandkids sang I Am A Child Of God, Tyler and Jozsef played the guitar accompaniment.

 Nanny and Ali all ready to head out for the service in Rice, TX.

 There was a grand pool party after the services. I don't think I have ever seen so many kids in the pool at one time. Three rescues later and all the grandkids had a memorable swim at Phil and Laura's. Jason made his most beloved jump into the pool with his clothes on but he wouldn't do it alone this time. He said he would only do it if Byron would. Knowing how much my kids LOVE having Jason play in the pool I threw caution to the wind and jumped in with Jason fully clothed....Byron was peer pressured in shortly thereafter. So the kids had fun playing with the three crazy adults who jumped in with their clothes on. (No phones or watches were lost this time....they have been in the past.)

 I had to snap a photo of this. This is baby Byron and his sweet parents a few years ago.

 Nanny, Nanna and Hollie were looking over Nanny's baby book after the funeral.

 Ali sporting her new Texas Sweatshirt. Sometimes you just gotta get a new item of clothes that reads TEXAS on it.

 Bear Tales. I had no idea they started with Red, but he was the original contributor to the tradition of night time Bear Tales. We learned about Flopover the Dog who had legs on both sides of his body so he could just flop over and keep walking or climb straight up tunnels with his 8 legs.

Ali and her favorite Dallas friend, Amber. I do believe Ali would leave us to live with Chris and Amber in a heartbeat. I love the sweet friendship they have with each other.

This was our shortest trip to Dallas ever. We were in and out in about forty-eight hours. It will be one that is remembered and held dear to our hearts. We are so grateful we could be there to help honor such a great father, husband, grandfather and great-grandfather. We love you Papa Red.