A Weekend In Vernal

This blog is becoming so out of order!  Oh well, that's life with four children!  Better to record something rather than nothing!

Anyway, the last time we were in Vernal was in February!  The kids had wanted to go all summer, but our weekends were booked.  The only weekend we could really go this fall was UEA break for the kids, and as it so happened, Richard had to be in Arizona that weekend taking his last board exam.  So, I took a deep breath, promised the kids I would take them, and made plans with my in-laws before I could change my mind!  The only thing I was worried about was the drive, mostly with Gretchen, but she did great, and I did great, and I safely did that six hour round trip drive with all five of us.  

Our time in Vernal was wonderful.  For the last 13 years, as long as I have known Richard, time in Vernal is so relaxing for me.  There are no expectations, rarely any plans, things are relaxed, and it really is so great.  This trip was no exception, and made even better with beautiful fall weather.  

Here's a recap with pictures.

We got there Thursday afternoon, just before dinner.  As has become tradition, we immediately headed to Freddy's for dinner.  Gretchen loved the custard, but who wouldn't?!

Most of Friday was spent at home.  Cousins came over, the weather was beautiful, and we spent a lot of time outside in the hammock, on the swings, raking leaves, and jumping in leaf piles.  

Late that afternoon we went to the Dinosaur Museum.  They had an awesome scavenger hunt that Marshall loved.  

Our evening consisted of a movie and fun with grandparents.  

Saturday was an awesome day.  For the entire month of October I had been wanting to get to a pumpkin patch, but due to homework, busy soccer schedules, and a busy life in general, we never got around to it.  Our Saturday in Vernal though made up for all of that and it was so good I am making sure a weekend in Vernal becomes a fall tradition. 

We started things off with pizza with cousins and freshly homemade chocolate chips cookies.  Gretchen was a big fan of the cookies and made it very well known that anytime someone walked through the kitchen with her that she expected a cookie.  

Next up was apple picking.  A perfect fall activity.

That was followed by more fun in the backyard with football, leaves, hammock, and swings. 

Marshall and Rachel so rarely get along that this had to be documented!

After Becky cleaned the apples, we made fresh apple cider.  It was a hit!  The grandkids all loved it and were able to be very involved.  

As if things couldn't get any more fun, next up was frosting sugar cookies.  

To cap things off, the girls got horseback rides in the setting evening sun.  Magical.  

We drove home on Sunday and once again everything went well.  I am proud of myself for making the drive, and I am so glad I did!  It was a perfect weekend.  

A Special Weekend...An Entire Year Ago

A few nights ago I was laying in bed, in the middle of the night (I had gotten up with one of the kids) wide awake.  All of a sudden I had a startling realization that I had not documented Marshall's baptism and Gretchen's blessing!  The next morning I looked at the notes on my phone and was so relieved to see that I still had my notes saved from the blessings Richard had given each of them.  So here I am, documenting that very special weekend, an entire year later!  

Marshall was baptized on Saturday, November 5th.  It was so wonderful to have so many family members with us for that special day, though I neglected to get a picture with everyone!  Marshall had all four of his grandparents there, Danny and his family, Kevin and Audrey, Jordan, John, Margaret, Steve, and the wonderful Irion family.  

Marshall was excited, but also nervous, for his big day, but he was calm and happy.  

Richard and I were able to sit at the front of the chapel with Marshall during the opening portion.  Our families took care of our girls behind us and it was so nice to sit there with Marshall without any distractions.  Grandma Becky played a beautiful arrangement of "I Am A Child Of God" on the piano.  After that we moved to the Relief Society room for the baptism.  Another little girl in our ward was baptized first and then it was Marshall's turn.  My Dad and Grandpa Bob were the witnesses.  Marshall did a great job, and despite his nerves in the water, he went all the way down and it all went perfectly.  

While Richard and Marshall were changing, the rest of us moved to the primary room.  The primary presidency passed out 3x5 cards and asked everyone to write Marshall a note.  I loved this idea and never would have thought of it on my own!  Marshall now has a little book, made up of notes and memories, from his baptism day.  

Once Marshall and Richard were back in the room I was able to stand up in the front of the room with Marshall and tell a little about him and our family.  I do remember that I made the mistake of saying that we had five kids!  Ahh!!!  But I did love standing up there, with Marshall by my side.  Marshall has been a challenging child at times, but he is so dynamic and fun and has taught us so much as parents.  Marshall is wise, sensitive, smart, funny, clever, and has the desire to do and choose good.  

After the introduction, there were two talks on the Holy Ghost, including a talk given by Jordan.  After the talks Richard confirmed Marshall a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and gave him the gift of the Holy Ghost.  Richard gave him a perfect blessing, one that is so applicable to Marshall.  We did type up my notes from his blessing and have them hanging on his bulletin board in his bedroom.  

Richard blessed him that the Holy Ghost would be a true Comforter to him.  He told Marshall that when he is anxious, scared, or nervous that the Holy Ghost can help him.  He reminded Marshall that he is never alone.  Richard blessed Marshall that he will know he can turn to the Holy Ghost to get answers to his questions.  Richard also blessed Marshall that he can be a good example and teach his sisters.  

We spent the rest of the day at my parents' house.  My mom and I had prepared a lunch for our families so we just enjoyed being together, eating, visiting, watching BYU football, and playing.  It was a great, great day with some of the people we love the most!

I also want to note that Marshall got two special outings with both sets of grandparents.  After his baptism, Richard's parents took Marshall to Deseret Book.  He was able to pick out his first CTR ring as well as a tie bar.  A few weeks later, my parents took him out to dinner at Red Lobster and then he picked out a picture of the New Zealand, which his great-great grandfather helped to build.  Eight really is great!

The next day, on Sunday, November 6th, Gretchen was blessed in sacrament meeting and given a name and a blessing.  She was so good for her blessing, and once again, Richard's words were beautiful.  Richard blessed Gretchen that she would be a happy girl and have a calming influence in our family.  He blessed her with a strong testimony and a love of Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ and that she would be able to share that love with those around her.  Gretchen was blessed with the ability to serve family and friends and be an example of Christ.  Richard blessed Gretchen that she would grow mentally, physically and spiritually.  He also blessed her to be a good influence and gain friends and that together they would all influence each other for good.  And lastly, that Gretchen would love all those she comes in contact with.  

It was SO great having all this family with us!  We have never had this for a baby blessing!

The dress that Gretchen was blessed in has been worn by all five women in this picture and I just love the sentimentality of it.  

Little Gretchen was quite hungry by this point.  :)

After church and all happy.  

Looking back on Gretchen's blessing, I can certainly say that she is indeed a calming influence in our family...which we definitely need.  She is calm, content, and happy and we are so happy to have her.