Seattle

I had the choice opportunity to go to Seattle as you may recall.

The weather was sunny and beautiful with crispy cold mornings, warm afternoons, and cool evenings. I got to wear pants! :)

Wonderful friends of my aunt and uncle took us in. Their home and its surroundings are idyllic. They belong in a magazine! They had private rooms for my parents and my Dad's brother and his wife. Then the "kids" (the youngest being my 18 year old brother and 4/6 of us being married!) slept in a large room full of trundle beds. They fed us, they opened their homes, these people were wonderful!

We enjoyed the scenery and I remembered why I loved my visits to Seattle so much all those years ago!
We sat outside in the evenings, playing games, sharing stories, enjoying time together as family and rebuilding bonds.
One of the many things we have missed about Utah are our weekend game night buddies.
We enjoyed a day at the lake, complete with a barge race, clogging, Rage, and crawfish-ing. Is that a word?
My beautiful cousin and I created beautiful arrangements for the funeral.
The crawfish were cooked. The boys were quite fixated on these crawfish. It was funny to watch them all.

Our wonderful hostess created these beautiful arrangements from contributions from my aunt and uncles' friends' gardens.

Our family is so spread out that this is the first time I've seen them in three years. I'm thankful for the bonds of family that make it possible to get together like no time has passed, play games, share tears and hugs and support and love each other. I'm so thankful for them.

This is my uncle's obituary from his local paper. It's more for my records to post it here, but if you care to, enjoy. He was a remarkable man with a remarkable family. I love them.

Dr. Christian Arthur Vikari completed his mortal journey on Aug. 31, 2011, after a long and difficult illness. To those of us who knew and loved Art, it seems too soon to say goodbye, yet, there is comfort in knowing this wonderful, compassionate man is now free of the pain and suffering he endured these last few years.

Christian Arthur Vikari

Art leaves behind a great legacy of love for family and friends; caring, compassionate service to others; and an unfailing love of God. All who came within the reach of his smile and warm embrace will long remember how good they felt when they were with him.

Art was raised in Washington, yet his life journey truly began the day he married his sweet companion, Valine. They have been devoted partners in life for 27 years and will be companions forever in the eternities. Art and Valine have been blessed with five beautiful and talented children.

Dr. Vikari practiced oral surgery in Issaquah, and was loved and admired by his patients, staff and colleagues. He cared deeply for his patients and they loved and respected him in return. Art found many ways to help others. He regularly shared his time and talents, and gave generously to others in need.

As a bishop in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, he ministered to the members of his congregation. He opened the scriptures to the hearts of those searching for answers; he counseled those with heartache and loss; he visited the sick and weary; and encouraged the youth to live up to the best within them. Art was a true friend to all who came within the sphere of his influence.

Art accomplished much in life and enjoyed a variety of interests, however, his greatest joy and satisfaction came from his family. Home was where he most longed to be. Above all else he will be remembered as a devoted husband and father who loved the Lord and did his best to serve those around him. He lived a life of selfless service and optimism for a brighter day. Throughout his life and even when suffering from difficult medical issues, Art would share his life’s motto: “It’s my best day yet!”