Sunday morning, we woke up and got ready for church. Everyone was thrilled that my parents came to visit. President Solomon said he thought my mom was my sister (not the first time). My mom bore her testimony and said that someone was talking in their testimony about how Jesus loves us. Cov, who was sitting next to her said "Duh! Of course he loves us or why else would He die for us?" And that's what it's all about. The Savior and His love. I am thankful for the example my parents set for my kids and how they reinforce principles we teach. They made some friends and it was Dad we were pulling away visiting with people after church. We went to Reed Point for their Sheep drive. It was amazing to see so many sheep all at the same time. The kids thought they were so cute. We also saw an old west shoot out show. That night, we went for a walk, played some games, ate meatloaf and sides, worked on family history (my mom is amazing at that and helped Emma find 4 more names to complete temple work for!), and played around. It was a great Sabbath!
Monday, we slept in and made breakfast. Then we cleaned the house and headed off to the Museum of the Beartooths here. It was very interesting to learn more about our new community. We drove up to Cooney Reservoir after that. It was a fun lake, only a half an hours drive from here. We played in the sand, looked for bugs and crawdads, went swimming and enjoyed the scenery. We drove home and made hot dogs and juicy burgers with the works for dinner. On Monday night during family night, Grandpa asked the kids what they'd do when he left, because they couldn't leave him alone they were having so much fun. Lucy said "I don't know but it will be really boring when you do leave!" We had a great family night lesson by Lucy and then Cal picked to do a dance party for his activity. Daddy got out the new blow up suit and everyone had a fun time trying it on. Everyone cracked up, especially about Cov and Grandma. Grandpa and Cal didn't do it that night. It was hilarious! :)
Tuesday, it was back to school for the kids. Grandpa walked them over. He went on walks early every morning and saw probably more of the town on foot than I have, lol. Then, Dad worked on our cars and got them in tip top shape, cleaning them inside and outside, fixing a flat tire, getting the oil changed and more. My mom and I worked on painting the girls bunk bed and refinishing our dining room table and taking turns playing with Sydnie. We got a lot done! The table is almost done but now we need to do the chairs and one of the bunk beds is complete. In the afternoons, Grandma helped with homework and practicing, Grandpa played. We went to the park again to play sports.
Wednesday was a regular day, we worked on more projects around the house while the kids went to school. Then, that night, we had a special experience. As Emma just turned 12, she was able to go to the temple for the first time. Dave, Grandma Di and I went to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saint's Billings MT temple with her and what a neat night! Grandpa Scott was great to watch the kids, they walked around the temple grounds and rolled down the hill. With the help of Grandma Di, Emma did some research and found 6 names of family members who needed their temple ordinances to be done, including an Emma A.! The temple President came, as there were two others there for their first time that night, and he spoke to the youth. He shared a sacred experience he had and talked about the Holy Ghost's guidance in our lives and how He guides us to where we need to be. He told the kids they were in the right place. I am so proud of Emma, what a great young woman she is, she is in the right place! The temple is all about eternal families and linking them forever and I am thankful that we have these sanctuaries on earth. It was a beautiful experience with her in the House of the Lord! After that, we went to dinner at Rio Sabino, which was delicious. A great way to end a beautiful night!
Thursday, Grandma and Grandpa said goodbye and headed out. It was so nice to have them here. They are so good to us!
That same day, we headed down to Utah. Dave picked out one BYU game to go to with Randy out of their season tickets. He said this was really the only game worth going to and it was against Cal. So Thursday night we drove down to Grandma Sue & Grandpa Dans. The next morning, everyone went to work/school/out of town, so we went to the fair. Dave & I went to the Utah State Fair on our first date 14 years ago. We always said someday we'd bring all "the others" (the name we used to refer to our future children as) with us to the fair and the circus. It was so much fun! The day started off rocky as a few of the others didn't want to listen, but once we got going, it was great! We enjoyed the exhibits, the animals, the shows, the circus, pig racing (Cal's pig he named "I Don't Care" won!),Little hands on the farm, the giant bubble machine, the play areas, the circus, and of course the deep fried food (we tried a deep fried burger with fries inside, caramel cheesecake and a Fat Boy, wow!). It was great being there all together and thinking back about that first date. Dave and I had so much fun on our first date, and we still have fun, whether we're with the others or by ourselves. <3
That afternoon, we got back to Grandma Sues and hung out. We had pizza for dinner and the kids played and roughoused and wrestled with the uncles and played outside. Then it was off to a bridal shower for Erin Schmucker, Randy's fiancee. She is such a great girl and we are excited for her and Randy! They get married in October. I got her an umbrella and attached a bunch of money and foam hearts from it, since all they really want is money for their wedding. It was fun being with all the Ryerse girls. Emma and Tayla were so helpful and fun at the shower. I was thining about how they are getting and how in not too long of a time, we will be at events like this for these girlies. McKenzie & Sydnie also had fun playing in the grass and charming everyone there. Glad we could be there for this! Some of the kids swapped and we did cousin sleepovers.
Saturday, we woke up bright and early for Brigham City Peach Days with Grandpa Scott, Mark, Mayela, Amber, and Aunt Stacy & the Ryerse cousins. We loved the parade, but it was so long...we got way too much candy and cheered for the fun floats! Then we went over to the car show to check out the best entries. The kids loved it, it's been about 5 or 6 years since we went last, so we were so glad to be back! My dad invited us, he was born in Brigham City. So it was cool to go with him. We also helped Grandma start decorating for Halloween, her favorite! And did some new Lego sets she got. That night, Dave and Randy enjoyed the BYU game. Great seats, great company, but the game was not so great as BYU lost by 3 points. Marko, Amber, Cal, Emma and I went to the Aquabats concert. I haven't been to one since I was a teen and the kids have been asking and when Marko asked, the answer was yes! We taught the younger generation of kids how to skank and dance and crowd surf. It was super rad! Cal especially got into it, and he and Emma were pooped by the end. We also saw Jeremy from Studio C and the kids were more excited about that then the concert, lol! The kids stayed and played with family and had a good time, too.
Sunday, we got to go to the Meadows Branch where Grandpa Dan is now the Branch president. There was a neat spirit there at this retirement center branch! Then we packed up and said goodbye! The road home was beautiful, and we got to clip through a little of West Yellowstone. The leaves were starting to change, and we saw moose and other wildlife. Unfortunately, there were quite a few little fires. I hope and pray they all get put out soon!
It was pretty much a perfect, fun-filled weekend in Utah! Love our families and our times together and glad now that we're a little closer we can go home more often.
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