Montana - June 2015

I had the opportunity to take my parents to Billings, Montana for a quick visit. My uncle Gabriel died last week and his funeral was Friday but we weren't able to attend. Instead, we left on Sunday morning for a super quick visit.

Road trips with my parents are a lot of fun. We listened to Michael Jackson, Barry Manilow, and all the music ex-boyfriends have given me over the years (tons and tons of it). Thank goodness for all those men and their mix tapes, okay, CD's really.

Saturday night one of my aunts passed away, Lavern. She lived in Shelly, Idaho which just happens to be on our way to Billings, so we stopped by to check on her family. We arrived in time to go with her family to the mortuary so they could say their goodbyes before she was cremated. It was fun to meet cousins I haven't seen in over 20 years (if ever). It was sad to see everyone grieving but I am grateful we were there. They had a family prayer and asked my mom to say it. I don't believe in coincidences because Heavenly Father is so involved in all aspects of our lives. The timing of things could not have worked out better because we were able to be there with Lavern and Tony's family and offer some comfort before we continued on our way to Montana.

Some of my cousins think that my cousin Taryn and I look alike. I pulled this pic from her Facebook account. What do you think?

Taryn was in Shelly so we caravan-ed up to Montana together. We stopped and had lunch and I was amazed and kind of shocked about how much we looked a like. I'm not going to lie, it was freaking me out. While we were in Shelly, all of my younger cousins would comment that I looked just like Taryn which made me laugh until I met Taryn and realized that we could pass as sisters.The best news is that Taryn is amazing. She is so much fun. I loved meeting her and getting to know her a little better.

Here are some pics of the rest of our trip.

 Tony and Lavern's Family

 Somewhere in Montana

 A picture of a picture, some of my handsome uncles back in the day.

 My Uncle Marcos, cousin Pia and Dad

 Cousins and aunties: Tony's daughter, Tony (aka Buggers), Stormi, Aunt Bella and Aunt Sandy

 My Mom, Uncle Jose and Aunt Juanita

 My Aunties

Back Row: Juanita, Martha, Bella and Sandy

Front Row: Susan, Mom and Julie

 Me at the Yellowstone River in Laurel. I LOVE this river!

I want to throw a rock into the Yellowstone river at least once a year for the rest of my life. 

 

My Guelita Rioja's grave in Laurel, Montana.

 The Yellowstone National Cemetery in Laurel Montana.

You see why they call Montana, 'Big Sky Country'.

 

My Uncle Gabriel's Obituary.

 Selfie with my cousin, Becca. She LOVES, loves, loves my brother Jay.

Overall it was a fabulous trip! We didn't have much time. We arrived Sunday night and left Tuesday morning. It was worth it to be able to give hugs, laugh and spend time with family that we don't get to see very often. I love my family. My Riojas family is wealthy in love and laughter. We counted up my Grandmother's posterity and determined that she has 146 descendants (not including marriages). I am so grateful to be part of this gigantic family.

My uncle Jose was telling us war stories from Vietnam. I recorded some of his stories and can't wait to post them here.