Kansas City Trip

The weekend following our Colorado trip we were privileged to go to Kansas City for the temple open house. We were very excited, especially since we were able to meet up with the Owens and Eddingtons from Illinois, and the Corless family who came from Texas.
It was only about a 3 hour drive for us. We met everyone Friday night for dinner at Famous Dave's restaurant. Oh man! It was delicious! What a thrill to see all our beloved friends!

After dinner we went to our hotel where we had 2 suites. Each had 2 sleeping areas, 2 bathrooms, a living area, and a kitchen. There were 2 families to each suite. Kristen was so smart to think of this because it enabled us to hang out all together and play games just like old times.

Saturday morning we went to the temple open house. It was beautiful and heavenly!

I am grateful that my children got to see and feel the peace and beauty of the temple both inside and out.


After the temple we went our hotel to eat lunch. It was fun to collaborate and eat together at meal times!
Then we went to Coco Keys water park where we had so much fun! There were water slides, and a lazy river and a large playground area with spray everywhere. I was able to get in the water and not feel uncomfortable. (I am a wimp about cold water, but it was pretty comfortable.) I was reminded that having fun with my children can create wonderful moments, memories, and an opportunity to grow closer as family. Again, thanks to Kristen for great planning!
In the evening we enjoyed dinner and games again.

Sunday morning we found a ward to attend church in and then we were able to visit the Liberty Jail where Joseph Smith and others were incarcerated for a number of months. I love the church history sites! They always make me realize how blessed I am by those who have gone before, sacrificed so much, and left a legacy of faith. We concluded our visit with a little picnic at the park for lunch, pictures, and then we headed our various ways. I enjoyed a nice quiet drive home. I arrived home grateful for our safety, for the gospel, and for all my wonderful friends who lift and enrich my life.

Spring Break Weekend

This year the kids had just 3 days off around the Easter weekend. We decided to make a special trip to Colorado because (with Eve turning 8) we wanted to hold a special baptism with family members and friends. It was a very quick trip filled with activities.

Eve actually had her birthday on Thursday, April 5th. With no school I made pancakes for breakfast to celebrate her special day. Since we traveled in the afternoon, we even added candles for an official "cake and candles" experience.

We enjoyed the 8 hour drive to Colorado in the afternoon/evening, we even let the kids get ice cream since it was Eve's actual birthday.

Friday morning and afternoon we spent preparing for Eve's baptism while the kids enjoyed cousin time. The baptism turned out beautifully!

This was the program cover:

The inside of the program looked like this (except with a better font):


Baptismal Program for Eve Elaine Smith


April 6, 2012

Aurora, Colorado


Presiding – Brother Mike Ker

Conducting – Brother Mike Ker

Pianist – Bonnie Murray

Chorister – Jennifer Robinson


Welcome

Opening Song – “When I am Baptized” – Hannah & Emma Robinson

Opening Prayer – Christianna Sullins


Talk on Baptism – John Murray

Baptism of Eve

Piano Duet – “My Heavenly Father Loves Me” – Bonnie Murray & Catherine Williams

Interlude music

Confirmation of Eve

Musical Number – “As a Child of God” – Eve, Sterling & Sheri Smith

Talk on Gift of Holy Ghost – Burns Sabey


Closing Hymn – “By The Waters of Mormon"

Closing Prayer - Mark Sabey


As you can see, we were very blessed to be with family and friends. We felt such love and support! The spirit was so sweet! I felt that everything was simply beautiful, especially my Eve. She seemed so calm and yet also very aware of the importance of the covenants she made. It was beautiful to see her understand the symbolism and meaning of the ordinances as we taught her prior to this special day.

I appreciate all the help from my family and friends, especially my dad for all his arrangements and his talk, my mother and sisters and Sara for helping set up and arrange for music. Also, thanks to my brothers who acted as witnesses and Granda Sabey for his talk.

Brother Ker was so wonderful to spend his Friday night with us to preside and support our family.

Thank you all! We felt such love and support!


Saturday was filled with fun! I started the morning by taking Eve to a class at the American Girl Doll Store. Here she learned how to do different hair styles on her doll. I thought this would be a nice present for her birthday.
She enjoyed it and it was fun to check the store out.

Following the class we went back my Mom's house and had easter festivities. We made a delicious lunch, dyed easter eggs, and had an egg hunt. Being with my family is such fun!

In the afternoon, we went to see Mirror, Mirror and then we had dinner at Mom's.

Sunday we woke up to our Easter baskets. . .

. . . and beautiful Easter symbols.

Then we got ready for church ...

After Church we had a traditional Easter dinner. It felt wonderful to be with the family!

We felt sad to leave our family Sunday evening, but very grateful for the time we got to spend with them. They were wonderful to revolve the weekend around our visit. Thanks to a loving, wonderful family!