We decided that in June and July that we wanted to go visit family and a few friends. Although the timing was not ideal with COVID restrictions, we felt that it was important, despite the risks, to visit those that were low risk. With the official Smith reunion cancelled, Mike invited whoever felt safe to gather at his home in Kentucky for a weekend. Since we were already on the east side of the US we decided to visit some Ohio friends as well. We did our best to gather outside and keep a safe distance or use masks with friends.
The evening we flew in, we were able to have dinner with the Whitneys, in their back yard. They are so down to earth, easy to talk to, and generous with their time. It was great to catch up.
The next day we met the Hoyles for a picnic near some park trails. The kids picked up their friendships like they were never apart. We've sure missed all the wonderful friends in Ohio!
Next we met school friends- Sheri and Christian met Willow and Judah, Sterling met Kyrie and Vikram at Leather Lips while Eve got together with Talara, Danya, and Allie.
After that we invited friends from our two Dublin wards to catch up at the park. We were able to see the Whitneys, the Rices, the Selphs, the Webers, the Tices, the Forsbergs, the Goodmans and the Hoyles,
In the evening we met at the park to visit Luke and Sarah Foreman at the Chapman Elementary play ground. The Whitney girls joined us too. We were surprised when a storm blew in and soaked us all before we could get to our cars. The girls made an adventure of it and Matt drove the soaked Foremans home. Poor kids, it was a crazy experience with the sudden downpour.
We headed back to our cool hotel and hung out in the open air. We also invited the Kleins to join us since it was too wet to go outside. The kids played tag and the statues game.
The next day we went to the Hoyles for breakfast on their deck and we played kickball. It was sad to say goodbye again. We've been so blessed with awesome people in our lives!
As we were heading out of town we decided to stop by our old home and see how the yard and animals were doing. The new owner was gracious enough to let us stop by. We loved going down memory lane. Matt was very pleased to see that his fruit trees were still there and had grown nicely.
Next we drove to Kentucky. It was such a great opportunity to reconnect with Matt's side of the family. We had a blast. We played Jackbox games,
did massage trains,
had a water day in the back yard,
and on Sunday we had an extended family church at home. It was pretty neat to have sacrament and testimonies all together.
Since we were also celebrating our dads for Father's day we had a nice meal and some family games in the evening.
The most hilarious part of the evening came when they competed, trying not to smile/laugh at the "Dad jokes" that everyone submitted. It was a riot!
We are so blessed to have such great relationships with the Smiths! The kids are in heaven with their cousins and I am inspired by all the siblings and their spouses.
On the 22nd we drove to Nashville where Matt would fly home to CA for a while and the rest of us would fly to Colorado the following day. While we were in Nashville we spent the day checking out the city and spending time with the Owens who drove from Illinois to spend time with us. The Owens are true and loyal friends and feel like family. We were so happy to see them and spend time with them again! We were able to stay in the same hotel and play games together again. We wish we could see the Owens more and feel sad that CA is so far away from IL. We cherish our time together!
On the 23rd we flew to Colorado. We were so happy to see all the Murrays again!
On the 24th we drove with Mom to the park and met Cat and her two boys. This was our first meeting of Valentine and we completely adore him along with Augustine!
We also got some time with the Williams back at their home before naptime.
Next we met at Annie's to visit, along with Hannah. We got to talk, play, and go on a walk.
On the 25th Scott led a hike in the mountains. This was just what I have been wishing for. Is it possible to have hike envy? I think so after seeing all the Robinson hike pictures from CA for so long. 🤣
Next we headed back to my parents' house for croquet, swings, and sand play. These are the happy times for me. I love being with family!
On the 26th we got to spend some one on one time with Jen and Scott's family. We were able to go to a fun place on a river for gentle tubing and a picnic. It was nice to feel the cold water on the hot day. Jen and Scott know all the cool places to go!
The 27th was Jonathan's baptism day. We felt grateful that we were able to come to CO for the special day! It was a beautiful day with a great spirit and the family all together. Adam and Ivan arrived from Utah the night before and we loved getting reacquainted with everyone. I made pancakes at Mom's house and Cat and her family came over. It was so fun to see all the little boys! I loved the snuggle time!
Next we were able to see the baptism. We felt so happy for Jonathan and his parents!
To cap off the day we went to Jen and Scott's house for some kareoke and dinner. I loved seeing everyone together!
On the 28th we were able to have church at home with my parents and Adam's family. It is very special to see the priesthood holders administer the sacrament in our homes.
We enjoyed family time and later in the day we gathered again for dinner together.
On the 29th Ivan, Adam, Nicolle and their family drove back to Utah. We squeezed in a bit more time with them before they left.
Then we went to spend the day at Aurora Reservoir. It was so nice that many of the family members took time off work to be with us while we were in town!
I love a good day of fun in the sun!
On the 30th Scott led us on another great hike!
Later, we tie dyed t-shirts for the 4th of July at the Robinson's house.
On July 1st we were able to go to the Denver Botanic Gardens. It was absolutely beautiful!
On the 2nd of July Mary and I made pancakes and then we all went to Pirates Cove. In the evening we had a picnic at the park.
On the 3rd of July we were able to go downtown to see Annie perform in the Denver Dolls show at Union Square with Jen and Scott. Matt was also back in Denver with us for the holiday weekend. YAY! It is enchanting to hear Annie perform and see her beauty and presence on stage. It was so entertaining to hear nostalgic, patriotic songs!
On the 4th of July we were able to head up to Ft Collins to visit Matt's grandparents and various uncles, aunts, and cousins. Everything was outdoors to help prevent sharing germs. We sailed, swam, and enjoyed a cook out. It was lovely to see Grandma and Grandpa Sabey as well as all the other family members.
In the evening we drove back to Denver and went to Cat's house for fireworks, a fire, and s'mores. It was awesome to see so many fireworks in her neighborhood. We have truly enjoyed time with her family!
On Sunday the 5th we had home church and enjoyed one more evening with my parents. We really appreciate them always hosting us so generously! We flew home the next day.
We feel abundantly blessed to have so many wonderful people in our lives and so many beautiful experiences to share with them. We are grateful for connection with them at a time when so many feel isolated. We are thinking of those that we couldn't see and pray for their continued health.
