An unexpected trip...

We went to Reno, NV this weekend for Jake's aunt's funeral. This is Jake's mom's sister Lezlie Porter. You can read her obituary below:

Lezlie Noel Porter

To the peace of God and Heaven we acknowledge the release of Lezlie Noel Porter. Born 1947 to Jeanette and H. Chad Turner, in Los Angeles, California. She attended college in Greece and Denmark, and then graduated from Whittier College.

Lezlie leaves a legacy of caring, commitment and courage lived passionately in service to God, family and community. Her ship and compass was her church, and her captain was the Savior, Jesus Christ. Committed to families and children, she is the mother of six and grandmother to eleven. She has served as a Boy Scout Merit Badge Counselor, the Former Chair of the National Association of Child Development, Former President of the Nevada American Mothers, Cub Scout Den Mother, AYSO Soccer Coach, and numerous other personal contributions of time, talent, resources and love for child and family. She was chosen National Young Mother of the Year in 1984.

Lezlie has actively taught religion to children and adults throughout her life, even to her last days. She devotedly expanded her love for and commitment to education to her family and community as a Trustee for the Washoe County School District into a fourth term. She has lobbied for the cause of education locally and statewide with a primary commitment to the education of our community’s youth.

Traveling to foreign places, experiencing other cultures, meeting and learning from people the world over has been a highlight of Lezlie’s life. Her passport is evidence of this passion. Lezlie acted on every opportunity to both visit new places and share these experiences with her children and husband.

Drama and the arts were some of Lezlie’s passions. She had a flair for the stage and was a supporter of the arts locally. Believing in the power and beauty of music to enhance the human experience, Lezlie was a 14 year member of Washoe County Concert Association, now Reno Concerts, and its President for 8 years. Lezlie has worked tirelessly to bring the music and musicians of the world to her community.

Since 1999, in spite of health challenges of cancer, and numerous stresses and discomforts and indignities of therapies of all kinds, Lezlie maintained the same deep level of caring, commitment and courage. Without complaint, she heroically, moved forward every day in her usual exemplary fashion managing home and family and attending judiciously to her church, Reno Concerts and School Board as well as loving and being a genuine friend to the many who love her.

Lezlie is the wife of Clyde Porter, Mother of Jason (Jennifer) of McCall, Idaho, Jared (Vanessa) of Brooklyn, NY, Laney, Justin (deceased), Brett (Sarah) of Carson City, Carley, and grandmother of 11. Her family is her greatest pride, joy and accomplishment and each of her children is truly devoted to and appreciative of her as a mother and an example of all that can be good in human endeavor and behavior. Lezlie’s children are following her examples of living life fully and from their hearts with integrity and commitment.

Her example to all is one of truly caring for the important and essential things of life, God, family and freedom. She always gave her best and settled for no less from herself. Her family and friends mourn her loss, recognizing that she has given more than a lifetime in worthy effort and outcome. We have no doubt that in meeting the Savior His words to Lezlie will be, “well done, thou good and faithful servant”.

She asks that any gift in her honor be a donation to or a membership for you or your family with Reno Concerts. See: http://RenoConcerts.org, PO Box 12601, Reno, NV 89510.

Memorial Service 1:00 pm Saturday, July 26, 2008 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, corner of Rock Blvd and North McCarran Blvd, Sparks, Nevada.


I forgot my camera for most of the trip in our room but I did get a few shots. We were so glad to be able to see so many family members. Here are some pictures from our trip. ENJOY!

Jake read a cute mouse book to Aimi Lark, Aimi Lark LOVED this kitty cat who kept playing with a lizard...

Mali Su enjoyed seeing her Grammie Lark, and the cousins and their spouses


Mali Su was the life of the party. She enjoyed sitting up and rolling around with her second cousin Slade and kept her Uncle Lance occupied for awhile.

The weather was PERFECT in Reno, NV. I expected it to be a hot hot dessert but it was great. We enjoyed spending time out on the porch talking.

They put together a great slide show of Aunt Lezlie's life. Aimi Lark kept bringing me the camera and sitting in my lap and so I snapped a picture of us.
On the way home Jake sat in the back for awhile and entertained the girls. I looked back to see this: