Katie Scarlett

If sunshine had a face...it would be my niece Katie!

I'm the only one who calls her Katie Scarlett...mainly because that's not her real name! When Katie lived with us before she began her freshman year at USU I gave her the middle name Scarlett. It's that obsession for the movie "Gone With The Wind" again. She arrived in Logan that day with a Jeep full of smiles along with all of her freshman necessities. Her Dad couldn't stop texting, asking if she had made it to her Auntie Lisa's house safely.

Fast forward 4 1/2 years later, and our Katie has a college degree and an LDS mission call to Norway. Sunday was her day! The meetinghouse chapel had both overflow curtains opened with all of those who love and support Katie. And she did not disappoint...her message was authentic and beautiful.

Katie and Marilee are sisters (obviously) and they share many things including their Daddy's deep brown eyes.

Because my brother Blair (Katie's Dad) is a smoker too...there would be no shortage of meat at the farewell party. My older brother Craig and Dean are slicing up the smoked turkey, pork tenderloin, and beef brisket! Dean woke up at 5:00 am to start smoking his turkey...anything for Katie Scarlett.

 Olivia..."I'll have some smoked turkey please?"

 Craig...sneaking some brisket!

Blair and Katie have the sweetest father/daughter relationship. Katie learned a long time ago if she needed something from Daddy she'd just say "Dad I love you", and the world was hers!

 But when Katie says she loves you...she definitely means it with her whole heart!

 So many of us will miss Katie Scarlett, including Katie's nephew Carter and brother Tanner.

Blair and Sheri's kids are so great together...from athletics, to school stuff, they are always there for each other.

Ah, sisters...they cherish and care for each other with deep and intense devotion!

They are no strangers to difficult times, cancer took their beautiful mother a few years ago. Although their mom is no longer on this Earth with them, her spirit lives inside them, and on those gorgeous faces...they have her smile...all three of them! I believe she watches from close by, bursting with pride for her daughters.

Perfectly in love with each other, Blair and Sheri are wonderful parents. Sheri made an entire houseful of food for Katie's party, I'm not sure there was anything left.

 Cute boys waiting for free food...

 and here's the answer to why there was none left after the party.

 Nana and Lisa...we like each other, can you tell?

Baby Lola's hair is fabulous...do you think Jocie kissed this sweet red head as Lola left heaven?

 All the little ones love Chet...must be his freckles.

My brother Blair has a giant heart. Although he tries not to show this softer side, he's actually a great big teddy bear. He will probably be the stalker Dad who ends up at the airport the day she actually flies to Norway.

My dad has been singing "kakaka Katie" to her since the day she was born.

Katie Scarlett...how I will miss seeing your sunshine smile for 18 months. Norway is going to be a brighter, warmer place when you arrive!