Dedicated Friends

Hello, it was a good Sunday. I didn't do the RS newsletter, I gotta crank that out tomorrow. For the sacrament meeting talks today, the young women talked about their rafting camp trip. Abi spoke and mentioned the River Wild 1994 movie which was kinda funny. At home I took a nap and didn't help with dinner. Thankfully the girls filled in for me: Abi made rice and brownies, Mel made chicken, Then Corey made tapioca and Lily made chocolate pudding, so it was our typical dinner of some normal food and lots of desserts. I think we have too many desserts around here. 

Then we had some friends come over - the Dahls! At the reception in Idaho on Friday night, we were quite surprised to when they showed up! They were on their way from Washington to Utah to take their kids to FSY and so since they could be in the area, they arranged it to swung by our reception on the way, so that was really great. That's loyal friend dedication - an 8 hour drive! They win, cause we only drove 5. They stayed for all the dancing and then slept over with family that lives in Boise. We told them to come by our house while they were in town, and today they did. We shared dinner and visited and The House came up and we shared with them, which they hadn't seen before. 

 

We sent them off with recommendations of the sequel episodes which should be released online soon. 

Abi just told me the visits was awful, cause their son Micah (orange shirt) is Abi's age, and at the reception Corey kept bugging him to dance with her, and they were all flirty with each other there, but then tonight Abi was just tired so she feels like she was quiet and weird and she said it was awkward tonight. Well, it can't be magical all the time (last pic) ha. I think they do make a cute couple though. Corey thinks we'll try to bring back arranged marriages in a few years when she's on the market. 

Wedding Wrap-up

We are back from a wonderful wedding weekend. Everything was amazing and worked out perfectly. The only thing that sucked was the 5+ hour drive to and from Eagle Idaho in our Honda Pilot, not because I think 5 hours is a long drive, it's not... It was just because the car we were in does not have a working air conditioner. And for that reason, the drive up and back was horrible, but we knew it was going to be, so it's ok. For everyone who traveled in a cars with AC, it was fine. 

I shall now try to recall a few events and traveling logistics of the weekend that I did not document yet. So, for the drive up, and knowing that our car did not have air conditioner, we decided to have mercy on most of our children and have them ride up with anyone else that we could. On the drive up the drivers and their cars are in bold, followed by their passengers:

• Joseph w/Sophi and Peter
• Wayne with Hyrum, Owen, and Daniel
• Ethan with Bella, Mel, Abi, and Lily
• Corey w/Tiffanie, Natalie, and Katharine

We all left at different times. Ethan and Bella came here to pick up people, Hyrum took Mel's car over to Wayne's and then he and OD drove up with him. Corey took the van to it's windshield appointment while I addressed then dropped off a few more invites at the post office, per Joseph's request, then returned books to the library on my way to pick up Corey at Busy Bee Windshield. Joseph left at about the same time we did, with Sophi and Peter. But right after they left, like 25-30 min into the drive, so about to get to downtown, Joseph realized he forgot the tenor saxophone! Corey had thought of reminding Joseph, but dismissed the thought, so too bad for Joseph cause he forgot it. He went back home, and also really needed an oil change, so they went by Grease Monkey for an oil change and Joseph paid Sophi and Peter for their patience by giving them Costa Vida. So they were over an hour in and still hadn't left. ha. Our drive up was hot, and the car's transmission overheated one time, so we stopped to let it cool down. We were lucky to find a small side town overpass that we were able to hide under in the shade without any cars coming by. As we were close to the end of our drive, and after having the sun burning down on his left arm for hours, Corey said "Some things make you stronger. some things just age you..." We got to Idaho at 5:40 (1 hour time difference) and Eliza's mom had dinner ready for everyone at their house. I didn't stay to eat, but went with Amanda and some of her friends and family to go get things ready at the place where the reception was going to be. It was a beautiful space!

