Reunion # 2

 We enjoyed spending the last half of our vacation down south with Paul's family.  We did so many fun things and had so many firsts.  Audrey went on a zip line for the very first time, fell of the tube for the first time, and met Paul's cousins and Aunts and Uncles for the first time.  

Going on the zip line and ropes course was amazing.  The guide asked Audrey if she wanted to go on her own or with him and she bravely decided she would go on her own.  If you know anything about Audrey's fear of heights then you'd be applauding her bravery. The ropes course on the other hand was a little more difficult for her.  She didn't feel as save walking along shaky and moving paths.  At one point there were too many people on one of the paths and Audrey and I went over the side while I was trying to help her.  She wasn't so happy about falling and she did get a little scratched up, but I'm proud of her for getting back up and finishing even when she was scared.  Paul was able to go on a zip line with Grant that was 4000 ft long at 60 mph over the lake.  It was fun to watch them enjoy this Christmas like excitement together. They both said in some amount of words that it was epic!  Thank you Rod and Anne, it was an adventure we won't soon forget.   

Boating was also fun as always, Audrey realized for the first time that not all rides end in being pulled back to the boat.  Sometimes you have to take a dip into the water and she didn't like that.  As time goes on, I'm sure she'll get used to it.  Going on the boat is still one of her favorite things to do.  

Later in the week we visited pioneer ancestor grave sites and the family pioneer homestead which surprisingly is still around.  There was a building next door with some sort of equipment inside.  Nicole and I laughed as all of the men lined up along with Audrey with their noses pressed to the window to take a peek and talk about whatever treasure was found inside. 

We also played Kubb a couple times, Bad Mitton, did a Halloween craft, and went to an extended reunion for Paul's dad's family.  It was so fun to see people I haven't seen since Audrey was tiny.  Time has flown by and I hope that it won't be another 8 years till I see them all again.  As a parting gift Paul's Grandpa gave Audrey one of his roses.  She lit up and held it almost all the way home until she fell asleep in the back seat.  She cried when we had to dispose of it when it started to die.  I tried to explain to her that memories are stronger than things and that her memory of grandpa will linger even when the rose is gone.  It seemed to help her heart a little bit.  It was a whirlwind of almost 3 weeks, so so fun and so so exhausting.  I'm so grateful we got to go before this next baby arrives.   

Reunion #1 and Paul's Birthday

We took our last and only trip to Utah for the year.  I love Utah in the summer.  It's so beautiful and enjoying the summer with family is one of my favorite things. This year we were fortunate enough to get to go to our reunions.  My family had ours at the Walter's ranch.  I'm so grateful for this little home away from home.  There's something magical about coming here and the time we spend with each other.  

Audrey learned how to ride a four wheeler by herself for the first time and got to ride her favorite horse.  Every time I didn't know where she was I'd find her over feeding the horses any long grasses she could get her hands on.  She'd collect grass in a wagon and then haul it over and hand feed them for hours.  I guess Audrey is like her mama in that regard.  I love horses too.  I was very sad to know that I couldn't ride or have another riding lesson from Grace.  I'm grateful for the reason for not riding though, so I can't complain. 

 Audrey also spent hours playing with her cousins.  She didn't want to leave when it was all over.  As Everett was leaving, Audrey was concerned that she couldn't get to say goodbye and stood nearby as they packed up so she would be sure to get her chance.  As they went to get into the car she told him she wanted to say goodbye and even though their the same size, he picked her up in a big hug and twirled her around.  She walked away with a huge smile on her face and told me how much she is going to miss him. It was the sweetest moment of the trip.  

Another first for her was going down the river on her own.  The last time we went she insisted on riding in front of me on a paddle board.  This year she was all about going on her own.  She had so much fun that she wanted to do it again and again, I feel bad that we only had time to go once.  

I was able to shoot my bow while I was there.  I don't have a lot of space in my backyard, so I'm grateful when I get the chance to shoot it away from home.  We also got to go fishing and for the first time I actually caught a fish.  I think Tyler is a good luck charm because I've never caught anything in all my trips to the ranch.  Paul and I got the chance to take a couple four wheeler rides, float the river, play games at night, and shoot Paul's guns.  I took an art lesson from my sister and enjoyed every minute of it.  I also had a few minutes with Michael which meant the world to me.  I never would have thought that we'd end up living so far away from each other....which is my fault. :) So I'm grateful for every minute spent with him and his family.  I was sad to miss Lisa, who is another one I don't get to see very often but here's hoping I'll see her next spring.  

Michael was so awesome to bring a bunch of his work's toys with him and Paul was able to take a dirt bike ride with the guys.  He thoroughly enjoyed himself. 

The trip was not without it's downs.  Michael found out Chrissy was going to need to deliver her sweet little baby boy while we were there because his heart had stopped beating.  I sobbed all night and into the next day knowing what they have already been through.  It hardly seemed fair for them to have yet another trial to walk through.  I felt so guilty, I felt like it should have been me as I prayed for comfort for them and understanding for me.  Life can be so hard! 

The next day as we were all packing up there was a problem with Mike's truck, so the men spent the morning working on it so that Mom and Dad would be able to get back home.  

Overall it was a beautiful time.  I'm grateful I was able to be there.  I hope we get to do it again soon.  I miss all of my Utah people!  

When we got back to Orem we had Paul's birthday.  Paul's parents took us to Thanksgiving point gardens and they were beautiful.  There couldn't have been a better place for Audrey.  She is a lover of all flowers.  My sisters were able to come too.  I'm grateful they were willing to spend a little extra time with me and that Paul thought to invite them.  

Later in the day we went over to Paul's parents house and had cake and spent time with his family.  It was the perfect ending to our first week with family.