To and Fro

We have done a lot of TO AND FRO this past weekend.

"To and fro" is an often-used phrase around here, especially by Bill (who I believe uses it in place of "to and from," which, in my opinion, is not necessarily always the right context).  Every time I hear it, I think of that funny little song from Disney's The Sword In The Stone - a favorite part of a 6-hour video tape of various child-friendly shows lovingly dubbed by Grandma Syddall for her first grandchild back in the early 90's.

We made a quick trip to Utah for our neighbor, Brendon's wedding.  The Billats have not just been our neighbors, they have been awesome friends.  When we moved to Colorado 10-1/2 years ago, they extended their friendship warmly and immediately (to the relief of my shy children).  Our similar families matched up perfectly (until Chase came along - who substitutes as a little brother for us every now and then), and it has been a blessing to have a house across the street that I feel comfortable with my children spending countless hours at.  

And they have.

Once we had made the decision to make the trip, Lex and Shi found coverage for their work shifts, then Thursday after school we popped the pups in the car and were off, reaching Bill's parent's home around midnight.  (TO)  

A post for another day: Traveling with Pups.

During the day on Friday, Bill worked while my MIL, the girls, and I shopped.  Lest you think it was all for a good time, I was shopping for dress pants, a white shirt, and tie for Bill, as we had left his suit hanging on the door frame in our bathroom at home.  (FRO)

Friday night we attended Brendon's wedding dinner in Springville.  (TO)

It was great to meet up with Taylor and Lynnea, and Britta and Austin.  Even though it hadn't been that long ago since we saw them last, it felt much, MUCH longer.  The dinner was delicious, and it was fun to see the sweet video Hailey put together of Brendon and Danielle.  When the evening was over, we made the trek back to WVC, where Bill's parents were so kind to 'sit the dogs.  (FRO)

Saturday morning we headed over to the Oquirrh Mountain Temple.  (TO)

The girls snapped a few pictures outside while they were waiting.

They took some beautiful pictures of the flowers around the temple.  Mar was amazed at the skill with which she demonstrated her newly discovered talent.

Some of these boys haven't changed much from the days they all hung around my house ;-)  

Lynnea listened so politely as they reminisced, retold and relived the good ol' days.

After group pictures at the temple, we headed off to Britt and Austin's house for lunch, mingling, and relaxation.  (FRO)  Grandpa and Grandma showed up a little later with Cecelia, who was immediately passed from one pair of arms to another.

Before we knew it, it was time to head to Brendon's reception back in Springville.  (TO)

Tay wore his 4th tux of the year - and looked as good as ever.

As the evening wound down, we talked about stopping by the reception of my cousin's daughter in Orem, but, after an informative discussion of what a "second cousin" is (we are all clear now, thanks to wikipedia), the girls opted not.  I would have loved to go, but agreed it might be awkward if we hit it right at the end, especially with our somewhat large-ish group, so we headed back to WVC.  And the pups.  (FRO)

Sunday morning Tay and Lynnea were talking in church (score!) so we headed to Orem to attend their Sacrament Meeting.  (TO)

After enjoying the meeting (great talks, you two!) and the robust singing of the congregation (apparently we are lacking that element in our ward, as the difference was quite distinct), we climbed back into the car and headed back to CO via I-80, hoping to avoid the inevitable traffic jam in the mountains on I-70 on a Sunday night.  (FRO) After the nearly 9-hour trip, we weren't sure if we had chosen wisely.

Congratulations to all the newlyweds this week AND the parents (Billats, Wises, and Frys) of the newlyweds!