Written by Annaliese
Well- we've had our family longer than we've had this blog, but I figured since I'm not doing very good at keeping a record for our family I probably should do something like this. I keep my own personal blog over at livejournal, but not everyone I know has an account over there and I don't want all those posts to be public- so blogspot it is. :)
A quick recap of our last few weeks:
I made a crazy decision to take some time off the week of the 4th of July and drive to Utah. It actually worked out wonderfully. Taylor had just returned from his mission in New Mexico and would be reporting the Sunday after the 4th of July. I figured since I had the 4th off from work anyway- I wouldn't be missing quite as much work time that way.
So, Tuesday, July 3rd after work Corrine & I headed North to Seattle where we picked up my Dad in Maple Valley. My wonderful Dad was kind enough to cancel that leg of his flight and drive with us. I always love the chance to visit with my dad- he's just got a lot of great advice. Corrine was excited to get on the road and was such a fantastic traveler. It helped that we drove through the night and she slept most of the way.
Wednesday, July 4th- We arrived in Layton EARLY- about 6:30am, just in time to hug everyone, change our clothes and head out for the days festivities. Taylor woke up to Corrine's voice and it took him a minute to figure out who she was!
The Pease Family & Grandma Lewis were staying with Mom & Dad so all of us trekked to Provo for the 4th of July parade. Taylor & I drove down together and couldn't get to the other side of the parade where the family was sitting- so we had to walk about 7 blocks- that may not sounds like a lot, but Utah blocks are HUGE! We certainly got our exercise. And it was fun to walk through downtown Provo- such a pretty city. It was lots of fun as we were joined by a large portion of the Corwin Lewis Family who was in town for a reunion starting the next week. We got lots of sun and enjoyed the bands, floats and each other's company. Corrine LOVES parades so she was in heaven. Even more she loves all the people that bring their dogs to the parades with them. :)
After the parade and the trek back to the car we went to LaDawn & Danny Masons beautiful home for lunch. It was so fun to have so many cousins there- I barely saw Corrine as she was running non-stop with anyone who would play with her! Of course we had a program (it wouldn't be a Lewis gathering without one!) on America and the 4th of July. Then Corrine & I crashed- we both needed a nap! We woke up just in time for a wonderful BBQ dinner and were joined by a few more cousins!
We finally pulled ourselves away later that evening and headed north to Layton- since we figured we wouldn't make it home in time for fireworks, we pulled off into a church parking lot just past Lagoon and saw fireworks from a couple cities and Lagoon! It was a great show! Then we watched at least 4 other cities shows while we were on the road home. I don't think I've seen that many fireworks ever!
Thursday, July 5th- we took the kids to McDonald's for lunch and then to the TreeHouse Children's Museum- very well done and of course they had a blast. Corrine found a little doll house that we played with for at least an hour until she found the babies. :) She loved playing with the Pease girls. She was so tired from all the playing that she was sound asleep before we even got back to the house.
We weren't sure what to do with Corrine asleep, as we didn't want her to wake up at a strangers house- so Camilla said she felt ok about having her there. Luckily Taylor got home too so when she woke up she had familiar faces. Graham & Emily joined us and we enjoyed a temple session and mexican food, treat of Grandma Lewis.
Friday, July 6th- The Pease Family & Grandma Lewis left that morning to get back to Arizona, so with only 5 of us in the house it felt kinda empty! Mom, Dad, Corrine & I ventured up to Camp Bartlett where McKay is working for the summer and where I had been program director for 2 years. They've done a lot of building since then so it was lots of fun to see the changes at camp and watch McKay in action. John Anderson is the current program director, a friend of mine who had been on staff before his mission when I was the program director! Lots of great memories at that camp.
Saturday, July 7th- was the "anniversary" of Graham's accident. We had a pretty low-key morning and then a nice family get together with the Garners and our family in the afternoon just talking about our own feelings from a year ago and how grateful we were for the miracle that took place for Graham and our families. And of course we had to play a few games of Settlers before the night was over.
Sunday, July 8th- Taylor gave his missionary report in sacrament meeting and did a wonderful job. He's of course funny, but had just the right mix of humor, spiritual stories and it really showed his maturity over the last couple years. Lots of the Allen side of the family came up and it was so fun to see all of them. Mom of course did a wonderful job as usual feeding the multitudes (I think there were about 70 people at the house) after church and we all enjoyed visiting. It was a little bittersweet as I realized that I wouldn't be attending any more large gatherings in that home! It's been "home" to my parents & family for so long- the longest they've ever lived anywhere. I'm thrilled to have them in Seattle and closer to us, but sad for them as I know they love the area and the people there.
Monday, July 9th- We said goodbye to mom & dad early that morning as they caught a flight to California and Corrine and I finally got on the road. It was actually a really good travel day. We got off a little later than we hoped, but Corrine traveled well and we stopped a couple times so she could run around and we could get something to eat. I had to make sure I got a lemon-berry slush from Sonic before we ran out of Sonics! We made a quick pit stop in Maple Valley to drop off some paintings/pictures for mom & dad and made it back to Aberdeen around midnight. My sweet husband was up waiting for us. It was nice to be home.
Since then things have felt like a blur just catching up from the week we were gone! It seems to take twice as long to do that! We're back to our regular work week and schedules. This past weekend we just enjoyed time at home and tried to do a few more things around the house to get ready for the baby- it's coming closer and closer all the time! Just 8 more weeks or so!
Monday, July 16th- Mom & Dad officially arrived "home" in Maple Valley on Saturday night- the house in Utah is empty and the moving truck will arrive in Washington tomorrow. Talmage & Kelly & kids are driving up today to help them and spend the week with them. I'm hoping I can get away for an afternoon & evening to at least see them. I can't wait to have so many more siblings coming this way to visit!
This first entry was a long one, hopefully I'll stay on top of things and have a running record of our lives! Who knows- maybe I'll get Chris to post too! :)
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