The Gathering Place

We just returned from a quick trip to Utah.   We do manage to get down there quite often (especially me) as so many of our dear family and friends live there.  I was born a Utah girl, and it will always be a place we visit often--a gathering place.

Several weeks ago we were invited to an open house/family reunion by my brother Jerry.  This event honored his wife Lisa, who is valiantly fighting brain cancer.  A celebration was in order, not only to honor, support and sustain Lisa, but as a way for Jerry to thank all his neighbors, friends and ward members who have helped him care for her and his family these past 14 months.   It was a wonderful evening filled with hope and love.  Lisa is amazing!


This is a collage showing Jerry and Lisa's family through the years. 

I was able to see many people I haven't seen in a while--several cousins, aunts, and best of all, my little sister Allyson who came from Omaha, Nebraska for the weekend.  I sure wished we lived closer to one another.  She has a great husband and two darling little kids, Jonathan and Alyvia. 

Coincidentally, Brent's two sisters were in town for the weekend as well.  Tanya and John Figgat and their family came from Eugene, Oregon to meet their new granddaughter, Frankie Jane.  Here is the proud Mom, Megan Hammond and little Frankie.  She is only a week old. . . so tiny!

His other sister, Lisa Budge and her family were also here from California.  Lisa and James have 6 children--we affectionately call them "The Budge Tribe."  They were here for summer camps for their older kids.  They're a great family with lots of energy.  It's always a good time when they are around.  His Mom and Dad also made the trip for the weekend, although I didn't get them in a picture.  They were probably watching the little ones.  They are so good at that. 



James Budge, John Figgat and new grand baby, Megan Hammond, Brittney and Stuart, Me, Russ, Camille, and Lisa.  Who knows where Brent was--probably on the phone somewhere!

We also got lucky and on Saturday night were able to catch Stuart and Fictionist play at a neighborhood concert in Salt Lake.  I'm always amazed when I watch him on stage.  I have to pinch myself and say, "Wow, my son in law is a bona fide rock star!"  It's always a rush.



On Sunday, Father's Day, we spent the morning and early afternoon with our kids.  After church and dinner at Brittney and Stu's, we started home again.  Whew. . . only 2 1/2 days in Utah, but it was worth the 12 hour drive each way.  Now we began the trip back home. 


My two favorite women on earth.  You know you've grown up when you legitimately call your daughters "women!"

We only went to Idaho Falls on Sunday night, and when we got to our hotel room and looked out the window, we saw a beautiful sight.  The sun was setting and Brent was able to snap this great shot of the Idaho Falls Temple.  What an appropriate image to end our weekend.  Families truly are forever.




HAPPY BELATED FATHER'S DAY TO ALL THE

FATHERS AND FATHERS-TO-BE.

YOU ARE AWESOME!

P.S.  Guess what?  Only 16 more days until Jace gets home!!  We are getting just a little bit excited!