June - July 4th 2025

 June was full of special trips! These have been the best for getting away to gain perspective and enjoy time with family and friends.

To start off the month, Christian went to Young Mens' Camp. They went to Lake Merideth for 3 1/2 days. Christian had a good time but got terribly burned on the tops of his feet and legs, despite his best efforts to regularly put on sunblock. Poor guy, he came home after testimony meeting on Friday night, couldn't walk well for a few days, and blistered a week later. He was unable to attend basketball camp for the first few days.

The theme for this year's youth was from D&C 6:36 - "Look unto me in every thought; doubt not, fear not." The leaders incorporated this theme in the planning.

The following week was Young Women's Camp. We went up to Oklahoma.

The first afternoon the adult leaders and youth camp leaders (YCLs) gathered to prepare/set up the camp, decorate, and celebrate. The next day we went to the Oklahoma City Temple to perform baptisms and family history. Afterwards we had classes - hair braiding, crafts, archery, fishing, and so forth. Some of the other highlights of the camp were karaoke night, a service clean up, team building activities, swimming, of course camp songs, and a photo slide show at the end. The camp ended on a beautiful spiritual note with a faith walk. Along the walk, participants could hear various characters from Christ's life share their witness of the Savior, followed by a testimony meeting. It was beautiful to see the girls gain confidence in themselves and each other as the week progressed.  Many were touched by the Spirit and by the love shared. A few incredible people sacrificed a lot of time and effort for this experience, especially Mindy Smith, Jen Hendricks, and Bishop Hendricks among others. We are grateful for their amazing leadership and friendship!

After camp ended we went home to quickly unpack and pack up for our church history road trip.

We left on Sunday the 15th and drove to Liberty Jail in Missouri. Here we were able to see where Joseph and others suffered as they were held unfairly and separated from their loved ones who were being driven from the state. Fortunately, the Lord poured out reassurance and revelation to Joseph that we are blessed by today. He was also refined and prepared to move boldly forward in the work of restoration for the next final 5 years of his life. We especially loved reading letters that Joseph and Emma Smith wrote to each other while he was incarcerated there.

We also visited the Independence Visitor Center and were amazed to see how much the church has grown and filled the earth.

Our overnight accommodations turned out to be not what we thought so we ended up getting a hotel.

On Monday, the 16th we dropped Matt off at the airport in Kansas City and then drove to Omaha, Nebraska where we visited the extraordinary Henry Doorly Zoo.

 Then we visited to the Winter Quarters Visitor's Center and the adjacent temple cemetery. I am often touched by the difficulties they faced and the sacrifices the pioneer saints gave to follow their faith. It was a freezing winter and many died from sickness. Then we visited the Council Bluffs Visitor's center. This is where Brigham Young was sustained as the prophet following Joseph Smith, where Oliver Cowdery came back to the church, and where the Mormon Battalion set off to serve our country, though they never had to go into battle.

On Tuesday, June 17th, we drove from Iowa to Carthage Jail in Illinois. There we were able witness the place where Joseph and Hyrum gave their lives as a testament and witness of the Restoration. Though they were not perfect men, God was able to use them to bring forward His work, including the Book of Mormon, continuing prophetic revelation, the restoration of the Priesthood, the restored Church of Jesus Christ, temple work, and the beginning of the Gathering of Zion.

Then we went north to Nauvoo and loved seeing so many historic places and learning of the saints and their faith. We especially loved the young performing missionaries who brought their stories to life.

On Wednesday, the 18th we drove from Galesburg, IL to Kirtland, OH. We got there late in the afternoon along with a large tour bus and were worried we might not get to see everything. The visitor center missionaries encouraged us to start with Historic Kirtland, the Newel K Whitney store, the Ashery, and the Sawmill, which we did. We were able to see where the Word of Wisdom and other revelations were received and learn of the faith, dedication, and generosity of the saints there.

Then we rushed back to the Kirtland Temple visitor's center. We knew it was closing but we had a silent prayer that we might still be able to have a tour. To our delight we were offered a personal tour of the temple. We especially loved the sheet of rain that descended as we were looking out the windows toward the temple, and singing "The Spirit of God" in the temple. It is remarkable that the saints were able to build it by consecrating so much time, money, and work together. 

That evening we stayed in Kirtland. The kids picked up dinner while I hosted a JustServe Meeting online. 

The next day we drove to Niagara Falls and then Palmyra, NY. God's creations are majestic and beautiful! 

My prayers in Palmyra were answered when the sunshine pushed through the cloudy skies so we could experience the Sacred Grove in all it's beauty. We also got to see the Joseph Smith home where the angel, Moroni would have visited him. We drove past the Palmyra Temple (the dedication was one of my first dates with Matthew). We finished at the Hill Cumorah.

