As we concluded our time in the Pacific Northwest we headed back toward home in Texas. But on the way we took our time to visit family.
First we drove to Logan, UT and visited with Adam, Nicolle and their cute boys.
We are grateful that we we had the chance to catch up with them and grateful that they let us stay at their house for the night. It was so fun to see how much Brec and Jay have grown!
Next we headed to Denver. Sheri got some driving practice in. Driving with a new driver is always nerve wracking, but Sheri did great!
On the way we got raspberry shakes in Bear Lake.
That evening the family gathered at Jen and Scott's pool. Though we were late we were grateful to see everyone!
We arrived safely at my parent's house and the next day were able to celebrate the 4th of July down in the Palmer Lake area. First we loaded up the van with kids.
Next we went to a parade
Then we grabbed lunch supplies and headed to the lake. It was raining pretty hard when we arrived, so we waited out the storm in the parking lot before unloading the younger kids. (The older kids went early with Jen and Scott to get a good spot).
Jen and Scott provided a paddle board and kayak, and Hannah brought a shade structure.
Everyone had a nice time on the lake.
The little boys enjoyed the playground like little monkeys.
Then the rain hit again and so we sheltered in the van again.
Next we headed to another park in Castle Rock where we were able to catch the last few songs of Annie singing with the Denver Dolls. I LOVE patriotic music and especially watching Annie perform!
Then we got more rain and sheltered until Sterling brought the van to pick us up.
We got some dinner and then headed to Parker for fireworks with Annie and her kids. It was a late night when we got home! We are sure grateful to live in this free land and be with family we love.
On July 6th we were able to celebrate Jonathan's belated birthday. We went to Pirate's Cove and then back to Annie's for a party.
In the afternoon we were able to visit Catherine and her darling family. I enjoyed looking at her recipes and hearing more about her past few months.
Then finally, we took Eve to do some much needed shopping. Jen and Hannah joined as well. That night my girls had a sleepover together at Hannah's. They were happy to get some sister time after being apart!
On Friday, July 6th we drove to Ft Collins for Grandpa Burns Sabey's funeral. We were very sad to learn that he got sick with pneumonia and passed away in late June. He was an incredible man who left an incredible legacy! We were grateful to be in town for the funeral so that we could reflect on his life and relationship with us! He will surely be missed!
We also took the opportunity to visit his home in Ft Collins to remember our happy memories there.
On Saturday, July 8th we drove home to Texas after more than 5 weeks traveling. We were so happy to be home! We were happy to see our cats, our home, the sunsets, and had the happy surprise of a garden bursting with produce! The credit goes to Matt who worked so hard to put in waterlines to all the flowers and gardens! We also had a very wet spring!
Apparently caterpillars love dill! Look how many we picked off!
We spent the couple week recovering (sleeping in, laundry, cleaning the van, reviewing finances, grocery shopping, getting vehicles inspected/registered) as well as hanging out with friends, working on church callings, and preparing for the upcoming school year. We registered, picked up chromebooks, went shopping for school supplies & clothes, and got doctor notes for prescriptions.
On the 17th we went to the lake with ward friends.
On my birthday I went to lunch with my friend, Melissa and Matt took me to the theatre at Palo Duro Canyon for a chuckwagon dinner and a show. It was a lovely evening!
The kids got time with neighbor and church friends. We also had our final Trek Reunion activity/dance.
Meanwhile Eve has been loving her time in Colorado working at Farm Box Foods, living with Hannah and Joseph and surrounded by family. Here are some of her highlights.
Working for Farmbox Foods
The Renaissance Festival
A Taylor Swift Party with Hannah and the girls.
They each dressed up to represent one of her albums.
A Rockies game with the Robinsons
And Water World with the Robinsons and Cammacks
During our final week of July we went back to Colorado for the Smith reunion and Luke's (Matt's nephew) wedding to Rebecca.
Highlights from reunion include...
Dinosaur Ridge and an incredible museum nearby
A lake day
Hearing Grandma Sabey sing her and Grandpa's love song
...a birthday celebration, family history activities, karaoke, games, outdoor sports, and delicious meals. We had a lot of good family time! We were sorry Matt could only join us for a day or two before going back to TX for work. He makes many sacrifices for our family!
This week was, sadly, the last time that Eve and her two closest cousins will be together since Camille will taking a break from BYU to serve a mission. These girls have become the best of friends and will surely miss their time together while they are apart!
On the Friday following reunion Luke and Rebecca were married. Matt was able to drive back in time for it. They had a ceremony, a dinner and a dance. It was such a beautiful night!
Before the ceremony
Afterward...
Mocktails
These guys were awesome to help with chairs, parking, and set up.
I snagged some photos since we were all dressed up.
Appetizers, a toast to the bride and groom and dinner
Cake cutting
Dancing
We absolutely adore Luke! Rebecca is one lucky girl! We are very happy for them!
On Saturday the cousins were able to do baptisms and confirmations at the temple. It was special to have Jennifer working in the baptistry that day! Sterling and the older boy cousins were able to help with the baptismal ordinances and Elijah (who was ordained during reunion) was able to help Jeff with confirmations. I can't think of a more wonderful way to spend time together! Matt and I were able to do sealings.
Then we were able to attend the sealing for Luke and Rebecca. It was a beautiful, joyful day!
Then we went to the barn for a family dinner and to spend some last quality time with extended family. We drove home to Texas on July 30th and that concludes our summer travels.
We are incredibly blessed with an abundance of love and beauty all around!
