After several months of not knowing if we could go or not, Ryan got the okay to go to Utah and Idaho for the Horace and Theone Smith family reunion. Ryan's team was expecting a board to arrive and would be spending about 2 weeks testing it. He also had been told that there would be a possibility that he would be in Boston around the same time as the reunion. There was NO way that Addy could survive a 13 hour car trip to Salt Lake with Ethan and Eliza on her own. Luckily, things worked out and we could all go together.
We headed out early Wednesday morning to travel to Salt Lake to Addy's sister's, Ally, house. We were anticipating that Eliza would be a bear to travel such a long distance with. She hates a trip to Walmart... 3 miles away. What would she be like traveling to Utah/Idaho?!? She amazed us and didn't start melting until 100 miles out of Salt Lake. We'll take it! We got to Ally's in one piece and enjoyed seeing the family.
On Thursday, we headed to the Hogle Zoo. It has changed a lot since the last time Addy was there... when she was 11? We really enjoyed the Zoo and all the primates. We really had fun laughing at the people who were complaining about the weather. The hottest day of the year so far, 94. There was a breeze, so we were happy!
The rest of the Bowman clan arrived at Ally's Thursday night... that's right... the whole clan! Well, almost... Daniel was still in AZ. But that's 11 adults and 17 kids under one roof! Thank you Hotel Isom!
The Smith Reunion was a three day shindig, but knowing our kids, we decided that one day at the lake would be plenty. We stayed at Ally's house on Friday. Ethan had a BLAST hanging out with Aidan and Tate. Addy and Eliza got a chance to go visit a friend and her twins - so sweet.
Saturday we headed up to the lake. The Bowman family was in charge of lunch that day and were expecting about 90 people. When we arrived at the lake, we discovered that a lot of people had already headed out and even more were packing up. We got to see all the Aunts and Uncles and some cousins before they left.
After a rocky start, Ethan rode the Jet Ski... and liked it! He also got to ride the boat with his cousins and really started having fun. By the end of the day, he was playing in the water and digging the dirt. Eliza enjoyed the dirt as well... she ate some, but mostly played in it.
It was so fun to see so many and to meet all the new little ones.
We headed back to Ally's house to stay the night. Up to this point, Eliza has NOT slept well in other places. We were so glad that she started getting comfortable.
Sunday morning we woke up early, packed the car, and almost got away before waking up the house. We're so grateful to always have a clean bed to sleep in, delicious food, and wonderful company when we travel to Salt Lake.
We headed down the road and made pretty good time. Eliza didn't last as long, but we all made it home in one piece. It was a great trip and we were so glad that everything worked out!
We can't forget Gertie... our Equinox. She was great too! Awesome cargo space and seats that adjusted to fit the tallest or smallest person. Unfortunately, two car seats also filled the back seat and there wasn't much room for anything else. We'll miss you too Gertie!
On Saturday, our 7th Anniversary, Ryan, Addy, Ethan, Grandma Louise, Grandpa Eric, and Grandma Pat headed to Pei Wei for Ethan's special dinner. We've started a tradition of going out to eat at the Birthday kid's choice. Ethan chose Pei Wei for the 2nd year in a row. He had a great time and felt special, being the center of attention. Of course, it didn't hurt that he got some Star Wars Lego guys that he talked about non-stop for weeks before. Thanks to the grandparents for loving Ethan and coming to honor him.
On Sunday, he went to Primary and was excited to be sung to and shared some Toy Story fruit snacks with his class. That evening he opened his gifts from Dad and Mom. Planet Heroes! So cool!
Toy Story 3 was coming out near Ethan's birthday, so long ago we decided that we would go see it for his party. We planned on going Saturday, June 19th and were excited... until that morning. Ethan didn't want to eat his cereal and decided that sitting on his bed was better. Frustrating, but that's Ethan. Addy headed to the theatre to greet all his friends and cousins, hoping that he would eat and come. Luckily, he ate it and showed up about 20 minutes into the film. We LOVED the movie!
After the show we all went back to the house for pizza, cake, and ice cream. We had a great time and loved having everyone over! Thanks for all the thoughtful gifts and for supporting Ethan... even when he's melting down.
2 weeks ago
