Hyrum's Farewell

Today we were able to travel up and see Michael's family before Hyrum left for his 2 year mission.
We went to church to hear his farewell speech, and then the whole family got together for a lunch with many of his friends and neighbors. This is the last time we will see him for the next 24 months.

We don't get all dressed up very often so I had to document it with a picture.

Evan can Drive!?

Today I took Evan to the DMV to take his leaners permit test.

He failed the first time, but they told him he could retake the test the same day so I spent 5 hours in the DMV waiting for him to retake the test.

Luckily he was able to pass on the second try and is now a legal practice driver!

As soon as we were done at the DMV I had an appointment so Evan got to drive straight onto the highway his first time behind the wheel. And he did surprisingly well.

Brooks is Born!

Tonight my best friend gave birth to her 3rd child.

They didn't find out the gender until he arrived, which made the anticipation of delivery even more exciting. And while I was hoping for another girl, I am beyond thrilled that Royce has a cute little brother!

Congratulations to Kesley & Bridger on another healthy and beautiful baby.

They are out here setting false expectations for how cute and perfect kids are. 

Fall Family Photos 2019

Every Fall we have to have our pictures taken. Its a tradition now that somewhere September-October we Always take our pictures together. 

Usually our "Family Photos" include our Fur-children. But with it being hunting season in the mountains I figured it was safer to leave them home this time.

                                

Evan came out with us and I set up the poses and camera and had him take the pictures.

I bought a clicker for my camera, but it only works if it is pointed directly at the camera and that makes for awkward shots. So luckily he was there to help us and we got these great pictures!

Welcome Home Elder Smith!

Michael's brother Steven returned home from his Mission this week.

Unfortunately I had to work but Michael was able to go out and see all his family this weekend for Steven's Homecoming.

Steven served 2 years in Seattle WA. And is finally home! Just in time for their youngest brother to leave for his mission in a few short months. 

I LOVE this picture! My husband is so handsome! 😍

Labor Day Weekend

For the first time in over 4 years, we got to go Camping!
We went up to the mountains with my Grandparents and little brothers.

We stayed in a tent out there, then spent our days hiking and fishing all over the mountain. We saw 3 moose, a bull, then a mother and baby further down. We fished at Spirit Lake. And Michael out fished us all!

It was so nice to be able to get out in nature again after so long!

It makes me really appreciate the place I grew up and how close it is to so many outdoor adventures!
Utah will always be my favorite State.

Our Sister Road trip Adventure to NM

My sister and I went on a crazy road trip adventure.

Our husbands both work down in New Mexico. Her husband was in a car accident a few days ago, and totaled her car. Luckily everyone was fine, they just make those new vehicle's to really crunch on impact so the damage was fatal to the car.

Because the car was in Her name though, she had to sign off on it so they were able to get everything out of it at the wrecking yard. So we decided to surprise our husbands and make the 800 mile drive just before they got off rotation and would be ready to head home.

So we leave the day before, and drive straight through to Santa Fe. There is a truck stop there that is all lit up and we slept in the car for a whole 2 hours before finishing the rest of the drive.

My husband called me as he was getting ready to head back to Utah and asked where he would be picking up my brother in law (since I told him he would need a ride due to the accident). I said "Actually I need you to pick ME up. I will be in Carlsbad in 20 minutes."

He goes "Wait... what?" He was surprised that I had just up and drove across the country and was able to completely surprise him.

Once we met up and Sam dropped me off we all had a good laugh over our surprise adventure.

Then, being completely exhausted after working 14 days straight, Michael decided to nap while I drove back to Santa Fe. Turns out Sam had the same experience. We got a shared hotel in Santa Fe, but Sam and I had driven over 20 hours with only a minor 2 hour nap break.

 On the way home Michael and I stopped at the Rio Grande Del Norte National Park Tres Piedras in New Mexico. That was really cool to see in person. I also got to see Roswell NM and all the weird Alien stuff for the first time. I'm always up for a new adventure.
All in all it was an exciting experience, and I great surprise for our spouses. I told Michael he has to know I love him because I went on a 1600 mile road trip just to see him 1 day sooner because I missed him so much!