One of the cousins (?) drove me to Costco and we loaded up on stuff to put in the fridge of some things we needed for the next day - clear plastic cups, stuff to make extra salad if needed, and lots of grapes. And we got lemons and ice for ice water, but then there wasn't a place to keep the ice at the clubhouse, but one of the friends had space where they could put it in their house, so we sent then off with 4 huge bags of ice. Then we cut up the grapes and got them all ready to serve up for the lunch the next day. We left the kids at the Steven's house, kids had fun playing in their pool and looking at their cows. Corey followed directions to me on life 360 to arrive at the clubhouse, and he got the tv set up for the program at the lunch.

Everyone helped out so much. Neil's wife Amy, picked up muffins and fruit from Costco so we'd have a quick grab and go breakfast on Friday morning. And the wedding day was a blur but wonderful and everything fell into place perfectly. We danced the night away, then sent Joseph and Eliza off, and then we all cleaned up. We went to bed late but somehow had enough energy to go on a bike ride this morning with Eliza's parents and one other guy, I can't remember who he was, some nephew I think.

Sun in my eyes.

We rode around the Eagle Bike Park for an hour, got in 7.4 miles, so that was fun. We had picked them up, so we took them back to their house then hurried back to the Airbnb. The Hibberts had taken care of the kids, and they were glad to have some cousin time too. Daniel found a frog. 

They had everything cleaned up already and Corey took a very quick shower and we headed out! But we'd left K's carseat at the Stevens, doh, so we went by there to get that first, ok now we're going. The night before I had packed up a lot of the stuff we brought for the wedding, and Wayne left like at 4 am this morning cause he was going down to Cedar City with Nancy for a wedding of a nephew. He took Mel and Hyrum with him to help drive, Mel to give Wayne another extra driver and cause we needed the space, and Hyrum cause he needed to get back in Provo at 10 to catch an FSY bus to Arizona. Ethan and Bella stayed Bella's mom's house, she lives in Boise. Lily and Sophi went back with my parents. And for us, Abi came with us to drive, I sat in the back to help keep little kids happy with snacks. K eating a graham cracker and Natalie doing sudoku.

We (CTANODPK) once again survived 5+ hours in a hot car without AC, trying to catch up with everyone else. 

Corey was in the front passenger side, which was the sunny side. I switched a few times to be in the shade, or let Natalie be in the shade and then put up a blanket or sweatshirt to try to hide myself. Lots of hot wind.

Kids trying to be comfortable.

K was pretty sad a few times and we'd let her get out of her carseat for a break, and tell Abi to drive extra carefully. Also, as we drove, we remembered when Corey and the kids all did this two years ago in July 2022.  I didn't live through the experience that time (and that was also like 8 hours cause the were coming from McCall) Anyway, that got us thinking about rafting, and also on my hike this past week, Jill mentioned they they just watched the River Wild, so we all watched that tonight as part of our wedding weekend unwinding. Kids all being affectionate afterwards cause they don't want to lose their lives to a murderer on the river.

Getting ahead of myself... we went by and picked up the van on our way, the kids were excited to be in a car with AC and Corey drove his car the rest of the way home. Mel also had dinner ready when we got home. 

Now it's 10 pm and I think we're ready to crash hard, but glad I got all that down! Goodnight

Joseph and Eliza ~ est. 2024

Happy Wedding day to these two love birds!

I'm just going to give a quick recap of the day, might come back later to add more details. We left the Airbnb a little later than planned, and Corey took us to the Meridian Idaho Temple, then he went and hurried to drop off his car at Christian's Auto Repair nearby cause his car needs a new battery. We were grateful it started for us this morning. On our way with some kids - glad it didn't feel hot yet at 8am. 

At the temple - boys huddling around cousin Isaac and his phone ~

Girls all pretty in pink. 

