A Baptism and a Funeral

Guess who we got to see for the third time this year? Yup, all the way from Indiana. Jessica's sister got married, so they were able to make another trip out. Dallas was stuck at a conference in Dallas (yes, you read that right), so he joined them later, but before he got here we were able to have a picnic at the park with Jessica and the kids.

Once Dallas got here, he was able to come spend nearly two whole days at my house. I guess I didn't get my camera out (he probably would have broke it, hehe)... but, while he was here, we got a semi-surprise visit from grandma and grandpa. We knew they were coming down for the weekend, and we knew they were coming to get the last few things of Lark's left here, but we didn't know when, so it was a surprise. And I think they were surprised because they didn't know Dallas would be at my place. Somehow I found a photo on my camera to document their visit.

The next day, Saturday, was Eli's baptism. Unfortunately, it was the same day as Jessica's sister's wedding so they weren't able to make it, but the rest of the family (well, the Utah dwellers) was able to be there to support Eli. After the ceremony we went to his house for brunch, and played in Jason's new kayak.

Since the Hoosiers couldn't make it to the baptism, it was decided we needed another get-together so we went back to Tooele the next day for a picnic. Dallas' family got to come to church with us first, and the girls were so excited to get to take Makiah to Young Women's with them. At our picnic we rescued the frisbee off the roof of the shelter, ate some food, watched kids cry, took some silly pictures, and then did an adult group shot to show the kids how easy it can be.

The next day we left for Laramie/Cheyenne. Brandon's grandma passed away, and we were so fortunate to be able to make it to her funeral. We knew we had a full weekend so I was praying the funeral wouldn't be on Saturday, but the following Saturday was Sophie's best friend's birthday party which would have killed her to miss -- but the funeral ended up being on Tuesday so we were able to make it to everything! It was just a quick trip. I know it was a funeral, but it was still a lot of fun to see everyone -- some we may never see again. Sophie said she is determined to keep the reunions going, and one of Brandon's uncles told her he is going to make sure they do as well. Let's hope so! After the funeral on Tuesday we went over to Cheyenne so we could spend a little more time with Brandon's family. We went out to eat at Olive Garden (Sophie's prayers got sent through a special direct line). And we found an awesome hotel to stay in -- no more questions about where to stay when we're in town.

This should have been at the beginning, but I decided to save the best for last. You remember when Brandon had to go to Atlanta for a week? Well, he did, and I got to work. I went and bought paint -- and painted my hallway, the stairwell, the ugly ceiling in the stairwell that got ruined during construction, and the bathroom. And you know the cupboard hidden in my hallway? I painted it pink. I really wanted some pink in my house. I wasn't sure where to put it, but I jokingly told Brandon I was going to paint the whole hallway pink. I talked myself out of that one, but Sophie wouldn't let me give up on my pink dream. She encouraged me to stick with it, so the cupboard door got it. And I love it!