Goodbye Abi

We said goodbye to Abi this morning. She's off to the Mexico MTC for a few weeks and then to Panama in October if her visa comes. One last group pic at the airport.

Last night she said she's like for us to be in the cars around 6:20. I woke up around 5:15am. Lily and Sophi were already up getting ready for school. I went downstairs to see if Abi was awake. She was still in bed, but answered me when I called down the stairs. I told her to stay there while I took a pic of the "last sleepover" with Abi. 

Daniel and Peter joined Abi and Katharine on Tuesday night and loved the cool temps in the basement, so they joined them again last night. Lucky Abi to have 3 little friends sharing a bed with her, haha not really! She snuck away and got ready. Her bags were all packed from last night. Other kids got ready for school. We picked up DPK straight from the bed and carried them to the cars around 6:20. Teens will have another chance for a hug, but Abi got a few in the garage. 

Hyrum drove his car and dropped it off near Skyline, Lily followed him in the van, then picked him up. He drove the van with LSNO. Corey, Wes, Abi, DPK and I were in Corey's car. We got to the airport first to help Abi get checked in, but her luggage was in the van, so we didn't save any time. Mel and Christian slept over last night and followed in their car. Finally the van arrived with her luggage. Checking her baggage -

They had offered an early check in for baggage last night cause the flight this morning is overbooked. They said we could bring it between 6-9pm and they'd put it on an earlier flight and get it to Mexico. Corey took her luggage around 7:30 last night, but she stayed to visit with her siblings, and then he called us and said they wouldn't accept it without Abi and her passport, which we figured, so that didn't work. Corey said we could try to get it there for an 11pm flight, but instead of driving back out last night, we just figured we'd do it this morning. So now she runs a risk of the plane being full and her baggage arriving on a later flight/being a day behind her but she'll be ok.

\

Corey helping Abi check it in.

Then it was time to walk over to security. This is where we say goodbye!

Hugs and tears - 

It's always a tender moment. 

Last hugs were me and Corey, and he handed her a bag with some Paris Baguette treats in it (we weren't able to fit that "last" in last night) then we walked her over closer to the security check in walkway. 

Katharine is Abi's Peter, and Abi is Katharine's Wes. They are gonna miss each other. 

Corey came over and said bye again. We waved a few times as she walked away. 

Then Corey said "I guess I could have given her another hug..." and then he ran in to find her for one more embrazo, and the rest of us got ready to head to the cars. Katharine staring into the distance on the drive home, with her cute little fat lip from hitting it yesterday as she jumped on Abi's bed. In a daze and wondering what will life be like without her Abi??  

Haha she might just be tired. I was an early morning. Katharine has been sleeping with Abi at night for atleast two years. Most nights Kat is kind of a floater and she'll go sleep with different siblings or on our floor, but Abi's been her preferred bedmate and has definitely been a second mother to her. It's been so cute to see these two sisters love each other. We've been here before as a family, and we'll be here again. It's sad to say goodbye, but we know she'll be back home before we know it. Besides, Corey and I had it worse! We said goodbye for 3 1/2 years! This is just 18 months, easy peasy. 

Here is a little missionary compilation of goodbyes and returns - 

Goodbye to Joseph (June 2018) and home early with the covid worldwide shutdown March 2020.

Mel (Oct 2020) and return March 2022.

Ethan (Aug 2020) and return June 2022. 

Hyrum (Sept 2021) and return Aug 2023.

Wes (Jan 2024) and welcome home Dec 2025. 

After we got home, I saw that Abi had left some notes on our bed, I read them all, cause I can do what I want, and they were super sweet. I'll share here what she wrote to Corey and I, so it won't be lost in my box of physical notes and cards: "Mama y Papa - Hey Mom and Dad. I am terrifyed terrified? Sad to leave you guys and Katharine and everyone else, but mostly because I don't know what I'm doing whatsoever. I'm just hoping I do some good. Thank you for all you've invested in me financially and spiritually and educationally. I'm so thankful to have already some experience in Latin American and traveling solo. I'm gonna miss you guys the most. That moment in the temple today when we said a prayer together in the celestial room felt so personal and absolutely the most sacred experience I've had in the temple so far. I feel like I don't cry that often but I have a lot today and I've noticed it's almost always when someone is showing love or support toward me. I'm feeling all the feels. Te quiero mis padres. (heart) Hermana Wride"

Abi and I had talked about her giving Katharine a lego set (I have three that I bought in anticipation of school starting next week when it's just the two of us at home) and so I took the liberty of writing another note in Abi's behalf for her younger sister - I sent his pic to Abi, hoping it was ok for me to write this on her behalf:

"Mom got me this present for my birthday. I want you to open it! Take care of it while I'm gone and I'll play it with you when I come back! Love Hermana Wride" I put it on my bed with the notes she left for Mel and Christian, Ethan and Bella, and Wes and Hyrum (they get to be a couple).

