On July 17th we traveled (without Matt) through Indianapolis and were able to attend the open house for the new temple there. It was not a small temple and had lots of beautiful details and wood work. Open houses are always special for the kids to experience since they don't often get the chance to go inside a temple.
Then we headed on to Alton/Godfrey Illinois where we visited with the Owens. July 18th we went to Raging Rivers water park and had precious play time at the Owen's home. Sunday, the 19th we attended church in our old Alton ward and had a nice dinner. We also got to play some card games. :) This was my birthday and Matt surprised me with a new laptop/tablet combo. He really spoils me. I am the luckiest wife!
Monday, the 20th we continued west to Omaha, NE. Here we were able to stay with the Snow family. They were very kind to host us, and it was great to catch up on all the news of the ward! Here is a picture with Christian and Austin.
On Tuesday, the 21st we were able to meet up with Sayge's family and Ethan at the park in Bennington.
We then went to the Bradshaw's house to catch up with them and also were pleased to see Julie Veach. Tasha and her family are such an inspiration!
Then we met up with the McCoys, Hares, and Aschoffs in our old neighborhood's park.
We couldn't get enough time with our friends and so we went to dinner with the McCoys and Ethan.
Finally, we were able to stop by the Dorius' home. It was wonderful to catch up and to see the kids playing kickball in the back, just like old times. Our hearts were so full of love for all of our friends in Bennington!
On Wednesday, the 22nd we traveled to Denver to be with my family. We got in fairly early, which was nice. We miss the beautiful mountain skyline!
On Thursday, the 23rd we went to Pirates Cove with Annie's family and with Joseph.
Friday, the 24th we hit the grocery store and enjoyed spending the day at Jennifer's house "solving the world's problems" :).
Saturday, the 25th Jennifer,Emma, Annie and I went to get pedicures. Mine was a gift from Annie for my birthday. We also went to lunch at Kneaders which was tasty! Then we spent the rest of the day in Castle Rock with Christina Underwood. We mostly let the kids play around the house and at the neighborhood park. I wish I had snapped a photo. I guess I was enjoying the conversation too much, or wrestling with my over tired 2 year old. :) In the evening we left the kids at Jen's and went to dinner at the Park Meadows mall. It was fun to visit with Emma and her boyfriend and just have some time out with adults. Here I discovered a delicious drink called a virgin Mojito. I will have to look for that next year.
Sunday was fun because I got to go to my sisters' ward. In the evening we had a nice family dinner. These are extra special for me since I now live so far away.
Monday the 27th we had lunch at the Park Meadows Mall with Sara Kerr. It was fun to hear all about her life. We also got to spend time catching up at Annie's while the kids played.
On Tuesday the 28th we were able to go swimming with Sara's family.
On Wednesday the 29th we spent the day playing and relaxing at Annie's house. The girls had a fun time trying on Aunt Annie's pointe shoes.
On Thursday the 30th I was able to go to the temple (sort of) with my parents, Cat and Annie. My recommend had expired so I stayed outside on the grounds to ponder until they were finished, and then we went to lunch at the Olive Garden. This has been more dining out than I am used to, but I guess that's how vacations go. I think that I most relished the time to ponder my life at the temple and the time to talk with my family.
In the afternoon we got to visit Cat and her chickens. Then we met my parents and niece Rosanna for dinner at Sweet Tomatoes.
Ah, the sweet life! We were happy to have Matthew fly into Denver to join us for part two of our vacation.