In the evening we drove to JFK Airport to pick up Eve. Matt's flight was cancelled and so he caught an overnight flight, an Uber into town and met us the next morning in NYC. We enjoyed Central Park, Times Square, the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, good food, the financial district, and the 9/11 monument, which sadly was closed for tours by the time we got there. 

There was more to see than we could fit into one day but it gave us a nice sampling of the city. That night we drove to our hotel in Pennsylvania.

On Saturday, June 21st we drove to Chantilly, VA where we celebrated Elijah's wedding and met up with the Smith family.

Sunday, the 22nd we drove to Kill Devil Hills (Outer Banks), North Carolina. There Matthew reserved an 11 bedroom rental property for the Smith Reunion. Activities included: enjoying the beach, boogie boarding, sand castle contests, swimming, a kite making contest, reunion hats, volleyball, cousin bonding, a bake off (a spin off the Great British Bake Off), visiting Kitty Hawk (the Wright Brothers' first flight monument), a Rook tournament, jet skiing, flying kites, and plenty of yummy food!

We had a lovely time!

Matt and I are happy to report that we are the Smith Rook Tournament Champions this year! Eve and Carson were playing very well, but we had an amazing final hand.

The Smith reunion ended on Thursday morning.

That day, June 26th, we cleared out of the rental home and then took Eve to the airport. We then drove to Bowling Green, KY to stay with Michael and Taralie's family overnight, on our way back west.

On Friday, the 27th we drove to St. Louis, visited the St Louis Arch ...

and then met up with the Owens. The Eddingtons also came up from Mississippi and we had a lovely time playing games, catching up, shooting targets, and enjoying the beautiful view of the river from the cabin we stayed in. We love the Owens and Eddingtons!

On Sunday, the 29th we drove to Colorado to stay with my parents for a few days. 

Monday, June 30th, Matt had to fly out to work the next morning (He started a new job- actually a new role with his previous employer- JB Sanfilippo and Son. We have definitely seen the hand of the Lord in our lives lately!) We appreciate all that Matt does to provide so that we can live such wonderful lives! Matt also decided to cut his hair. It went along well with his new start in a fantastic job opportunity!

On this Monday we had a mini Murray Reunion. We went to Broadmoor Falls and enjoyed the lovely views and time to catch up. Then we went to Catherine's home for dinner, games, and a few fireworks. It was fun to see them all settled in their new home.

On Tuesday, July 1st, I drove Sheri and Christian to the Royal Gorge where they were meeting up with our ward for a high adventure camp. They were able to rock climb, repel, and river raft.

 They were able to have devotionals and enjoy camping with other great youth. I am tremendously grateful to our ward leadership, especially Bishop Hendricks for all the time, effort, and love he gives to our youth!

I enjoyed time with my family until it was time to pick up the kids and some of the other youth on Friday, July 4th . We then drove back to Amarillo, TX where Matt was at as well and we had a neighborhood BBQ and fireworks (More on that in my next post). Sheri drove to Childress (another 2 hours) to spend time with the Keys.

By the way, this is what my gardens look like after traveling for a month. Ha ha!

Also, here is our first crop of nectarines which grew on our trees this year. :)

While Eve has been in Montana she has been stream monitoring, collecting bugs that help control invasive species, and spotting wildlife.

She also had the opportunity to go paddleboarding with a friend,

and care for a baby goat that was born to a mama on her way to be slaughtered. :(

What a beautiful summer she is having!

Sterling is doing well in Brazil. He has enjoyed his time with Elder Miller.

They went fishing and used a rock as a weight. I guess it was enough to catch this puffer fish. This was great entertainment for a P-day.

And now he has a new companion, Elder Luz Dos Santos.

They have been teaching Wellington and were happy when he chose to be baptized.

Sterling said goodbye to his mission president and met his new mission president and wife. Here they are giving him a gift for his birthday.

He is excited to learn from the new leadership.

He is also enjoying some beautiful hikes with waterfalls!

He also finds lots of critters. He has come across a macaw, lizards, many cats and dogs, and now a bat!

It is always an adventure for Elder Smith. Thankfully things have cooled down a lot there!

Life has been full of travel this month and we saw so many inspiring things! We realize that the Lord has generously blessed us! We appreciate the legacy of those who have gone before us, who have set us up for an abundant life. as well as current leaders who give so much time to serve us! We feel that God has been watching over us as we have had major changes in employment, as we've traveled, and spent time together and apart! He has heard and answered many prayers for us! We are SO grateful!!!