I called to Peter and Katharine. I told them to clean one of their bedrooms, and then I had a surprise. They chose Katharine and Natalie's room cause it was less messy. They cleaned it up quick then followed me into my room. Peter read the note (most of it, he couldn't read my cursive).

Then they opened it, wow!!! 

They are excited.

And it kept them busy most of the day. I decided to give it to K now instead of Monday, so that Peter could help her build it (he'll be in school starting Monday). Ready to work on it in a clean area.

Having fun!

Showing me their progress after an hour - 

I took a short nap while they played, then spent the day doing dishes, cleaning the kitchen, and prepping dinner. Also on my new school schedule is to exercise in the afternoons after the kids get home. So I was ready for a ride when Lily got back at 3 and I was able to enjoy a lovely bike ride to the ruins. I listened to part 1 of Steven Sharp Nelson on Follow Him. It was really fun to listen to. The smell in the canyon was amazing again, it's been a little damp the past few days, and I was glad to get in a ride before we got an absolute downpour tonight. Corey got home for dinner at 6, then I took Daniel to soccer practice at 6:15. The coach said to stay close by in case a thunderstorm started, and it did at 7. I entered soccer games into the calendar on my phone while I waited. The rain came pretty quickly, a total downpour. There was a river coming down our street. The place where Daniel had practice, the Aspen Meadows Park, was flooded within 10 minutes. Corey said the skies were mourning Abi's departure "Sandy is weeping violently without Abigail Wride".  

Lily and Sophi have been doing great getting up on their own, Lily said "well, it's only the second day of school..." haha, yeah I know, but I think they're doing great. We had scriptures early and now it's 10 and we're all heading to bed. Since we got up so early today, NOPK all  fell asleep during scriptures. After some discussion about Job, Lily shared with us that she was on live television today via Fox 13 at some school supplies fundraiser thing, Corey shared this screen shot with the college kids. 

Hyrum "She must be a pretty big deal!" haha. Before I went on my ride, I got potatoes ready for dinner tonight. LSN and I have decided to each take a M-Th dinner night, tonight was Natalie and we did a potato bar. She did a great job getting the rest of it ready while I was on my ride. I hope we are able to take life up a notch this next year. Things will be a little more chill with "only" 7 kids at home. I won't have a car most days, and that's ok. Corey's taking carpool everyday, and tonight, as is part of my new schedule, is to get his Dr Alex approved veggie breakfast ready as we clean up dinner. I have a lot of alarms on my phone to remember all these routine things we're trying to do. 

HBD Hyrum, Temple & First Day of School

Today is Hyrum's Happy Birthday! It was a full and busy day too... First day of school for 4 our kids at home, LSNO, Hyrum was working, Corey too, we all went to the temple together this afternoon and then came here for cake and ice cream. We put allll the candles on Hyrum's cake. 

23 candles, so we really lit the cake on fire!

Then I asked if we should sing to Abi too, cause she'll be gone for her b-day next month. "I have to share my birthday?" Hyrum joked as I put a candle back on. 

Yes, let's sing again. 

Sorry you have to share your day Hyrum, but it's Abi's last, so she's been calling the shots today, trying to do every "last" thing she wanted to do during her last 24 hours in Utah. She goes to the airport tomorrow morning and flies out at 9:53, Delta flight 628. She for sure wanted to go out to eat at Aubergine, and we thought it would be fun for all the adults  that could come to join. We also thought it would be good to go do sealings at the temple, cause Abi hadn't done those yet. 

After texting back and forth with the Utah Wrides about what times everyone was available, we decided to go to the Draper Temple at 4 for sealings and then to Aubergine on 123rd south after that. We were all kinda running late and coming from different places, but that was ok cause sealings are more flexible that way. It was really great to do sealings together, to be in a quiet, beautiful sacred space surrounded by the people we love most. We went to the celesital room afterwards and Corey and I talked with Abi, gave her a group hug, a few tears flowing as all this was becoming "real" for her, and yeah, it was really great. Group photo afterwards - 

Natalie came a long with us and she was outside watching Alvie during the sealings. 

Corey's dad came out to meet up with us at Aubergine. 

It was a little noisy inside but it was good and fun. I can't remember what I ordered, if it was the vitality bowl or better earth bowl - whichever once has brussle sprouts (they were a little burnt/over toasted). Abi got the same as me, Wayne got the salmon plate, Hyrum got the chicken curry, Ethan ran to a different store to get something else for him and Bella. Natalie didn't want anything but she was ok to try brownie layers. 

