Summer so far

I am SO happy to live only 5 hours away from my mom. She came down a few weeks ago to go to a free concert in Brooklyn with me and it was INCREDIBLE. It is safe to say I am a HUGE fan of Patty Griffin now and look forward to choreographing dances to her songs in the future. 

Here is me and mom in Prospect Park at the concert:

It has been a crazy week! My vacation started a little earlier than expected by the passing of my Grandpa Smith. I drove down to Kentucky to attend his funeral on Thursday- Sunday. I was fortunate to be a part of the service and read a poem I wrote for and about him. Although it was hard to say goodbye it is so comforting to know he is back with Heavenly Father and my Grandma.

Back row: Brandon, Ashley, Step-Dave

Front row: Uncle David, Nancy, Uncle Gary, Mom, and me

I drove back from KY on Sunday and pulled back into Queens around 9pm. I woke up Monday morning and caught a flight to SLC then hoped in my Dad's jeep with Seth and Raegan and drove 4 hours to Moab. We camped at Slickrock park, hiked in Arches park, jeeped all over, ate yummy pasta and pizza, and barely slept. No thanks to Dad not knowing how to use his new alarm on his car and waking us all up at 6:30am when he was trying to get his book. We started our day early when that happened. Note to self: When going to Moab buy THE BEST eye drops and allergy medicine around. I was literally in tears after the first night. Ouch.

 

We drove back from Moab on Wednesday afternoon and headed up to Uncle Steve's Cabin in Weber Canyon. Seth and I went for a run my first day and I could barely breathe because of the altitude. We still ran 6.5 miles though, no big deal. We spent time going on nature walks with the kids, playing on the neighbors trampoline, catching snakes with Aunt Jessica, coloring, watching movies, watching Game 7 (Go San Antonio), eat burgers with friends, tandem riding, swimming in Kamas, etc. Seth was also able to bless Kate and Brigham bless Sam, which is always a beautiful thing. On my last night in Utah I decided I should go into town and see some friends. I went to Park City for a few hours and met some friends on Main Street. Although I was at the cabin with no internet, cell phone reception, or even a land line I felt like I had everyone I needed to talk to right there with me. Well, except for mom and Zach. They were worth driving to the gate for reception to make a phone call. Going to Kentucky and seeing family then going to Utah to see even more made it was one of the best vacations I've ever had. 

I love my family and I am one super lucky girl.