June 2016 Part 3

On Wednesday, June 23rd we drove down to Ouray, Colorado for the Smith Family Reunion.  Katherine was in charge this year and had lots of fun things planned.

Wednesday evening we gathered at the lodge, ate dinner, played games and talked.  We also got to hear a missionary report about Heleman who is serving in Romania.

On Thursday we gathered at Ridgeway State Park.  We had such a fun time playing games, fishing, playing on the beach, eating lunch and dinner together, and my favorite thing, playing volleyball.  We also had family Olympics in the evening.  Matt and I won the 3 legged race.  I admire and am grateful for all the time and planning that went into the activities.

  Sheri wasn't feeling well during the morning, but after a nap felt much better.

Thanks to Uncle Mike and Matthew, Christian was able to catch and eat his first fish!

This was our family banner.  Appropriate, since this is one of our favorite past times.

Each evening we had a family gathering.  Sometimes it was a family talent show, other times were missionary reports from the other boys that will be soon leaving on missions.   We also got to see slide shows of each family's year highlights, and play "Stump the Chumps" a game were we all try to guess which fun facts are true out of 4 options.  It was fun to learn more about each family.  We also had one evening where the adults and the younger kids split up to learn about important topics.  I believe the adult topic was protecting our homes from pornography.  It is great to gather to share and strengthen one another.

  Friday we went to the Hot Springs in Ouray.  The water was nice and warm!  We had a fun time swimming, and the kids got to practice their swimming skills in order to pass a swim test.

On Saturday we went on Jeep rides throughout the mountain paths.  We had 4 or 5 Jeeps and were all able to get plenty of time.  While the first group was out many of us were able to hike to Box Canyon Falls.  It was a short but cool hike and very doable for the kids.

 Jeeping was a lot of fun!  Matt was a great driver!  I love his adventurous spirit.  It balances out my more cautious nature.  Together we make a great pair!

In the evening, after dinner, we had family games.  We had a huge sock war, played Fox and Pups and other games.  We enjoyed all the time we had to catch up and be together.

Sunday morning we had a simple breakfast and packed up.  We relish our time with family!  We are so blessed to have so many wonderful family members!  We love to play, talk, and be uplifted by them!  We drove back to the Denver area.  Matt spent the next five days in Colorado Springs for a work conference.  One highlight for him was visiting the Olympic Village.

On Monday we went to Pirates Cove with Annie, Christina, and Catherine.  It was a perfect summer day!

On Tuesday the 28th we spent the day in Castle Rock after dropping the little ones off at a camp offered by Annie's friend.  Annie and I met up with Christina and her cute girls.  We hiked the  Castle Rock and then had lunch.  We also got a chance to hit the shopping outlets for a a little while.  It was fun to catch up on all of Christina's news.

On Wednesday the 29th I hung out at Jennifer's house with Annie.  We had a chance to analyze our lives and how we can be better.  We also enjoyed going to dinner and hearing about Emma and her goings on.  Eve got to hang out with Avery this day.

On Thursday the 30th  I went to the temple with Annie and my Mom.  We also enjoyed going to lunch at Panera.

 In the evening we went to Christina Underwood's house with Matt and enjoyed dinner and games.  We played Spades and had a great time.

The next morning we headed up to Estes Park.  But I will save that for my July post.

What a fun filled month!  We are so grateful for all these cherished times!  We appreciate all who sacrificed their time to be with us.  We love them so much!

June 2016 Part 2

On June 13th the kids and I packed up the van and headed west for our family vacation.  Our first stop was Kansas City where we visited with the Bacons.  They moved there about a year ago for a fellowship and were planning to move again to Washington state within a week or 2 of our visit.  We sure loved catching up!  We spent the 14th at a swim park, getting the kids' wiggles out.

We will miss seeing the Bacons when we travel through the Midwest.  Hopefully we will find another opportunity to see them!  Maybe they will come back out west someday!   We headed to Denver on the 15th.

On the 16th I took my kids and Annie's kids to Monkey Business.  Again, I love to have a very physically active day for the kids when they have spent a day in the car.

In the evening, we were able to celebrate Jonathan's birthday!  This made me happy since we seem to miss out on so many of the family's special events.  Jonathan is so cute, and a great friend to Christian!

 As you can see, Sheri and Mary are the best of friends too!

On the 17th a group of us were able to hike the Incline in Colorado Springs again.  I loved doing this! Hiking is such a beautiful way to spend time with others.  I was impressed by my dad who finished first, in 41 minutes! For a guy who will be 70 in August, that is amazing!  A special thanks goes to my sister Jennifer who watched the kids. Colorado is surely beautiful and I appreciate the time to enjoy it with my family!

I just want to make special mention that Ivan came from Utah to be with us when we visited Colorado.  He always makes things more fun and special!  My kids all love to be with him!

On Saturday, June 18th we held Sheri's baptism in Aurora, Colorado.  Baptisms are always special, but especially wonderful with family.

I am very grateful to my dad who arranged for the building, coordinated with his ward leaders, and presided at the baptism!  It was wonderful to have so many family members participate.  My mother played her beautiful music preludes/postludes and accompanied the musical number.  She has blessed many in her life through her musical gifts. ( I especially love to hear her play as I am going to sleep at night!)  My sister Jennifer was the music conductor.  Matthew's mom, Wendy gave the opening prayer, and his Dad, Bart gave an excellent talk on the gift of the Holy Ghost.  My brother, Ivan gave an insightful, humorous, and wise talk about baptism. I enjoyed hearing Ivan's personal stories!
    My dad and Matthew's Grandpa Sabey were witness for the baptism which was performed by Matthew.  Following the baptism Catherine and my mother played a beautiful piano duet!  Sheri was confirmed and given the gift of the Holy Ghost by her dad and with many priesthood holders who came to support her including her Uncle Jeff, Uncle Aaron, Uncle Jim, Uncle Cary, Uncle Mark, Uncle Ivan, Grandpa Smith, Grandpa Murray and Grandpa Sabey.  How special to have so much priesthood love and support in your life!
    Following the confirmation Mary and Annie sang a beautiful musical number called "I Will Say a Prayer".  It is beautiful to see talents developing in young children as their parents pass down their gifts of knowledge and ability!  We all felt a beautiful spirit of love and peace and joy.  Jeff Sullins gave a wonderful closing prayer.
   We held a small lunch afterwards for those that came.  I appreciated all my sisters for all their help with the set up and my boys, Matthew and Dad for setting up tables and chairs.

Sheri looked beautiful and sweet just like the person she is inside.  We were very happy for her choice she made to be baptized and for the promises that she made.  I am also grateful that she was able to receive the gift of the Holy Ghost to guide and direct her.  I am grateful for Matthew's ability to exercise his priesthood in performing these ordinances.

These pictures are sweet to me because I used to swing on this swing set  when I was her age.  It brings back lots of wonderful memories in my back yard with my family.  I am so grateful for my family that I grew up with, and the family I am currently building!  Special occasions help us realize how treasured our loved ones are to us.

We spent the next few days enjoying my family and then headed south to Ouray for the Barton Smith Family Reunion.  That will be detailed in June 2016 Part 3.