She said they weren't sweet enough. I'm sorry, Natalie, but you might not be worthy of these. Alvie is though. He's been a clean eater since birth.

As we "went to the cars" we actually just stood in the doorway in people's way and kept talking - Wayne said he was going to head home. He gave Abi a hug and said he hopes he'll still be here when she gets back. 

We talked for a moment about that, cause Hyrum said he was not expecting it at all when JeNeal passed away while he was on his mission. It could happen, but we'll all go forward and trust in the Lord's care and providence. Subject turned to lighter topics as Ethan shared some of his woes with BYU's parking (their car recently got booted). Hyrum told about his experiences at BYUI getting parking tickets. We decided to move the conversation home - Abi, Natalie and I stopped for the bday cake at Smiths. I asked Hyrum what his favorites were, he didn't know, but he was trying to be healthy, so... Ok, so you want something that will not be tempting to you? How about playdough ice cream, cause that's gross but that will make your younger siblings happy? "I actually like playdough..." oh, ok, well then do you want me to get that cause you like it? We went back and forth, he then said I could just decide. I chose a German Chocolate cake and chocolate cookie crumble ice cream. We sang happy b-day and sliced and dished it all out. Then we all kept talking. Ethan and Hyrum trying to once again establish who are the OGs in the family. 

Abi and Lily trying to fight for their place, Sophi didn't vie for anything and recognizes she doesn't make the cut. 

It was funny - I recorded their conversation for a few minutes, then also of Ethan giving Abi advice before they left... "Everything from here on out just sucks. You're not a kid anymore." Something like that, haha. 

"Don't think you can quit and come home to get away from hard things, cause it still sucks here!" Thoughts of his car getting booted fresh on his mind! He also printed up a hard copy of The Baton to give to her, with a nice cover and spiral binding. Super thoughtful. I think she'll make it if she looks to Christ, strives to endure, and follows the advice of these strong examples who've gone before her. 

She gave Alvie an extra hug - he'll be so big when she gets home! Abi is going to miss Alvie! While they were visiting, Corey took Abi's bags to the airport to try and check them in on an earlier flight, which was something the travel dept asked the missionaries to do if they could cause the flight tomorrow is overbooked. They wouldn't take them without Abi there and her passport, so Corey came home. We wanted her to be able to visit with her siblings though, so it's fine. We debated meeting Corey half way and trying again, but instead Abi needed to go by and see Tara, drop off her storage there (Abi doesn't trust her belongings to be safe here!) and they had their last goodbye for a few minutes. 

Abi asked if we could also go see Jenna, who had gotten her wisdom teeth out today, but she lives downtown, and it was late, and she was supposed to be in bed at 10:30, and we all gotta get up early, so I vetoed that idea. Back at home, I'm going to bed now, the girls are having a last late night talk - 

Katharine fell asleep on Abi's lap. We took a pic of her on Abi's phone, I'll get it later. The moment is almost here, so you kids in the morning!

Oh, yeah, two more pics - first day of school for Skyline and Churchill. The girls talking this morning -

Owen up and ready to begin junior high! 

Natalie and Owen did a back to school pic for me.

Then time for carpool - Corey will be taking it almost every morning this year, MWThF. Owen and his friend Oscar.

I really tried to persuade everyone to avoid this - we don't have to drive out there! The kids can go to Albion and Brighton and ride the bus! But no one listened to me. So now I don't have the van ever cause Lily has to drive out there, but Corey and I will both go to the temple on Tuesday mornings and I'll have his car on Tuesdays for any errands. Corey also sent me a news article this morning, a Deseret News Opinion, by Sabin Howard, saying that he is searching for a new home for his monument the Grand Liberty Arch. I just looked up some news and found this one on KSL. I'm a little sad, but maybe they could still find a place in Utah? Or wherever it ends up, I know they will find a good home for it.

Wall Lake

Today we went up into the Uintah mountains and to Wall Lake. This is my first time ever going up here, which is sad. Corey said this is his childhood up here. The kids have all been up here too - they came up in 2018 (I was pregnant and stayed home with 2 year old Daniel and 3 year old Owen) and again to Wall Lake in 2020 (I stayed home with baby Peter). So it is really beautiful up here, wow! We drove along the Mirror Lake Scenic Byway (also my first time ever) along State Route 150. It is a 42-mile mountain road in Utah starting in Kamas and climbing to 10,715 feet at Bald Mountain Pass. We didn't make it that far, we turned off and went to the Crystal Lake Trailhead. 

