Near the very end of June we headed north. First we drove to Colorado, then to Provo, UT to pick up Eve and then finally to Island Park, ID. We were excited to be with the Murray side of our family, to see in Joseph in his Playmill shows, and to enjoy the beauty of Idaho! Matt and Sterling stayed in TX to work for the first week and a half of our travels.
At the temple in Denver.
Getting lunch in Provo.
We went to a really fun ice cream shop that has a fun "Founders" theme. They name different flavors after early leaders of our country.
We had a marvelous time in Island Park! We sang karaoke, went on hikes, soaked in family time, attended the theatre, and even went horseback riding one morning! It was beautiful!
Playmill
Dole Whip!
Family Time
Horse back riding
We checked out on Thursday (the 4th) and headed south to Bear Lake to celebrate the 4th of July.
There we were happy to also meet up with Adam, Nicolle, Brec, and Jay! The little boy cousins enjoyed their time in the sand and water!
Of course Jen and Scott brought the fun (kayak and tubes).
We adored getting to be with little Bernadine on this trip.
In the evening we went to an Air BnB with my parents, Annie, and the Robinsons and then saw fireworks at the park. A huge thank you to Scott and Jennifer for making it possible for us to spend this special time together! We are so blessed to live in this free nation!
On the 5th we drove down to Provo to do some shopping for Sterling's mission and for temple clothes for both Eve and Sterling. We got a lot accomplished and Sheri enjoyed staying with Eve at her apartment that evening. I stayed with Matt's cousin, Patty Sabey (she's the BEST!)
We drove to Denver on the 6th and enjoyed more time with my family over the weekend.
Here the kids are enjoying a museum with Uncle Scott who also took them to an awesome book store and to a cafe! What a great uncle!!!
We then did some grocery shopping and headed up to Morrison (the Barn) for the Smith reunion where Matt and Sterling joined us. Tuesday, July 9th was particularly special because Sterling was able to receive the Melchizedek Priesthood. It was extra special because extended family could participate!
I am so excited to see how receiving this priesthood will enable Sterling to serve God in even more ways!
We feel so grateful to be surrounded by so many wonderful examples and by so much love!
The Smith reunion was wonderful too! We played games such as relay races, 9 square, Rook & puzzles.
We swam at the pond.
We visited Grandpa Smith's (and G &G Sabey's) grave in Ft. Collins where we shared favorite memories.
We then spent the day at Jeff's home (G&G Sabey's previous home). We enjoyed the lake and having a meal.
That evening Sterling and Eve were able to attend the temple for the first time together in Ft. Collins. Eve was especially grateful to have her cousin, Sister Sabey Smith join us since it was in her mission boundaries! It was a beautiful evening, surrounded by loved ones! We felt great joy bringing our children to be in the temple with us.
We felt surrounded by love. Thanks to all who came to support us on this evening!
What a privilege it was to be their escorts!
Also, the youth in the family were able to perform baptisms. Family is our treasure and temples allow us to treasure them forever!
On the last day of reunion we went to an alpaca farm.
Poor Christian found out the hard way that he is very allergic to hay!
We washed him off and took a break in the gift shop.
After some Benedryl... we enjoyed browsing all the alpaca gift items.
Back at the barn we enjoyed lip syncs and of course good food (all week).
It was so good to be together and in such a lovely place!
Saturday, July 13th Sheri and I headed back to Texas, Eve drove back to Provo, and the boys stayed to visit the Murrays (since Sterling and Matt didn't get to see them before the Smith reunion.) Joseph Cammack showed Sterling all his mission things from Brazil and cooked dinner for the boys and Scott. Then they played games and drove home the following day.
Home sweet home!
Back in Texas we enjoyed the beauty, pets, friends, family time, and getting things done (like car registrations, work, gardening, and mission preparations.)
During the last week of July we had visitors. The Owens came from IL for a week, Eve flew in for 5 days, and the Robinsons came for Sterling's farewell weekend. We had such a wonderful time with everyone!
We visited Cadillac Ranch,
Played lots of games,
Went boating at Lake Meredith,
Enjoyed time catching up
more games,
Listening to Sterling's farewell talk,
and more games.
We also enjoyed a hike in Palo Duro Canyon.
We were sad to say goodbye as our visitors left but we sure loved having them all! We are grateful for all their time and effort spent coming to visit.
It was a little sad to think that this is the last time I'll have all my ducklings (children) together for a while. I can't wait to have us all back together again!
These last few months have been very emotional for me as I think about sending Sterling off to Brazil and this chapter of his life ending. I will miss him making me laugh, bringing excitement to life, seeing him lift those around him, and having thoughtful conversations with him. But I know that the Lord knows what is best for him and for us. I am grateful for the scriptures and words of prophets that have given me assurance.
.... whatever causes us pain. He can comfort us.
And so, as Sterling's mission draws closer, I have chosen to focus on the joy that the gospel will bring to those he teaches. The joy they can have as they are able to be bound to God and to each other. I have chosen to focus on how the Lord knows exactly what Sterling needs to grow and that He will mentor Sterling full time. I am focusing on the great joy of serving with God to bless those around us. I am learning to trust the Lord.
The Lord surely blesses us everyday! He brings beauty and hears our prayers. I am so blessed by God to have my husband, children, extended family, creations, and the gospel knowledge!
