Dave was asked by WSU to go on a recruiting trip to Utah to get the word out about the great HPA Program they have to offer at the graduate fairs of 4 universities. Instead of him just going down, we decided to make a family trip out of it and all go! We woke up bright and early on Saturday morning and left the house by about 3:45 a.m. *yawn The kids did great, that's why we leave so early! They're asleep half of the time and then wake to be happy the rest of the day. We kept them busy of course with lots of activities. And activities for me, too! I love reading and working on needle-point and cross stitching in the car. And the drive is gorgeous as well. It's so neat to watch the sun come up.
We got to Utah (or Ooh-tah as Callahan calls it, which has quickly gained popularity in our home) in the mid-afternoon and dropped off our stuff at the Ryerse's. :) We were so happy to see everyone again! Even though it's been less than two months, it's still great!
Then we went straight to Weber State for the Alumni Band reunion and Homecoming game. I made it just in time to play for the pre-game carnival. Dr. Root had to stop everything and annouce that I'd made it. He's always random and funny like that. He then said I got the prize for coming the longest distance. He also said "You look beautiful!" Like I said, random. I sure didn't feel very beautiful having sat in a car all day. I had gotten the flyers in the mail about Alumni band, but always thrown them away. Then, when I realized we'd be in town for it, I called a few days before and got registered. We had a blast playing before the game, old favorites like "Hey, Baby", the "The Stripper" and "Sweet Georgia Brown". The carnival was fun, they had games and food and blow-up toys for free. I ran into my Aunt Lois and Uncle Keith, who about had heart attacks because they had no idea we were coming...surprise! That was fun! Then we went up into the stands and played there. I got the privilege of sitting by my amazing friend Katie (and Melissa, and some other peeps) who I went to school with. We had such a blast reminiscing about being in Marching Band (I know, I'm totally a nerd, but hey, it paid for school), blowing bubbles in the stands, and talking about lots of other fun experiences like naming our piccolos and other memories we had ("rarr rarr rarr"). We did have some good times! The football game was fun, because WSU was playing Eastern Washington, which is pretty close to home for us. WSU lost, but it was a pretty good game. Dave and the kids were there, as well as my parents and Amy came. The kids loved being with Aunt Amy and Grandma & Granpa!
On Sunday, we were able to go to a broadcast of the Brigham City UT temple dedication. The Spirit was so strong, though I wasn't there in person, I felt reaffirmed in my heart that the temple is the House of God. I'm so grateful for theses beautiful edifices that are now dotting the earth. What a blessing! It is the sanctuary that we need, that I need. There we can save our kindred dead as well as ourselves. Later on that week, I was also able to go to the Bountiful temple to do some work for my own ancestors, some names that my Grammie gave me to work on. I'm so grateful to have access to temples and grateful for what I learn there and the peace I feel there. That Sunday night, we went over to see the Stoddard clan - my parents, Marko, Mayela and Amber. I love sitting around on Sunday nights talking and playing. That's what we do! Then we had dinner with all of the Ryerse's that night and got to see all of the aunts, uncles and cousins. Yea!
Dave was off to Utah State on Monday to recruit there, which he had a pretty successful day with lots of interest. The kids and I decided to go with him, since all of our family was working/had other things going on all day. We walked around, ran around on the play field, threw pennies in the fountain, went to the art museum, ate lunch at the cafeteria, and then we all went to get Aggie Ice-Cream when Daddy was done. My dad went to USU, so we had to take a few pictures for him. :)
I love taking pictures to document what we do, but I was pretty terrible at doing it this time around. I kept forgetting to take them. Luckily, Cal and Em love snatching my phone and snapping some shots. They especially like playing around with effects. What a good lookin' family...lol!!! Scary, I know!
Tuesday, Dave was at the U of U and we went over and spent the day with my Mom. We had fun just playing and being with her. She made some really cute outfits for the girls. She sewed some dresses and knitted and crocheted some accessories. We played and just enjoyed being together. That night, was more family time with the Ryerses, hip hip hooray! Dave got to see some old friends he worked with at the U too, so that was fun for him.
Wednesday, Dave was at Weber, and so we went to see old neighbors in Ogden. We went to Hlee's house and she is so hospitable and sweet and fixed us breakfast (even though we had eaten already, she insisted. She's like that). We talked all day and the kids played. The kids were so cute together and play so well together. We also worked on this pinata for Ewan's 2nd birthday. Check out thisIron Man, WOW!
Luckily for Emma, her friend Elisha got out early that day from school, so we got to play with her and Oakley. We met up with Fernanda and Jaqueline too and went to the park. It was so great to be with those good friends and neighbors for the day! That night, we went to Kaison's soccer game. He just started playing this year and he did pretty well. It was fun to watch him actually play, and then pull off his shirt randomly and tackle his coach after every goal. Cal was cheering for him the whole time! The girls enjoyed playing on the playground and in the leaves together.
After, we went to Pace's to get rainbows, tasty! But we all got a little cold after that!
Thursday, it was BYU for Dave. We got to see Amy and Kolby! Yea! And then we just hung out at the Ryerse's all day. That night, we went to the Prarie Schooner restaurant. Dave scared Cal, as he hid behind the empty "covered wagon" behind our table and jumped out and roared at him as he got back from the restroom. Emma said "this must be a Mormon place" because there were tons of handcarts and covered wagons. :) Those kids. Randy, Julie & Brian came with us. Then we went to visit Grammie and Aunt Christie and Rex. I loved seeing so much family! We miss them all!
Friday morning, we went to my parent's house for breakfast and then to see them all off. They were all going for a family reunion down to St. George, so we got to see them while we could. Mark and Amber came over too. So we played with them. Then we went to see Grandma Sue at work. And raided her candy drawer. At Grandma's house, Lucy's figured out where all of the good stuff is kept. She'll go to the freezer and say "popicle", go over by the cupboard and say "cookie" or pull out a drawer and say "canny". She's got a sweet tooth, I think. That night (and lots of the week), we worked on graduate executive administration fellowship applications for Dave. He's applying all over and it's a lot of work to apply. He's applied for about 15.
Saturday, we were able to play with the cousins. The cousins love each other so, SO much!! They are too cute! :) Stacy and I went shopping and talking together like the good old days. So that was good. Then, I went with my mother-in-law Sue and sisters-in-law Julie & Shirley to the Relief Society General Meeting broadcast and dinner. These women I got to go with are so incredible and I love them. The dinner was good too, at least I thought, and the words spoken by the presiding RS Presidency of the church and President Eyring were so inspired. I loved their focus on covenants and holding fast to covenants. President Eyring spoke of being in tune with the spirit at all times. It was a great way to end our week in Utah!