We waited for Corey to get back, and Ethan and Bella (who followed Corey to the car shop and to bring him back after dropping it off) so we were a little later than the requested 8:30 arrival time, but it was ok - we still had time to spare in the marriage waiting room before the 9am sealing. The sealing was beautiful. I don't remember things that were said, but I do remember that Joseph and Eliza were staring each other down gazing into each others' eyes during the sealing ordinance. I can't look at someone that long without having to break it up every few seconds with a glance away, so they must REALLY be in love! Everyone waiting outside to receive the bride and groom ~

Peter can stare people down like Joseph and Eliza did to each other. Peter was having staring contests with everyone while we waited for our turn for pictures. He beat Uncle Jared solidly...

Uncle Neil was no contest... Peter telling him the rules "no cheating..." (Uncle Jared clapped to make Peter blink)

He beat cousin Mikey... (Mikey did have the wind blowing in his face)

And then Ethan took him on. Ethan was the only one who beat him, but it left him with his contacts all dried out! Ethan was grunting and screaming "How are you so good at this!?!? Ughh! I'm NOT going to lose to you!"

Almost time for photos for Wrides and Hibberts.

The pictures taken by the photographer will be better than what I got on my phone, but here's one of Joseph and Eliza with the Wride sisters - 

Then it was off to the luncheon. We hurried over to slice up lemons and get ice water ready. The caterer was there with the food, but the building was locked. We chatted for a few minutes and then Amanda had the keys and she was still doing pics at the temple, but she showed up soon enough. The caterer set all the food up for us, it looked amazing. Wes called while we were waiting for J & E, he had a question for his endoscopy and forgot that today was wedding day, so that was a fun surprise for him to be with us for a moment. Wes saying hi to Peter. 

We waited for a while for Joseph and Eliza to come. It seemed like everyone was really ready to eat when they finally did. 

We did very brief introductions and then we went one table at a time to eat. I really liked Whatever Works Catering. They brought in all the food, set it up on burners, lit the burners, and yeah there was a ton of food, it was great. On the lunch menu was:

• Entrees: Lemon chicken split with artichoke pesto pasta
• Sides: rice pilaf and rolls
• Salads: spinach bacon split with strawberry gouda
• Plus a fruit platter
• Desserts: brownies and cookies

Everything that was vegetarian or gluten free was labeled. I had bought 8 extra things of grapes last night at Costco, and those were well used, we didn't need the extra salads I got, we did use one of the rolls. Plates, napkins, and utensils were all provided by the caterer, we ended up being short a few plates (note to self - some kids probably took another plate on their second helping?) We brought cups and had lemon water and ice water in dispensers that I borrowed from my neighbor Barbara. So yeah, then we all ate and people gave speeches: Corey, Scott, Grandparents, and Joseph's best friends Scotty and Talmage, and also Eliza's friend Eliza. And Ethan spoke for a moment to represent the siblings. Eliza's dad's mom's mom stood and shared this Robert Browning quote which I've heard before, but a different line really stood out to me today - 

Grow old along with me! 

The best is yet to be, 

the last of life, 

for which the first was made. 

Our times are in his hand 

who saith, 'A whole I planned, 

youth shows but half; 

Trust God: See all, nor be afraid!

The last of life is what it's about! And the last of life is what the first was made for! Joseph and Eliza are just at the beginning the real part of life - exciting! Being young is fun tho, and I'm glad to believe that when we are resurrected we will be at the prime of our life. And as for babies and small children, I kinda feel like a huge part of those sweet and wonderful years when they are little are just a blessing for us, their parents, to enjoy, cause they don't remember any of it. (Babies are magic!) Eliza sang a song "Georgia" but changed the lyrics to say "Joseph" and "him", it was really beautiful. Joseph played a number on the saxophone, and that was the first time Eliza has ever heart him play!

After the lunch, we cleaned up food, moved around tables and chairs a bit (to make room for dancing at the reception) 

I think Katharine had the right idea... it's time for a nap!

Kids at the dessert bar, yum!

