Road Trip

My parents had asked me if I wanted to hop in to their car and head to my brother's house for his sons baptism.  I totally did and totally didn't.  I had not seen Taylor's kids or my brother and sisters for a few years, but for some reason the thought of the trip was making me really nervous.  I would get panicky at night thinking about it.  Twice my mom called to say they might not be able to go and both times I was thinking, good we aren't supposed to be on the road.  In the end it was a really really great time and I was so glad we had done it. Wednesday Leah had a game in the same town my parents are in.  It was also Levi's birthday.  We all drove out to the game.  Dave did a temple session then met us there.  She played ball and we then had a birthday dinner at Cannon and Nicole's.  My family went home after and I stayed at my parents' house.  We left early Thursday morning and drove all day.  My mom had an Uncle Glendon in Ogden that we stayed with that night.  Sidenote: I got to watch part of the NBA finals at their house.  Whoot whoot!! Friday they made us a lovely breakfast and had a wonderful chat. Then we continues to Salt Lake.  Taylor had his kids Friday and Brody got out of school early afternoon.  We met at a park and colored, snacked, and threw a ball for a few hours and then checked into the hotel so the kids could swim.

Kita had booked hotels for up through an app that she got a great deal.  We were all surprised one night to find out that my moms handicapped room was free. Natalie, Kita and I stayed in one room and my parents another.  Brock and Star came up from each of their houses to spend some time with us that night as well.  We grabbed dinner and chatted at the hotel until Tay needed to take his kids back.  Before bed my sisters did a little late night yoga.  And Kita had a cute purse she gave us.

Saturday Taylor wanted to be nice and early to get changed for the baptism.  As we waited for Brody to arrive, Natalie got a little last minute primping done and we took what Cora calls a brick pick.

Don't these boys look handsome.  I loved Brody's suit.

Such cute kids.  Taylor did an excellent job.  It was a really nice baptism.

After the baptism and a few pictures we went and got some lunch then off to watch Brody's flag football game.  I have no idea who won, but they seemed to have fun. 

The rest of the afternoon was just my siblings and parents.  We missed having Cannon with us.  We did some shopping, napping, ice cream eating.  There was a lady sitting next to Kita at the game that was talking loudly about an ice cream place she wanted to visit after the game.  She gave her friend instruction on how to get there.  Kita took mental notes and we went as well.  Haha, it did not disappoint. Some times eavesdropping is a good thing. A take away dinner and more talking, staying up late and having a blast.  Finally off to bed.  Sunday we pick a church near by and then met back up with Taylor and headed down to Provo to have dinner with Mckay and Josie.  They had kindly invited us to eat on their anniversary.  It had been my parents anniversary the day before and Taylor got a cake for us all to celebrate. Josie made us some delicious enchiladas, we saw their baby room.  Brock and Star joined us also.  After dinner we went and saw Star's house to see where she lived.  Natalie and Kita had had breakfast with Brock and then they headed back to Boise.

We dropped Taylor back off and headed back up to Ogden to get a jump start on the next days drive.  Monday was the long drive home.  I had a wonderful time with my parents.  It was so good to see my siblings and Taylor's kids.  I am really glad that I was able to go.  My own kids and Dave did very well cooking and cleaning as I was away.  It was a wonderful little holiday and we made it back safe and sound.

Sports Wrap Up

Last week Blake had Track and Field.  He entered the discus, javelin and 400m.  Just the day before they changed him from the 400m to the shot put.  He had practiced the javelin and discus a lot.  A LOT! And it payed off.  He ended up getting second in discus and qualified for zones.  Tuesday we headed off early in the morning.  It was a long drive.  Blake was nervous, especially when he saw the big boys he was up against.  He threw a personal best and made it into the top 8.  His next 3 throws were not great, stepped out the front once, out of bounds once, and he was disappointed.  In the end he tied for 4th place.  They can't have a tie so they look at the second farthest throws and he had missed it my 2 cm.  Taking home 5th.  I still thought this was great for our little school competing in zones, but he was not happy with his personal results.

It was a long day for one event.  We got groceries and headed home.  I had just returned from Utah the night before and really enjoyed spending the one on one time with Blake.  We had some good talks and laughs.


Wednesday I got to spend the whole day with Leah.  My house was not getting cleaned or laundry done or bread made, but I really had a great time these two days as I had just returned, to catch up with my kids.  Leah and I had some deep heartfelt conversations.  This girl is going places.  It was their league finals for softball.  They lost the first game by 2 which put them to the B side.  By the end of the tournament they were so glad they had lost the first game.  The A side had some tough teams and it would have been a short day.  They won all the rest of their games, one in overtime (extra inning? not sure what you call it).  I had no idea that softball could be intense. They ended with 5th in the league.  Not to shabby at all. And the rest of the games were just fun to play.  It was a good day.  Picture of all the Grade 11 players below, photo bombed by their coach Mr. Monts. :)

For randomly deciding to pick up this sport after the season started, Leah did pretty good.  She worked hard each practice and learned a ton.  The girls were all so patient and helpful and the coaches were amazing.  She loved being on a team that was there for the love of the sport and kind to each other, with out any drama.  They supported and encouraged one other.  As a team should.

Leah is looking forward to next year already.

Things are wrapping up as school comes to a close.  Leah has one week left until exams, Blake has 3 weeks.  Weather is beautiful, we need rain. Leah is enjoying her job, but still wishes she could get more than a few days notice for work schedule.  She has been invited to many beach parties after work by boys at the park.  She thinks it is funny.