We had planned for months to go to Utah in May for my nephew Sam's wedding. Despite adjustments to the wedding plans (they were still getting married, but had postponed the temple sealing and reception until September), we were looking forward to getting out of town and seeing family.
Saturday, May 23 - Kody's birthday
**Kody has been in CO - with us - for his previous 2 (TWO) birthdays, so we've been with him to celebrate for 3 solid years** Glad we could be there to party with you, Kody!
Sunday, May 24 - Syddall family picnic
Jeff and Dayna were in town and planned to head home on Monday, so we decided to get together with the Syddall side on Sunday. We met at Riverton Park (so beautiful, and it was such a lovely day), everyone brought their own sandwiches, and sides to share. My amazing MIL always makes sure there is PLENTY, so she does way more than her share.
This was the first time we got to meet our sweet niece Lily...
...and was also the first time we got to meet our darling niece Adalee.
It was so great to get together - we definitely miss being around family!
Monday, May 25 - Memorial Day + Goldsberry family picnic
We started the day by visiting Jana's grave at the Bountiful Cemetery. We were surprised when we arrived to see my parents had purchased a headstone for themselves (SURPRISE!). I think it's great that they could choose and design something they liked. Had the cemetery not been so crowded that morning, I might have had them do a on-your-tummy-hands-under-your-chin picture with it. Is that irreverent?
Afterwards, we met at a park near my parent's home and had another picnic.
**Second cousins Francis and Ellis**
Unfortunately, that's about all the photos I took, darn it.
After the picnic we headed out to visit Brian's grave.
Tuesday, May 26 - Model homes and area sight-seeing
Bill's parents are looking to sell the home they've lived in since 1974(?) and move to something with a little more family gathering and garage space. Since Bill and I are also contemplating a move back to UT in the next few years, we thought it would be a good idea to check out areas we might consider (and it would be really cool if Bill's parents lived close to us). We didn't give ourselves a ton of time that day, but we planned to check out Mapleton/east Spanish Fork and the Springville areas. Shi and Kody live in a basement apartment in Mapleton, and have talked about how beautiful the area is. On this day it was particularly lovely. I felt like I had mountains on three sides, and they were so green and beautiful and lush.
Yes, I could live here.
At one of the model homes we visited, Scarlett and Ellis found this fun room and immediately went for the baseball chair. I love them, and would be so happy to live closer to them, too. (The goal would be to have OUR ENTIRE FAMILY eventually somewhat close to us.)
That evening we all met up to see Shi and Kody's new place and to have dinner. We ordered take-out from a Mexican food restaurant Kody recommended... it was so yummy.
Wednesday, May 27 - Sam's wedding
Sam and Amanda were getting married in my parent's backyard. Since gatherings were limited due to the pandemic, I didn't think we would be able to attend, but luckily we were! Jill makes everything beautiful, and with the help of her very talented daughters (and Stan's physical labor), everything was perfect.
They had the food catered by The Red Iguana, and it was delicious. Bill, Mar and I met the caterers at the door and helped get everything plated and ready for the dinner following the ceremony.
It was a beautiful event. Congratulations to Sam and Amanda!
Thursday, May 28 - Piano day
Britta was offered my mom and dad's old piano (the one I learned to play on). Matt and Lia had had it at their house for some years, and they were ready to let it go. My mom had asked if I thought any of my kids would like it, so I asked Britt (not playing favorites, she's just the only one nearby that has a place for it). She decided they would take it - but they had to pick it up from Matt and Lia's (asap). I had told Britt I would help her paint it, so it was part of our plan during this trip to do just that. We worked on it a little each day, and the goal was to have it done by Friday.
The color may not have been {exactly} what Britt had asked for, and it had been so long since I had refinished any furniture that I forgot to ask them to TINT THE PRIMER, but the end result was still amazing. I love it. I hope Britt and her family enjoy this little piece of Goldsberry history for many years to come.
Friday, May 29 - Scarlett's Magical 6th Birthday
We spent most of the day helping get ready for Scarlett's party. We made donuts, balloon pillars, and hot dogs. We had assembled the goodie boxes the night before. We struggled trying to figure out WHERE to have the magician do his act, and, in the end, he chose his own spot :)
Then the party guests started to arrive.
The magic show was so fun. Just look at that face ^^ She's loving it.
Ellis LOVED the disappearing ink in the goodie box. He also enjoyed his soda {wink}.
It was so fun to be able to be there to celebrate Wonderful Sweet Scarlett.
Saturday, May 30
**The long drive home**
It was a busy and fantastic trip. I look forward to our next one!
