We love you Tripp and Courtney!

Jason, Kenya and I drove to Louisiana Tuesday night so we could be at Tripp's service on Wednesday. It took about 9 hours to get there. Normally Jason and I can't last long on road trips but Jason never got tired and drove the whole way there. Kenya did great on the trip, she read books and played on the Kindle Fire most of the time until she fell asleep. I really enjoyed getting to spend time with Jason and Kenya (when I wasn't sleeping).

Jason always makes this face when I take a picture of him driving.

Kenya and Mommy :)

I had never been to Louisiana before and one thing that really surprised me is how much water there was. I'm sure that is a well know fact but really there is water EVERYWHERE. 

On the drive down there it was dark so these pictures are from our trip home.

We got to our hotel at about 2AM (I think) and we all crashed out.

We woke up and got ready for Tripp's service but had some time to spare so we drove to New Orleans to get some real Cajun food. We didn't know where we wanted to go and the first place we went wasn't open yet so we ended up at the Rajun Cajun. The outside looked SUPER cool but the inside looked like a Italian restaurant (which is fine if your name isn't "Rajun Cajun").

The food was really good! I was brave and got gator sausage over jumbulia and fried green tomatoes! Even though the food was good I only took a few bites cause I couldn't get over the fact I was eating gator :)

As we drove closer to the church all the buildings in the little town were covered in red balloons and red ribbons. I couldn't help but cry seeing the love this town has for Courtney and Tripp.

We walked into the church and there were people in line waiting to see Courteny and the rest of Tripp's family. As we waited I almost decided to get out of line because I knew Courtney was most likely exhausted and I'm sure was ready to just sit down. I thought about it though and I knew if I didn't give her a hug I would regret it so we stayed in line. As I walked up to Courtney I could feel the tears coming on, I told her who we were and then I lost it. We hugged each other and I told her that Tripp has changed the world forever and we love him so much. I told her how much we loved her and that we were praying for her. Knowing what it is like to lose a child you wouldn't wish that pain on anyone and I would have done anything if I could have taken her pain away. Then she introduced us to her Mom and sister. Courtney and her family are amazing! I pray I can be half the mom that Courtney is.

As we walked to the back of the church to find a place to sit I saw Patrice. I have missed her so much so it was great to get to hug her. Then Bella's Dad Tim came over and I gave him a big hug. We all talked for a few minutes then went outside to take a few pictures.

Kenya was shy at first but soon jumped into Patrice's arms and just snuggled with her.

Then we met more of Courtney's family. They are the sweetest people ever! Courtney's Aunt kept asking us if we were hungry or needed any water. Then after the funeral and before we left to head home she asked us again if we wanted any food or water for the road. I was really blown away that she wasn't just thinking about her pain but she really wanted to make sure we were taken care of. 

We love you Tripp and we will NEVER forget you. You have changed the world forever sweet boy.

Please keep Courtney and her family in your prayers over the next few days, months and years. I love you Courtney, thank you so much for sharing your baby with us he has changed my life forever!