We looked up sacrament meeting times for Sunday, and decided to attend the meeting at 9:00am. There were two times available at 9am and 12:30pm, so we thought everyone would sleep in on their vacation, so we headed out early.
Boy were we wrong.
We arrived at church ten minutes early, only to find a packed building. When we walked in the entire chapel, gym and stage were filled. Then we proceeded to find every room filled with saints watching tvs mounted to the walls broadcasting the meeting. It was amazing!
As I sat there witnessing every priesthood holder in their small ward and many volunteers passing sacrament to the amount of people in a stake conference, it was humbling.
After the sacrament was passed, the bishop stood and said that they had approximately 1200 in attendance.
I sat there, with tears in my eyes, realizing that the gospel is being lived everywhere.
Even in this small lake town, with families on vacation and there from all over the country.
They weren't there because people were relying on them to fulfill their assignment, or because their neighbors would notice if they went to church or not.
They were there, because they were faithful.
We were there, because we love the Lord, and honor Him.
It was a very sweet moment.
After church we drove all the way to IDAHO!
Ok, it was only about five minutes away, but a pretty five minute drive.
We came across this house right off the main road, and every single one of us LOVED it!
Years ago, I told John how much I love homes with columns, and what beats a home with columns, a beautiful porch, a white picket fence, and sweet shutters overlooking a crystal clear lake?...ok ours, with my family warm inside watching a raging snowstorm outside! :)
Back in Utah...
Ellie and Tasia smiling waiting for lunch.
There were these gorgeous trees that the kids loved. Easton wasted no time, and climbed right up to the perfect perch.
Ben giving some advice to Easton in the moment.
Easton, A.J., Bernie and Ben teamed up to play some horseshoes on the beach.
Tasia, Ellie and Caroline hanging out while Tasia tried to finish her book for school.
The boys were serious about this horseshoe thing. I don't know who the victors were, but they were pretty competitive with each other.
Brooke wanted to pose for a quick "photo shoot." She was hilarious with the hand on the hip thing. I think she has snuck watching Toddlers and Tiaras one too many times with her sisters. :)
Tasia and Melissa enjoying the shade, and a perfect Sunday afternoon.
A great toss by Bernie!
Annie Grace twirling around
Stephen and Caroline playing around
Annie joined in the fun.
If you look closely, you can see Caroline's feet in Stephen's hands.
I love Caroline's smile in this one after her dad flipped her over his head.
Looking goofy and out of focus.
There was this perfect playground right on the beach.
The girls loved it, and played on it every second they could.
Everyone else teamed up for a mean game of wiffle ball.
It was inspiring again to watch all of these families find other activities to do together instead of being on the water on the Sabbath.
I loved it!
Kevin was a commanding pitcher!
And Stephen and Ellie made worthy batters for his fastball!
Ben hit the ball so hard, it actually broke in half.
Madie smiled on command, while Hyrum hid his face.
Peeking out...
Hi Keara
Go Easton!
Annie Grace and Lucy!
Grandpa celebrated his 63rd birthday that evening.
We celebrated with him with cake and an opportunity to go around the room and share what we love about grandpa and our dad.
There were sweet stories of growing up with him as our dad.
There were retelling of his favorite jokes.
Cute grandkids telling things like, "I am glad I share his name."
John shared that he appreciated my dad trusting him with me.
Definitely a tender moment for our family.
A.J. got caught off-guard for a picture.
Each person sharing their favorite things about Grandpa, and Tasia being initiated to the family with her thoughts on her future Father-in-Law.
It was a wonderful day! We started it with a unforgettable church program, and ended it with an incredible family memory.
Day 3 brought boat adventures and lots of SUN!
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