Byron's sister, Allison...known as "Auntie" came to visit us for a week. Her plans included going along with us and doing whatever we do...sort of like "A Week in the Life of the McMurtrey's". She did want to upgrade her phone, take a trip to King's English and eat at a few of her favorite places. The visit went well and Allison was entertained by observing the life of a 7 yo girl and the drama that can accompany any given day or week! Ella was in school for Allison's visit, which was actually good because then Allison got a little bit of adult time, otherwise Ella wanted Allison's complete attention. It was nice to have a different adult to do homework and other day to day tasks with Ella.
After picking Allison up from the airport, we were able to pick Ella up from tumbling just in time to see her do a few of her tumbling moves. Allison joined me for several morning walks through Daybreak. I enjoy all of the paved trails throughout the area. My dream is to go on a family bike ride around Daybreak Lake. I'm sure it will come true, but I just don't know when.....encouraging a little girl to ride a bike is more of a challenge than I thought it would be. We did get Allison's phone upgraded and upgrade she did!! Her phone can do absolutely anything...except cook meals!
Ella had a Fun Run as a fundraiser for her school. I think it is the best idea for a fundraiser. The students ask for donations of any amount which go directly to the school....then on the given day the students see how far they can walk or run in 15 minutes. It was all organized very well. You can buy food and even participate in a silent auction. Munchkin Radio was there to DJ the event and give away prizes. I was elected to run with Ella while Allison and Byron cheered us on!! I thought oh no big deal, she will walk most of the time.....well I underestimated her by a lot. We ran most of the time...and I really don't enjoy running. Earlier in the day it rained quite a bit, but the skies cleared and the event went on....notice the beautiful rainbow in the background. I think Ella's school earned $20,000 for this event!!
Allison helped me can lots of pears and peaches while she was here. I think we ended up with a total of 48 jars. My mom was worried that the canning would inhibit any fun plans, but it didn't. We made a trip to Ruby Snap...Allison's favorite cookie store in downtown SLC. I was impressed with their large samples and yes, their cookies are very good. We went to a favorite local bookstore, King's English and got there just at the perfect time. The author and illustrator of, "A Sick Day for Amos" were there to do a reading and signing. It was perfect and we didn't even plan it! It is one of our favorite picture books.....we could never choose just one favorite. Byron especially loves the turtle in this book.
It was fun to ask them questions about their books. They are both so very nice! We all love this bookstore so much. Check this book out and enjoy the story as well as the beautiful artwork. We went to "Mazza"--a Mediterranean (I think) restaurant next door. Allison has a way of getting me out of my food comfort zone. It was good.
Byron's parents joined us for a few days as well. The main thing Ella wanted to do was have breakfast at Black Bear Diner...."with my whole family together". Well, she got her wish. Ella did her responsibilities quickly Saturday morning and off we went. Black Bear Diner has really good fresh orange juice. They serve all kinds of food, but their breakfast food is our favorite...we actually haven't had anything else there. Everyone enjoyed themselves so much and I wish I could freeze and preserve the look on Ella's face. She was so very happy.
I didn't take a picture of the event, but Ella drew one...Grandpa and Grandma McMurtrey and Ella eating breakfast.
Since she drew a picture of Byron's side of the family, she felt she needed to be fair to my parents. This is a picture of Grandpa Wright driving the 4 wheeler with Ella behind (one of Ella's favorite things to do)....and then Grandma watching from a distance.
We made a great Garden Vegetable Soup during Auntie's stay....with most of the items either coming from our garden or my parents. The week ended with lunch at Cafe Shambala (Tibetan restaurant) which I really did like and a quick visit to the Natural History Museum of Utah. We also made a stop at the local Liquor Store......why you ask????? well, they have the very best divided boxes to store bottled food. I learned that from my parents many years ago and remembered it during Allison's stay. Since we had canned so much, I really needed some. It worked out perfectly.
Ella enjoyed the visit very much and was a bit sad for the week to end. It provided me the opportunity to teach her to say, "See you later" instead of "Good-bye". Thank you, Auntie for the visit oh....and Happy, Happy Birthday to you today! October birthdays are the BEST!!!
