The Last Leg

I have been really slow about getting the end of our Utah trip posted. It is funny how summer is so busy, but I still feeling like nothing is really going on or getting done. I guess that's just what happens when everyone is home for an extended amount of time and it is a million degrees outside. It is crazy just keeping everyone on task with chores and piano, and happy doing fun things while staying out of the heat.

So, on with the Utah fun! Friday afternoon we left Provo and went back to the Bytheway's in Salt Lake City. We arrived just in time for Richard and I to get dressed up for a trip to the temple for their ward temple night. Richard and I have been able to go into the SLC temple to do baptisms and endowments, but this was our first time to do initiatory work there. It truly is a beautiful place to be. We had dinner in the temple cafeteria with some of their ward members (who are all so friendly and welcoming). While we were there we got to meet Mariama Kallon (check out her story). She is friends with John and came over to say hello. She has been through so much and is a beautiful person with a beaming smile. It was a pleasure to meet her.

We headed home, sharing embarrassing stories and laughing a lot. The kids were having a ball playing together, more Nerf wars, playing with snails and dress up. We stayed up late chatting and enjoying each others company. It is hard to go to bed when you have to squeeze a years worth of fun into a few days. John did go to bed, he was the only one with much discipline, although Richard didn't stay up too late.

Andrew ready for war with his new gun.

Nate and Timothy being cuddly

One of the MANY snails my kids made friends with. Who knew snails were so interesting?

Saturday morning we awaited the arrival of our EFY boys. Gavin brought Sam and Josh up from Provo to save us a trip and so he could come and play with us for the day. Kim had a Relief Society service project to go to. Richard and John made trips to Home Depot, fixed bubblers, planted tomatoes and weeded together. Kim and I went to Costco to get some essentials (Chocolate cake, chocolate covered peanuts and some bananas) for Sunday. It was a pretty relaxing day finished with their ward high priest social, which include a hilarious magic act and delicious food! And of course we stayed up way too late again visiting.

My big boys! They had a blast at EFY!

Sunday morning was a whirlwind of children getting ready for church. Amazingly, it went pretty smoothly and everyone looked decent, even though their clothes were a bit wrinkled from being in a garment bag for a week. Church was great again. They have a wonderful ward with great teachers. Sunday school was on finances. The teacher was fabulous.

After church, we made dinner while the kids played the piano and games. And again, for some reason, the snails were a big hit in the back yard. Gavin came over for dinner and a birthday party we held in my dad's honor, even though we couldn't be with him. We celebrated with the divine chocolate cake from Costco and a video of us singing and blowing out the candles for him.

Sara and Andrew playing the piano

Josh and Ash cooking some lunch

Happy Birthday Papa Ely!

Timothy and Bethany were so cute with their chocolatey-ness that I had to take pictures of them.

Laney was not a chocolatey mess, but really wanted to fit in and have her picture taken, so she painted her face with frosting.

Other than poor Bishop Bytheway, who was exhausted from a long day of church and then speaking at a fireside, none of us wanted to go to bed. No one wanted to waste a moment of fun since we were leaving in the morning. We distorted pictures of ourselves with the kids on the DSi, played board games, ate more cake and candy, and talked and talked until 4:20 am. Most of the kids were still up with us. Sadly, we got everyone to bed and got a few hours of shut eye.

Steph

Kim

Ashley

Josh

The weary moms! It was worth every second of tired to get to talk all night. LOVE YOUR GUTS, KIM!

Natalie and Sara

The whole goofy gang - minus the photographer, me

Rich and John

Andrew A. and Andrew B.

Timothy B. and Timothy A.

All the girls: Ashley, Bethany, Natalie, Sara, Laney and Susanna

All the boys, minus Matthew: front, Josh, Nate, Timothy, Drew, Daniel

back, Tim, Andrew and Sam

Richard hopped on to Sam's back for a piggy back ride to the car. Sam held up very well and walked around a bit with him. I thought they were going to fall over.

Farewell craziness! No one wanted the end to come. It is always hard to leave such great friends. The kids especially bonded and we have had many phone calls, emails and started Skyping to ease the separation pains. Andrew B. has already begun saving his money for a trip down here to visit.

Thank you, Thank you, Thank you dearest Bytheways! We had a wonderful time and Love, Love, Love you all! We can't wait to see you again! Maybe on our turf next time.