Corvallis with Auntie Allison

The longest driving portion of our vacation was from Reno, NV to Corvallis, OR--google maps said it would take 8 hours.  I figured it would take close to 10 hours with stops and it did.  The first 8 hours were fine.  We listened to Harry Potter Book 1 and were really enjoying ourselves---then 4:00 PM came and we were all pretty much done with nearly two more hours to go.  We were on a two lane road most of the day and when you get behind some semi's....well let's just say it makes the trip much longer and then add the voice from the back every few miles..."How much longer now until we will be to auntie's house?"  The scenery was beautiful and that did help immensely.  We finally made it and it is nice to know that we won't have that long of a driving day to get home.

We enjoyed a nice dinner with Auntie Allison and her friend, Brian at a local Indian restaurant,The Evergreen.  Ella didn't complain:)

Allison took us on a tour of Oregon State University.  One of the things we love to do when we visit family is to see where our family members spend their days.  Allison's office is in a building where classes and offices are in the central portion of the building and living quarters (dorms if you will) are on either ends of the building.  It was an interesting set up.  Ella wanted to see how the smart boards work in the classrooms....but alas after trying to get it up and running....it didn't work out....not so smart of boards after all.  There are kitchens throughout the building for joint cooking.  There are worship rooms throughout the building as well.  It was really enjoyable to spend time where Allison spends the majority of her time as well.

 This building reminded us all of Hogwarts....especially since it was on our minds anyway.

We had a lovely visit into the evening.  We navigated our way through town just fine.  The next day we enjoyed the local farmers market.  We love these.  We have shared lots of fun memories at farmers markets in many locations over the years.  There were local musicians playing guitar, flute, and the fiddle.  There were several items to sample and shady spots to sit and chat.  We enjoy deciding what we will purchase and the kindness of those there making a living.

We walked around downtown Corvallis, stopped at a bookstore (of course)--The Book Bin, had lunch at The Broken Yoke and then dropped Ella off with Auntie for a couple of days.  I MIGHT have shed a couple of tears when we dropped her off.  I don't know where those came from---especially since we--which includes Ella--have looked forward to her staying with Allison and Byron and I heading over to the coast in advance.  I chalk it up to a Mother's heart and I recovered fairly quickly.

Thank you Auntie Allison for being willing to spend some time with a girl who loves you so very much!!  We love you too.

Happy 4th of July 2015

We were fortunate enough to be able to spend the 4th of July with my brother, Ben and his family.  They have two daughters, Megan and Lanie and Ella loves spending time with them.  She has said in the past that she would like to live with them so she can have sisters.

The night before we had a "manicure" moment.  We all got into the spirit of the holiday.

We were off to Lake Tahoe for the day.  My brother prepared us and especially Byron that it would be crowded but the fireworks show would be worth it.  We played "Rubberneckers" (a travel game) on the way there and we had a lot of fun.  It is a lot more fun to play with more than two people.  It rained a lot on the drive and there was concern that our plans for the day would be spoiled.

But nope....the clouds and few showers did not deter the girls at all.  I dipped into the water and it was cold.  

Hours of fun...even in ponchos.  The weather doesn't matter as long as you have someone to share the adventure with you.  The girls dug out a small area in the sand to be able to view the fireworks.  It didn't seem to matter that they were ready 4 hours before the fireworks would start:)

We are so thankful for our country.  A place where we can enjoy time together as a family and make memories that will last forever.  May God bless the USA...and may we do what is necessary to defend and protect our families in this beautiful country that we have been given.

The weather did deter the crowds...somewhat.  We were informed that it has been much worse in years past.  It was still crowded but very manageable.  We had staked out a large space anyway.  

The sunset was absolutely gorgeous.  The fireworks show did not disappoint.  They were done over the lake from 3 different barges.  It was the best fireworks show we have ever seen.  As Byron describes, it was like a fireworks finale for 25 minutes.  It really did last for 25 minutes straight.  It was a great way to celebrate our freedom!!

The Perfect Day

What would an 8 year old girl be most excited about?  Christmas, Her Birthday, Disneyland, the Beach? Nope.....it would be her Baptism into The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.  Ella has anticipated this day for a really long time.  We have had the opportunity to attend several baptisms over the last 5 years and Ella was paying attention.  We attended a preview meeting several months ago and we were asked how many people we thought would attend.  Ella started making a list.  Byron and I told her that she could invite as many people as she wanted.  There was no limit.  She also started planning the program months in advance.  She called and/or visited all of the people and invited them to specifically participate at her baptism.  Her planning paid off because everything went perfectly as planned.....aside from Ella getting up at 4:00 AM.....somethings never change.

Ella's cousins...Megan and Colby...said the prayers.  Grandma Wright played the piano and Auntie Allison led the music.  Auntie Sara and Auntie Ericka gave the talks....which were excellent and several people in attendance asked me if they could get a copy. Grandpa Wright and Grandpa McMurtrey were witnesses and Byron did the Baptism and Confirmation.  Ella's friend/babysitter, Abby sang a song called, "I Know That My Savior Loves Me".  As my sister--Melissa said, "She sounded like an angel"...and she did.  It was beautiful.

Thank you Byron for being the Husband and Father that you are for our family.

Our primary had all those in attendance write down a little thought and then they compiled them into a little book for Ella.  My neighbor made a slideshow of pictures with music and a video to play at the baptism.  It was all just wonderful.

We had lunch at our house afterward.  Ella had asked Aunt Melissa to make her "World Famous Chocolate Chip Cookies"....and they did not disappoint.  Ella also asked Grandma McMurtrey to make her "World Famous Potato Salad".  I overheard Ella tell her cousin, "It looks disgusting but tastes delicious."  Good thing Grandma McMurtrey doesn't get offended very easily.  Ella is right about it tasting delicious and only Ella thinks it looks bad!!!

Aunt Sara, Ella and Aunt Ericka

Ella and Cousin Megan

Ella and Aunt Allison

Grandma Wright, Ella and Grandpa Wright

Uncle Shaun and Ella

Grandma McMurtrey, Ella and Grandpa McMurtrey

Brandon, Uncle Jeff, Aunt Ericka, Ella and Darren

We felt so much love and suppport from all of our family members.....where-ever they live.  We appreciated those that made an extra sacrifice to spend this moment with Ella. We have such a great family!  We didn't plan anything else for this day and it was the PERFECT day to soak in the things that matter the very most.

As I was tucking Ella into bed that night, she told me that she wished, "today was yesterday, so that I could wake up tomorrow and have this day all over again."  It was the perfect ending to a perfect day.

Things Ella said on the day of her Baptism--February 1, 2014

"I felt like hugging my Dad right there in the font."

"I was glad that most of my family was there to support me."

"Right after I got baptized, I felt this huge burst in my chest."

"I was super duper happy."

"I thought the song that Abby sang was beautiful.  Her voice was so pretty."