Utah and Family and So Many Blessings

We spent Veterans Day weekend in Utah so Ethan could receive his patriarchal blessing from my Dad.  Landon got his blessing about six months ago and Ethan has been waiting and wanting to get his too.  My dad was recently called to be a Patriarch and can give blessings to members of his stake and family members so we made this trip happen for Ethan. It was a fun trip! 

And lucky for us, the weekend also coincided with Megan's mission farewell so we got to gather with everyone (except for Marcus).  And since we like to take advantage of every moment in Utah, we met up with the Brandt's and Beeson's--two close family friends who moved from Washington who we miss  terribly.  

We also drove three hours down to Cove Fort to see Randy's parents who are serving there.  We got a tour and had a delicious lunch with them. They are 9 months into their 2-year mission. 

Pushing the metal rings around is harder than it looks! After driving back to Orem and hanging out with friends, we even snuck in a quick visit with Randy’s siblings.  We were busy!  We had fun!  We spent way too much time driving in a 4-day period.  

We toured the Orem Temple Open House with the Beeson’s and the Brandt’s.  The temple is absolutely beautiful!  The stain glass windows are unlike any I’ve ever seen before. After fighting the crowds at the temple we went to the Brandt’s giant house (everything is bigger, better, and costs less in Utah) for dinner. The kids played so hard and Henry was reunited with his best buddy James. All felt right in the world. 

The next morning was pancake breakfast at Dad’s. The kids played while the adults laughed and talked together. Chaos reigned supreme, as usual. 

Henry and the second generation of cousins. He was in heaven running around in the basement and it reminded me of when Marcus and Ethan were little. We played pickle ball at the park (hello sunshine!) and had pizza for lunch and then we were off to do the Flow Rider.

My boys improved a lot but it's nothing like surfing behind the boat!

Ethan did some cool tricks and barrel rolls

Then we went to Top Golf for dinner and golfing.  It's the most expensive family outing possible, next to skiing.  But the food is delicious and I got to sit and visit with April and Laura's family so it was even more fun for me.

Henry is actually pretty good.  He consistently hits it over his left shoulder and into one of the goals.

Ethan's not a golfer but he sure can hit it hard and far.

Parker might just have to start golfing with Landon and Randy.  He loves it!

The food is always a nice bonus

Ethan received his patriarchal blessing the next morning before we went to Megan's farewell.  She gave a great talk that only makes us miss her more.  Colorado Spring Mission is lucky to have her and we can't wait to hear about her adventures.

We are getting old!!  Mom and Linz were definitely there in spirit and we felt their
presence multiple times that weekend.  Heaven is closer than we think!

After all the reuniting and saying goodbye, we loaded up in the CIA and drove back home to Washington.  Yes, you heard that right.  I no longer drive a minivan.  I LOVE this car.  It is so roomy and the best road trip car ever.  The boys love it too and Ethan doesn't love driving my minivan but now he's extra motivated to work his tail off to purchase a truck.