Congratulations Mr. & Mrs. Shumway!

This weekend, Jeff, Danny, Jonas, Jacob, Amber, and I braved the fires of hell (ok...it actually wasn't that hot) to attend Michael and Jackie's wedding in AZ. Jonas has been begging to go to AZ for quite awhile now and couldn't wait to get there. We started our trek on Wednesday, May 12th, after school/work. We made it to Page that night. I felt like breaking up the trip would be best since Jonas isn't as adept at road tripping as he is at flying; however, he was chomping at the bit to get there, and he sailed through the 10 hour drive home with no problems...maybe there's road-tripping hope for him yet! In any case, we stopped in Beaver to grab some dinner from The Creamery before making it to the hotel that evening.

The next morning, we decided to see the lake/river from the dam before we left. Jacob had never been to Lake Powell (or AZ). While we were on the dam, Danny noticed a road that led down to the water's edge. He was more than excited to get down there to see if he could get into the water (and Jonas was more than ok with that too!). We drove down the road then hiked down to the water. Danny decided to shorten the hike and jump off one of the cliffs...in his underwear! I swear sometimes I just have to shake my head and shrug my shoulders. There is only so much a mom can do. Both my boys got in the water. Thankfully, Jonas isn't as daring. He just hiked down to the water's edge. It made me a little nervous because he didn't have his life vest on, but he didn't get in very deep and, to be honest, he is a little fish. He LOVES to swim and does quite well.

Next, we moved on to Slide Rock. During the first year of our marriage, we took the kids to AZ for Spring Break and stopped at Slide Rock. It was the beginning of April then and too cold to really enjoy so Danny wanted to try again. This time it was perfect. The water was still chilly but it was warm enough outside to enjoy it. Again, Danny and Jonas were the ones to spend the most time in the water. Jonas really liked the "slide" part and went down it several times with Jeff. Danny (and Tyler Lowe who got to join us!) kept searching for the next cliff to jump off of. I was grateful that Tyler got to join us. Since he graduated high school and become an adult, we haven't seen him as often. I felt privileged that he'd even want to meet up with his old aunt to have some fun for an afternoon. We love that kid!

Finally, we made our way to Nichole's house. I'm pretty sure this was the longest part of the drive for Jonas as he anxiously awaited the arrival at Auntie Co's house. We got there around dinner time and no sooner had we arrived then Jonas was in the pool...and never got out! I'm serious. He would have slept in that pool if he could. He would hop in before breakfast and had to be coaxed out before bedtime. The others enjoyed the pool too. In fact, the older males had an all out basketball "war" (not really a game) that resulted in Jeff acquiring several bruises. However, I don't think any of them regretted the fun they had. In any case, this was how we spent the majority of the next two days. Us females took some time off to get a pedicure and there were card games in abundance as well. The older kids did take some time off from the pool to run to a few stores and go to Top Golf randomly throughout the weekend as well. Tyler even took the little boys to the Dollar Store to get a treat and a toy. (See why we love him so much? What a great young man!) On Friday night (May 14), we catered in a special Chinese food dinner with ice cream sundaes for dessert to commemorate Mom and Dad's first date on their 45th wedding anniversary. I'm sure they would both agree that it has been an adventurous 45 years together. I have seen my parents laugh and cry, argue with and fight for each other. I have seen them in moments of despair and delight. I have witnessed them fall to their knees for divine assistance and then get up and work toward the blessings they plead for. They have been the greatest example of choosing each other...year in and year out. Their marriage has been sprinkled with miracles as they have endured heart-wrenching trials (I mean, c'mon, they had us 5 kids!), but through it all, their love has conquered all. We never know what our love story is going to be, but as long as two people are willing to write it together, there will always be a happy ending.

In addition to pool time, we played games too.

Cousin time is the best time! All worn out!

Finally, Saturday (May 15th) evening Michael and Jackie got to start their own love story. Nichole and I (and Kate and Kaia) helped set up at various points throughout the weekend. Sandy made the cakes and my boys helped get some refrigerators transported to and from the reception. It was an all-hand on deck event. I'm grateful for a family who wants to help and is more than capable of doing so. The wedding took place in Michael's friend's parents' backyard. It was a beautiful yard with (thankfully) lots of shade trees. The whole evening was perfect. They had a ceremony followed by dinner and dancing. Unfortunately (or fortunately), the temple is backed up with sealings that they couldn't get a date soon enough so they decided to simply get married civilly then get sealed as soon as they can. To be honest, I think they also want to wait for the Mesa Temple to be opened again. It went under a major renovation over the last couple of years and is waiting to be re-opened and re-dedicated. In any case, I actually really love the intimacy of a civil marriage. I love that the bride and groom get a chance to exchange vows. Tears welled up in my eyes as I heard their expressions of love for each other. Mikey deserves the best. He has endured so much already. It soothed my heart to hear Jackie express her love for him. I am excited for their future. After the ceremony, we all enjoyed hanging out and visiting with family while eating delicious food. The little boys enjoyed dancing too! Jonas was showing his moves all night. I didn't know he had it in him. 

The weekend went by way too quickly. We drove the whole way home on Sunday. I was dreading it a little, but it was actually really fun....even with an hour delay due to a semi-truck fire. The kids (and Jeff) played card games or watched videos. When we got to our traffic jam, Jonas and Danny decided to stand up outside the sun roof and talk to other cars. Danny even exchanged numbers with an adjacent car full of young ladies (this was another shaking-head, shrugging-shoulders mom moment). Jeff sat in the very back with Jonas through part of the trip, which I think made it more enjoyable for the both of them. I just drove, very contentedly, down the highway as I reflected on my little family and my family of origin and how lucky I am. Family means everything to me. They are truly my life, my loves, my only.