PA to NJ to CA

Relaxin'

Among the old pictures and found this gem. This is my Grandma Bonnie and my mom on vacation in Mexico.

Adornments

My Grandma and Mom each went through their jewelry while I was in California and sent some treasures home for the girls, including some clip-on earrings that Sophie could enjoy. This is Phoebe's first time wearing hoop earrings and she is a fan.

Families Can Be Together Forever

Shortly after General Conference last month, my 91-year-old grandma made the decision to be sealed to her late ex-husband, something that I didn't even know was an option. She would then be sealed to her two children, including my mom. I had the thought that I'd like to be there, assuming it would be far in the future. Then I found out they were hoping to have it done as soon as possible. I felt wistful that I live on the other side of the country and wrote off the possibility of going. But the thought of attending kept coming back. I mentioned it to Bryan and he agreed right away, I should go to California for this sacred event.

Unfortunately, there were some circumstances that kept the date from being firm. A date was picked and I quickly looked for flights. And then that date was canceled and tentatively bumped back a week. I had toyed with surprising them with my arrival, but I needed to know if the date was going to change. Also, it occurred to me that maybe I shouldn't surprise a 91-year-old. I texted my Mom and let her know what I wanted to do. They were delighted, however they wouldn't know the actual date until just a few days before.

And that is why I bought a plane ticket on a Thursday and got on a plane the very next morning. I flew from our local small airport down to Charlotte, North Carolina, then from NC to San Diego where my dad met me at the airport. I got into the habit of texting a selfie to Bryan each time I was safely in my seat after boarding.

The last time I was home was May of 2013. They've come to see us many times, but I hadn't been to California in nine and a half years. That's too long. When I got to my parents house we stayed up much too late talking (especially since I was still on Eastern time) and had a great visit.

The next morning my parents drove to the San Diego Temple in one car while I drove with Grandma in the other car.

This is where Bryan and I were married. I love this Temple.

I was asked to be a witness for the sealing, which I happily agreed to. When my Mom was sealed to her Mom it was as if I could feel the broken link in our family being made whole. The sealing was a beautiful and sacred experience. 

We picked up some celebratory In-N-Out on the way home from the Temple.

The next day, after attending church with my dad, Grandma Bonnie and I drove to the beach. We found the perfect parking spot so that she could stay in the car and watch the waves while I hopped out to put my feet in the water. Oh how I have missed the Pacific Ocean. We were there at sunset which was breathtaking.

And then I had to leave bright and early the next day. My Dad was the airport chauffer and I snapped a few pictures with everyone before I got on the road.

I flew from San Diego to Phoenix, then from Phoenix to Philadelphia on a fancy, new plane.

Where other than the Philadelphia airport would you find a LEGO Liberty Bell?

The final leg of my journey was on a luxury bus that took me from the Philadelphia airport to our local airport. I was exhausted and sore when Bryan picked me up, but so happy to have made the trip.

Mom and Dad, thanks for letting me invite myself to your home for the weekend. Grandma and Mom, thank you for letting me be there for your very special day. And Bryan, thanks for encouraging me to go and for keeping everyone alive while I was gone.

Family Temple Time

A highlight of my family's visit was a trip to the Philadelphia Temple. Between my parents, my grandma, my brother Jordan, my sister-in-law Leah, Peter, and me, we performed eighty-eight ordinances for our family members. It was a sweet experience. Big thanks go to Bryan who took the four younger kids to the museum, making my time in the Temple possible.

Photo credit: Jordan

Grand Travelers

We've just finished a wonderful visit with my parents and Grandma. Over the last week and a half I took almost no pictures. This morning, just before they left, I gathered the kids for pictures.

 

 

Thanks for visiting! We love you!

Family Time

We've loved having family in town during the last week. Here are a few of the highlights:

Pictures With Grandparents

 

Proud Proprietors of the Extended Stay Hotel

After spending February and much of March with us, my Grandma Bonnie is heading home tomorrow.

My parents flew out last week to visit and to fly back home with her. Their original flight was supposed to leave on Tuesday morning. We had a special Family Home Evening recital for the kids to play the piano and sing for them the night before the departure.

Then, at nearly eleven o'clock that night, my parents walked into the kitchen where I was having a snack before climbing into bed. They told me that the flight had been canceled due to the impending storm and was rescheduled for early Thursday morning. After some discussion, Bryan said he'd drive them to the airport the day of the flight so they could return the rental car.

So on Tuesday morning we adventured to the airport an hour and a half away. They returned the car and Sophie and I picked them up and came home, with a detour to Ikea thrown in for fun. We had a few flakes that day and prepared for the big snow the next day.

I am happy to report that my parents were able to experience their first snow days. And bonus: the power stayed on!

Then word came that the Thursday flight would actually happen on Saturday morning. We haven't heard anything to the contrary so far, and it's not snowing, so I assume this flight is moving forward.

We have loved having these extra days with them. I know they're anxious to get back to their responsibilities, but we will miss having them here. Tonight at bedtime Sophie told Grandma Bonnie that she didn't want her to go home. I know the feeling.

Knit Together

Grandma taught Phoebe how to knit hats using this loom. Phoebe has happily been telling anyone who will listen that she loves to knit. When we talked about Grandma going home soon Phoebe said, "No! I don't want Grandma to leave! She taught me how to knit!"

Off-roading Grandma

Peter went on a Boy Scout campout this weekend to the Priesthood Restoration site. While we were discussing those plans, I realized that the visitor's center was new enough that Grandma hadn't been. So on Saturday morning we drove up. We arrived shortly before the scouts left and said a quick hello to Peter before he carried on with his plans.

There was quite a bit of snow and lots of walking outside, so we were concerned about how Grandma would get around. Thankfully, they had a special off-roading Jazzy, which meant Grandma traveled in style. The helpful senior missionary couple that gave us a tour were thoroughly impressed with Grandma's get-up-and-go.

We had to remind Sophie to give Grandma a wide space to drive so as to avoid any vehicle pedestrian collisions.

The air was cold, but we moved briskly enough that we didn't get too chilly between buildings.

Here's Grandma in Emma Smith's father Isaac Hale's home.

It was a wonderful adventure and just the right length of time. We got back to town a few minutes after the scouts so we were able to retrieve our exhausted Peter from the church.

My favorite part of the day was when the sister missionary asked the kids if they had a favorite scripture from the Book of Mormon. They recited our family scripture, Moroni 7:45, from memory. I hadn't realized they had it all memorized and hearing them made my heart happy.

Hats On

Grandma Bonnie's hands have been busy while she's been here. She made this hat for Sophie. Sophie showed her gratitude by wearing it the whole rest of the day.