September Update!

When I got home from Wendover I got a call from one of my best friends, Sarah, that her step-dad was in the hospital on life support, and wasn't going to make it.  I'd only met Steve a few times, but he always had a twinkle in his eye.  You could tell that he tried to act like the tough guy, but he was a teddy bear.  He especially had a soft spot for his grandchildren, and would light up when he saw them.  He was more like a dad to my sweet Sarah, than a step-dad, and she loved him very much.  I watched her kids for her on Sunday, August 28th, so that she could say goodbye to her dad, Steve.

Stephen Robert Cox

1955 ~ 2011

Stephen Robert Cox, age 55, passed away unexpectedly Sunday, August 28, 2011 in Salt Lake City, Utah. Born December 21, 1955 in Salt Lake City, Utah, the son of Robert D. and Veon Hutchings Cox. Married Karen Lewis in 1997. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend. Family always came first for Steve, but work was one of his passions. Steve was currently employed with the South Davis Metro Fire Agency as Fire Marshall since September 1989. He was also a board member of numerous Fireman's Associations across the nation. He loved riding his Harley, making his famous salsa, camping, family barbecues, but mostly spending time with his grandkids. He loved traveling and was a very hard worker. Survived by his wife of 14 years; 5 children: Sarah (Brent), Tony (Alayne), Becky (Curtis), Buck (Lindy), Nate (Mary); grandchildren: McKenna, Alex, Rian, Jesica, Zander, Easton, Tyson, Kaylee, Mason, Reily Parker; his father, Robert (Carolyn); siblings: Susan (Ken), Julie (Mike), Duran (Teresa), and Dan (Wendy). He was preceded in death by his mother, Veon and grandson, Parker. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, September 2, 2011 at the Bountiful/Woods Cross Regional Center, 835 North 400 East, North Salt Lake where a viewing will be held Thursday evening from 5:30 - 9:00 p.m. A private family viewing will be held Friday morning Interment-Bountiful City Cemetery.

Steve's memorial was the most incredible funeral service I have ever been to. There were fireman, police officers and ambulances from all over the state of Utah. Steve was loved and respected by so many people. There was a guard by his casket through the whole thing, and firemen in their dress uniforms carried the casket. Throughout the entire memorial I felt one of the most incredible feelings I have ever felt; the spirit of the Lord, and the spirit of patriotism was so incredibly strong. I have so much respect and gratitude for all of the fireman, police officers, and EMT's that risk their lives every day to protect us. As the casket came in they played Desperado, Steve was a huge fan of the Eagles, but Desperado was also my daddy Mike's favorite song. At that point I started crying and didn't stop for a couple of hours. A couple of his children, his sister, and a couple of his fellow firemen spoke; they paid awesome tribute to a very neat man.

There were so many amazing honors that they did at the cemetery.  It was just all around an amazing experience, and an incredible tribute.

Around the middle of September we decided we need a short weekend getaway.  Drew's parents have always told all of their kids that if they weren't using their motorhome, any of us were welcome to take it.  Since we only had Friday and Saturday nights we didn't want to go to far.  His parents also have a Camper World membership, so we went to the Camper World in Coalville.  They have a heated swimming pool, so even though the temperatures were a little on the cooler side, we were able to go swimming.  We had the most amazing time!  The first night there it rained, so we just stayed in the motor home and watched movies.  Watching movies in a motor home is way better than watching movies at home!  The next night we were able to have a campfire and make s'mores.  We just relaxed the whole weekend, and enjoyed being together as a family.  I wasn't very smart, and didn't take many pictures!

Here are the kids Saturday morning deciding what kind of cereal they wanted.

The weekend we went camping was also the weekend of the Utah vs. BYU game.  We couldn't watch, but we kept track of the score on our phones.  I had to take a picture of my U of U flip-flops!

Sitting by the fire in my Ute hoodie, I kind of look like Little Red Riding Hood!

Carter had to represent with his BYU hat, he was not too please with the outcome of the slaughtering, er...I mean game!  But I absolutely love this picture of him!

Towards the end of September they had "Nerd Day" at KayCee's school.  All we did was pop the lenses out of some 3D glasses, but she thought it was awesome!