I'm taking notes for when we have the open house in Salt Lake next month... (Amanda let me borrow the cute signs she had made)

Joseph and Eliza cutting the cake, and shoving it in! (They didn't let it get too messy)

A highlight of the evening was when the Dahls showed up! They are our dear friends and they drove 7 hours to celebrate with us! They win!

They are on their way to Salt Lake to drop some kids off at FSY, so they worked it out with their schedule to be able to come, but we just thought that was so cool. We love the Dahls! Two visits with them in the same year, we're so lucky! After the cake, they did the "first dance" as husband and wife. I can't remember what song it was.

Wes called during that too (more endoscopy stuff), so lucky him to be able to experience the wedding with us!

Does he look sad? He's ok. I missed two weddings when I was on my mission too. He'll be ok. Then Eliza danced with her dad and I danced with Joseph, we danced to Stand by Me. Then the real dance party started. It was really fun. We tried to prepare better this time, so we had Napoleon Dynamite read, and also did a fair share of practicing a few Just Dance songs: Dynamite, YMCA, and That's What Makes You Beautiful. Of course Runaway was also a blast, here's a video that my mom took of it via Marco Polo for my siblings, I took a screen recording of it. It was really fun, we danced the whole time, it was a major party. We all sent off the newlyweds before sunset, and then cleaned up the clubhouse. Bella, Natalie, and Katharine playing.  

We sent kids back to the Airbnb in different shifts, Abi went back to the Stevens to swim, MALS all slept at Bella's house again, Corey and I had NODPK with us at the Airbnb along with Neil's family and my parents. We made it to back to the Airbnb by 11, Corey went straight to bed so he can make it on the ride tomorrow morning, I packed a bit so H and Mel can take stuff when they leave with Wayne at 4am tomorrow morning. We are getting up at 6 to leave at 6:30 to meet the Stevens at 7 for a bike ride. And now I'm finally done blogging this wonderful day (a week later!) I just had an outline and pictures to help me remember things, and I think we caught it all. It was a wonderful day and it all went perfectly! Eliza's parents did an amazing job. 

Before We Go

We are getting our last few things ready before we leave for Idaho tomorrow. We have been practicing our dance moves so we're ready for the dance party at the reception on Friday night. 

We've got a few Just Dance videos that we love, especially "That's what makes you beautiful!!" 

So dance moves - check!

We finished up clothes for everyone. I found a shirt and skirt for myself today ~

And a bowtie for Peter - getting all the outfits together, then I packed up all the boys things with ours. 

We've gathered stuff we are taking into the corner of the side room: the Bose and stuff for the music at the lunch, and our chaffing dishes, bowls, pizza pans (we're going to pick up some pizza for the lunch too, to stretch the luncheon in case we need it). Etc etc. I'm sure we'll forget something, but I'm also sure we'll take more than we'll use. It's fun having the kids home. Mel and Ethan playing chess this morning. 

Corey and took a ride up the Quarry trail with Joseph and his friend Harrison this morning - Joseph's last ride as a single man. We keep our bikes in basement, we moved them down there after Corey's got stolen from the garage, so we got to see Ethan and Hyrum sharing the blow up mattress as we took our bikes out. 

Kinda funny, I'm sure they both wish the other wasn't there. Ethan would rather sleep with his wife, and Hyrum would rather sleep alone. So we met with Harrison at the trailhead and road up to the ruins. 

We did Techy and Techgnar on the way down. Joseph's bike doesn't have rear shocks, so I'm sure that's part of why he said "This sucks" on Techy, haha. I got 1st rock pile of Techy, not the second one, and I did the sticks in Techgnar. 9.08 miles, 1 hour 26 minutes. I can still do 4 chin ups, trying to keep my strength even though we aren't climbing. 

