Family Time

Warning: this will be rather boring to most of you, read on if you like, but its basically a summary of our trip to Utah/Idaho...

On May 10th Pat and I flew into SLC. Rachel picked us up and we drove down to Provo so that we could all be together for Lucas' blessing. Craig gave him a wonderful blessing, which was a joy in itself.

On Mother's day we all attended Craig's ward. It was so nice to be together as a family in Sacrament meeting again! Only Angie wasn't able to be there since she had to take her father to the airport. I enjoyed Pat sitting next to me! :) We never get to sit together, let alone see one another at church very often, what with him up on the stand and me away at various Stake meetings! No complaints... it was just nice.

That day we went to the canyon and celebrated Mother's Day (there simply wasn't room in Craig's and Angie's apartment). We had a picnic with family members and friends. I really enjoyed being with everyone. I hope they did too!

From the park Sam and Linzi left since she and Sadie were leaving for DC the following morning. Sam and Brad would later drive up to Idaho so that they could attend classes the following day.

Pat, the girls, James and me all stayed behind. Monday we went shopping for Craig's birthday gifts from us. It was fun being together doing normal tasks. That doesn't happen often anymore. Happy Birthday Craigers!!! :)

Pat's flight left that afternoon so Craig and he had some father/son time stopping off at Cabella's and then on to the airport.

Rachel drove her car with the rest of her things up to Amy's. Amy, James and me rode in Amy's car. Amy is a nonstop talker so I was quite entertained the entire time. I am grateful for my girls and the talks we have. We are all so much on the same page in most areas. While driving up we got to talking about Angie's birthday and that I was going to take her shopping on her birthday. Amy thought it would be fun if she and Rach came down and spent the day with her too. So, that is what we did! ;) We had a great time with Angie! She is a trooper! We love her so much and are so happy she is part of our family. Happy Birthday Angie!

I spent Monday through Monday in Rexburg. The first few days taking care of Rylee while Sam was in classes. I loved spending time with her. She is such a sweetheart. She really does just have an amazingly sweet spirit. She is full of curiosity and fun! I wish the weather would have been better so that we could have been more adventurous! We bought her little things to keep her happy and occupied. She missed her mommy so much! One day we came home from visiting over at Amy's and she just broke down crying... "I want my daddy! He needs to come home!" So sweet. She just held on to me and softly cried. Finally she was happy again, but once Sam came home, that was all she wanted!!! Yay for Sam!!! I am so happy that Rylee loves him so very much. I am also happy that she missed her mommy.

On Thursday night I moved over to Amy and Brad's place. While they have a full house there is still room for me there. Sam's back was hurting from sleeping on the couch and I wanted to return his bed to him asap so that he could feel better.

Friday we drove to Idaho Falls. I was amazed at how much it felt like home compared to Rexburg. While I would love to live there I realize that Pat and I probably wouldn't handle the snow as well now since we both have arthritis. We went and saw Natalie Bogren whose family just moved from Manteca to Idaho Falls. We loved visiting with her! From there we went to Babe's bakery... an IF favorite of ours! Friday was also Brad's birthday which we celebrated on Friday night. Happy Birthday Boston!!!

Saturday Rachel and I had some mom/daughter time driving around IF, familiar places that we enjoyed driving when we lived there. Then we went to Red Robin for lunch... another celebration for Brad's birthday. Rylee was very well behaved and attached to her daddy! Any free time we had seemed to be spent shopping! I don't know why exactly... but that was what happened.

Sunday was church, of course. Attending Relief Society I was struck at the youthfulness of the ward (I was once like them?). I loved hearing their clear crisp singing voices, and feeling of their spirits. One of the things I loved most was seeing Amy sitting up front as she is serving in the Presidency. It just warmed my heart. :)

Rach and I took a drive up to Island Park after church. We were looking to see if there were any rentals for our family reunion. No luck. The drive was pretty and the company wonderful!

Sam and Rylee came over for dinner that night. Again, fun family time! We enjoyed it. Rylee loved going for a walk with Brad, Amy, Rach and James.

The following morning Sam and Rylee drove me to Craig's place and then they took off to get Linzi and Sadie. They were both so excited! I love when families are reunited after a long time away! I enjoyed talking with Sam all the way to Pleasant Grove.

Angie and I visited all day, talking away. Also, Lucas smiled for me a lot!!! He has a quiet sweet spirit, yet very happy. He is a cute little guy... we are so happy he is part of our family. We all love him!

Craig came home and proceeded to share their evening schedule with me. Early to bed for them since it is early to rise! That was fine with me, I was tired! We talked, watched a little TV, and read 'Fablehaven'. I just enjoyed being with them in their home environment.

The following day was Angie's birthday! I let her sleep in and took care of Lucas. Again, a sweetie. He is just so lovable. At noon we could check into our hotel room (for the girls, James and me). We met at the hotel, then went to Zupa's for lunch, one of my favorite places to eat there. I love their salads, soups and sandwiches - one feels so healthy when eating there! :)

Then we took Angie shopping! We went to several stores, where Rachel bought a dress, Amy a swimsuit and then finally we found a dress for Angie at Kohls!!! Yay! She looks adorable in it too! I hope she loves it!

After that we met up at the Indian Palace where I, for the first time (along with Amy), had Indian food at a restaurant! Very good! We loved it! Craig loved the leftovers too!

We then went to Craig and Angie's and ate birthday dessert that Angie had made. Panacatta? Not sure how to spell it, but it was delicious! We talked and visited a while, bedtime quickly approached so off we went to the hotel.

We stayed at the Marriot Spring Hill Suites in Lehi - we have stayed there before. It was nice because there were two double beds, and a hideabed for us. We talked until eleven, then we all fell fast asleep. Even James slept 8 hours! Hooray!

Morning came and off we went. We stopped by Tai Pan because Amy had never been there before and she has seen some of my decorations that I have purchased there. She didn't actually buy anything, but she enjoyed it.

Off to the airport from there! My flight was supposed to leave late, so the girls decided to stay awhile. James began getting fussy because he was tired so I suggested they leave. It was a good thing! By the time I got up to the gate, got a drink of water, they were having us get in line! I ended up getting the front row with the window seat... yay me! I loved it! Our flight ended up leaving early!!!

Coming home is often the best part of a trip. My sweet husband was waiting for me when I arrived. He took off the afternoon so we could spend the time together. It was just nice being in his arms again, knowing that wherever he is, that is my home.

I love my family, and I love spending time with them. I hope to make an annual tradition in the coming years where the girls and I get away together just to talk and have fun. No kids running around, just us! The most important things in my life are interconnected: the gospel of Jesus Christ and my family... nothing beats that!