I never knew these places existed. I mean I guess I did, cause I blogged about Corey and the kids all coming here, but I guess it was just words to me... but now I see and know that this is a real place, and again - wow. I want to come up here again. Who knew!?!? So everyone took off on the trail between Ponds Lake and Lily Lake, I went with Katharine. She and I caught up to Lily, then there was a lady who had tripped and sprained her ankle, Lily went back to try and find her husband, Kat and I stayed with her, her husband came, Lily didn't, then Kat and I kept walking. I had no idea if I was going the right way. The trial was well defined, but this was my first time, so I didn't really know. She and I walked for 40 minutes before we saw anyone we knew. Mel and Christian had been 25 min behind us at the hotel and they brought Sophi and Natalie. We saw Sophi and Natalie coming on the trail, then Corey and Lily, who stayed to wait for Mel and Christian. I felt great relief cause I was starting to feel a little anxiety that we weren't at the lake yet, but we got there soon after (Corey carried Kat on his shoulders). Ethan, Bella, Alvie, Hyrum, Wes, Seth, Owen and Daniel were all in the water and having fun. 

So that is the cliff! I saw Owen take his first jump in. I held Alvie for a while with Ethan and Bella jumped in. 

When Bella got back to watch Alvie, I got in the water and swam over. I was wearing my leggings and a swimshirt over my clothes, so it was a little heavy I guess. I got out and attempted to get up high where everyone was jumping from, but I had to actually rock climb, and maybe it's cause I am short and couldn't reach, or cause I haven't been to Momentum for months, or maybe it was trying to climb it barefoot aka with my poor toes trying to hold me, made me chicken out - I didn't want to risk it, so I dove in from the really low spot and swam across the bottom width of the lake, W to E, then back E to W. Corey and I got swimming at the rec center every week, but swimming in a real mountain lake is different. The water isn't clear or still, I kinda felt sick. I was contemplating my decision as I tried to swim, then my foot hit a rock and I saw that I had made it across. I sat on a rock, caught my breath, then swam back. As I was getting close (I'm the head in the water in the pic below) Daniel took his first jump off the high cliff! See his little figure there with his arms out wide -

His take away after his jump was that it really hurts your arms! Yeah, you're supposed to keep those tucked in. He did great, I was way impressed. Bella took that pic as they headed out. E&B left with Alvie, Owen and Seth. CUTE ALVIE!

We had dinner again tonight, Mel and Christian have planned for pizza tonight, so it was time to head back and get that going (they had the dough ready, just need to roll them out). I can't remember who handed me this towel or who brought it, but thank you. You saved me.  

Time to go back. Peter moped by a tree for a bit and cried "...but I didn't even get to do anything!" Well, you didn't want to get in the water, and that's all that we were doing here, but that's ok. 

We picked up our stuff and counted heads.

Let's head back to the cars. 

I was cold but figured I'd be dry and warm by the time we got back. Nope! I was dry-er but not dry yet. The warm car felt wonderful. Everyone else felt hot, so on the drive back to park City, I put the AC on for people in the back, and I put it on high heat for me the whole drive. I know know a good way to survive in Corey's hot car! Just go into a restroom and drench your shirt. 

Back at the room, I took a warm shower, everyone else kicked into "get dinner ready" mode and did an amazing job getting dinner ready. 

Christian serving up hot pizzas for everyone with his portable pizza oven. 

The older kids were all so great to be in charge of dinners for us this week! 

People are out hot tubbing now, I'm done with water today but I'll prob go watch them. Last night/this morning, I stayed up too late, catching up on the blog. I finished July and documenting our trip to Newport, yay. I took a nap yesterday so even though I was up late, I've been ok today. Yesterday and this morning I played a lot of Flip 7 with the boys. Peter didn't like it the first two days but he likes it now and is handling it better when he loses a round. We've also done the Park City Summer puzzle over and over again. Last night Mark served up brownies and ice cream. Kids were happy with that. 

Corey and I took a morning ride yesterday but didn't ride today. We'll go again tomorrow. Yesterday we went up Mother Urban and Tommy's Two Step, then down Silver Queen. From Mother Urban, we were able to see the Judge Mine! (Hi Grandpa!) 

As we were finishing our climb yesterday, I recognized the area and I have finally found the trail that I first rode on as we came down after the bike haul in 2020. It is Tommy's Two Step! Now it's an uphill only, but it is the one! I've been looking for it, cause I remember it and remember how I was freaked out on it that first time biking down hill - the hill felt so steep! and the corners were so tight!! It was totally good yesterday and I'm glad I finally found it. Back at the room, K took a few pictures of me eating my breakfast salad. They were not flattering, so I shall not share them. I didn't have veggies today cause I was stuffed from over eating last night (Mark served up chicken and ravioli). Yesterday K tried taking a few selfies but kept taking pics of her hand, it was cute. She gave up and wanted me to take a photo of her. Here is that photo - in portrait mode

She's our princess.