So other things we had going on this last day before the wedding weekend - violin for Sophi and Natalie, a temple appointment for sealings with our ward (we probably over booked ourselves this week?) And we also had a windshield repair appointment for the van. On Monday, when I went out to the car, the windshield was totally busted. Is like a kid hit it with a shovel or a tennis racquet? Would a racquet break it? Did the throw a rock? Abi said she noticed it on Sunday evening when she took the car, and she assumed I knew about it, I thought maybe something happened when she was out with some of the neighbor kids at the walkabout. Well, so we don't know how it happened, but we knew we couldn't drive it up to Idaho like that. So we had an appointment today and unfortunately the people who repaired it last time (argh Safelite!) did not do it properly and so a part is missing, and so we have to bring it back tomorrow. It is probably going to be done around 1:30, but we are hoping to leave at 10. Thus, it is NOT doing to be done before we go, so that's too bad, cause that means I'm gonna be stuck in Corey's car which doesn't have AC. I'm sure people have had more challenging trials, so I shall suck it up.

3 Stitches

So around 1:30 today, Katharine and I were with the other kids in the kitchen, K and I were sitting on the white kitchen bench, we were both facing away from the table, and then Katharine went to get off, and somehow her feet missed the ground and she swung her face straight into the floor. It was a major faceplant - I was right next to her, scooped her up, and there was blood. Ok kids, I'll see you later, K and I are off to the hospital... 

Her lip was all swollen. We went to the Altaview Instacare. I carefully wiped her clean while we waited and she was in a pleasant mood. I kept her busy by looking at pictures of her lip. She can still say "cheese!" 

We were taken in, she would need stitches, hooray! Just in time for wedding photos on Friday! Ha, just kidding, I don't care about this "ruining" photos, it doesn't matter. They put some numbing gel on her lip, and this was the worst part. She did not like having this bandaid on her lip and covering her nostrils. I had to help her resist rubbing it.

I'm sorry baby girl. We watched Bluey on my phone. I let Corey know what was going on, and he wanted to be there for Katharine, and soon showed up with an ice cream Snickers bar. 

She liked that, other than it was a little hard to bite.

Katharine saying "cheese" with a messy bandaid ice cream face.

More Bluey, I think the numbing gel is almost done. 

Abi needed the car, so I hurried home to get her, she drove me back to the hospital, and when I got back, they were done! K had three stitches. 

Corey said she did great and held very still, and also that it was really cute seeing her little eyes looking up at him for guidance when the doctor came in and she had to lay down and he was going to touch her face. That's what "become as a little child" means - trusting your Father. Corey took us home, and he went back to work. I just rocked her in the chair and we took selfies and talked about owies, blood, lips, doctors, etc...

Then she fell asleep. That was a lot of excitement for a two year old. I love this little girl. 

Asleep with a balloon they gave her at the hospital.

Other than that it was a pretty routine day - I took a pic of Katharine and Natalie sleeping before all the excitement of the day. K sleeping in her swimsuit.

Corey and I took a ride in Corner Canyon today, yesterday we did the Quarry trail. We're getting pretty good, I think our kids would be impressed if they saw what we did. I showed this video of Ginny MacColl to my mom yesterday. Ginny did her first pull up at 63 and is 72 today and flying around ninja warrior courses. So cool. That's going to be me at 70! I also went on a hike up to Twin Lakes Reservoir with some ladies in the neighborhood. We drove up the canyon in Jill's jeep. Windy, but fun!

The hike was 3 miles. 

I was feeling a little adventurous and tried climbing up some boulders and on old wood stump and did a headstand on the sand by the shore.

Then we went to the cabin of one of our neighbors, it was a really fun cabin! Small but beautiful. Wesley called when I was on my way down, calling for his birthday, yay. He's 19 years old, happy birthday Wes! His email yesterday didn't mention much about any plans, but he said it was a good day, even though it was mostly be just a regular missionary day. I ordered him something online a week or so ago that he requested, but just had it shipped straight there, so that's not very personal I know, but it was something. And we have a full house tonight. We've got Joe, Ethan and Hyrum all here before we go up to Idaho on Thursday for the wedding. 

Ethan shared one of his MTC lessons with the kids tonight, it was really good. He's a gifted teacher like Corey.