Uncles.

I've had uncles on my mind the past while.

My Uncle Jerry Barratt passed away last week. Jerry was affectionately known as "Uncle Swear-y" or "Uncle Bad Mouth" by us. He definitely had a profane streak but more importantly, he was a kind and a decent man. His health had been declining in the past few years, but I don't know that the blow of his death was cushioned any by that.

I believe he is in a better place.

Bruce's best friend came to visit us last week. Rob and Bruce have been tight since their mission 20 years ago, so he is "Uncle Rob" to the girls.

We took him to the church history museum.

The girls seemed to like learning a little about the history of the Church.

They practiced their preaching.

Then Maggie turned the Nephites into cross-dressers.

Some might argue that the Lamanites were actually the cross-dressers, but I don't have time to discuss theology right now.

We also worshipped at the altar of Crown Burger.

Kate and Kiki love their Uncle Dave.

Mainly because when he's around, things like this happen:

Also, Uncle Dave has the added bonus of usually including Aunt Jill.

Last, Bruce's Uncle Richard passed away a few weeks ago. He was Bruce's father's only brother, and Bruce and I had the chance to visit him a couple of years ago in Maryland.

My favorite story about Uncle Richard is this:

While Bruce and I were staying with him, we got into a discussion about the afterlife. Richard was not a religious man at all. Bruce was teasing him a little and said, "Richard, if I die first, I'm going to make sure you hear from me so that you know I was right about heaven." Richard replied, "And if I die first, if you DON'T hear from me, you'll know I was right."

We haven't been haunted by Uncle Richard, so I guess I should steel myself for the old "Fade to Black."