a difficult reunion

Somehow I got roped into going to Nate's family reunion. Still not sure how I feel about how things turned out, but I think Nate needed it. We flew into St. George and drove up to Utah Valley. We made our first pet stop as a family #pitstop

To say that I love him would be an understatement, especially considering all we went through together. Luckily I think he makes up for it in every other way possible. yin and yang.

Oh you know... these are our model faces.

Leading up to this trip a new song really connected with me. It's by X Ambassadors.

Hold, hold on, hold onto me
'Cause I'm a little unsteady
A little unsteady
Hold, hold on, hold onto me
'Cause I'm a little unsteady
A little unsteady

Mama, come here
Approach, appear
Daddy, I'm alone
'Cause this house don't feel like home

If you love me, don't let go
Whoa, if you love me, don't let go

Anyway, I feel like at any moment that if someone lets go of me I'll likely tip over... not strong enough to hold myself up. But it's looking like I'll make it. If you get my drift. Just gonna need some support. I'm so glad I have it. It's sort of like a prayer to God as well.

The first night at the reunion was spent mostly waiting for dinner. Probably the worst night there...The kids sure seemed to have fun, but I spent most of our time there grumpy and hungry and upset that dinner was more important than people.

Penny fell in love with Hazel and Jeff became obsessed with Cohen. It was fun to see them play together so much.

Jeff does love sparring and swords.

Nate connected really well with Liam. Y'know... like playing pokemon go and such. I don't think it's any mistake that Nate was called to be over the Webelos. He's really good at making this age feel smart and important.

It's amazing we didn't have more injuries because they were at it all night long.

Hazel was kind of naughty. :) but oh so cute.

Sparring at sunset #playtime #cousins #cohen #myjeffyboy #purejoys #simplethingsinlife #pettitreunion2016 #weonlyhad2minorinjuries #miracle

Luckily, we got to pick up right after dinner ended at 8:30 and head to our own private stomping grounds. With my sister Chelsea. :) It just felt safer to me for some reason, but I'm so glad we decided to stay off site.

The next morning, Nate's family was going to the temple and I wasn't sure I was ready to go back again in front of everyone. So the kids and Nate and I all checked out our alma mater. It was so weird to be back here in a place that meant so much to our family. I'm so glad I chose to come here against my better judgment.

These 3 are the reason. I wouldn't have any of them without this place. #fondmemories #whereourfamilybegan #talmagebuilding #undergroundlibrary #freshenedupourtshirtcollection #nateplayedpokemongo #tryingtobeatliam #pettitreunion2016 #secretscantbekeptforever

After our jaunt to campus we met our family at this fun hike with a miniature little waterfall. Aria went up to the lake, higher up, with the big cousins and Uncle Sam and Aunt Sarah. They had so much fun.

Emma was feeling very yoga-esque. So funny. This is a good part of the group who went on the hike. Just missing all of Will's family (except Tigi), myself and Grandpa Trey.

The kids loved all the bridges part. It was fun to cross the river bed over and over again.

The 6 year old crew at grotto falls trail. #myjeffyboy #tigi #emma #whyisthewatercold? #houstonbred #meltedsnow #notlukewarm #frozenfeet

It was definitely cold! This was the best picture I could get. I can't stand it.

Grandma Julie finally got her group family picture. The one she thought she'd never get. I kinda wish she would have coordinated a little bit so my kids weren't in swimsuits and so I wasn't wearing something bright bright orange. But hey, I guess you can't tell that in the bw photo. But I know she'll be printing the color one.

Aunt Sarah #thefunaunt taught the kids playground games #fishyfishycomeswiminmyocean #swabthedeck #cousins #pettitreunion2016

They ALL wanted to take turns being the shark.

She has such an energy, I really admire her skills with kids.

This was the best cousin time, imo

Alice and Aria hit it off as always. I'm glad Aria has older cousins on this side of her family.

Nate's grandma and his Aunt Lori have been the only ones to really reach out to us or call and check up on us since our tragedy from his side of the family. Grandma Barbara told me about how when she was 7 years old she lost her Grandma - someone she was really close to and it nearly shattered her world. About a week or so after, she saw a vision of her Grandma and she knew everything would be all right. I was grateful for her testimony... and told her how I'd prayed for a vision. I wanted to see Evie's spirit so bad. I still do. But God has never really spoken to me that way so I don't know why I should expect him to do that for me this time. But I just wanted to be able to picture her alive. She testified that God speaks even if it's not in visions. It was really a blessing to be able to see her at the reunion.

Finally, we figured out where Jeff's eyes come from! His uncle Sam... :) Gotta love those gray/green/hazel eyes. Such handsome men.

Nate was able to musically connect with his brothers while here. He was able to play his song that he wrote for Evie for them. There was a moment where they wept together holding each other after he played it which gave Nate some much needed comfort and sorrowful affirmation.

The last night there we stayed there late enough for bed time. We had a great time sharing pertinent stories and of course... dog piling.

Quote for the week..."Many of the things that appear to be obstacles in our path are used by a loving Creator for our own personal growth. Life was never intended to be easy. Rather, it is a period of proving and growth. It is interwoven with difficulties, challenges and burdens. We are immersed in a sea of persistent worldly pressures that could destroy our happiness. YET these very forces, if squarely faced, provide opportunity for tremendous personal growth and development. The conquering of adversity produces strength of character. Forges self-confidence, engenders self-respect and assures success in righteous endeavor." - Richard G. Scott

The next few days we spent time with Chelsea's family. We loved going to Seven Peaks together. We got the pass of all passes so we can go again next year too. :) 7 peaks with our cousins! Vortex of fun. #mydaredevils #7peaks #lilmissaria #n8man #nowiknowthatjeffpickeduphisscreamingfromhisdad #likeagirl

#bestpioneerdayever #n8man #lilmissaria #myjeffyboy #missingevietoday #wavepool @chelseadavis2 @tyler_p_davis #jeffdoesnthaveanounceoffat

That pass also included free golf-carts

froggy hopping

bumper boats

and rock wall climbing.

But the best part of all was eating at the Wild Zucchini grill. It's seriously yummy food.

We also had a talent show - I thought Aria's version of Castle on a Cloud turned out lovely.

Grandma got us some pioneer day fireworks. The kids loved the sparklers and they were significantly less afraid of them than Hazel. :)

I also got to get together with my high school besties. These women have really helped me these last few months all in different but complementary ways. I think that's why we always made such a good team.I'm so grateful for them. #soblessed #pedicure #smoothies #hair #bathandbodyworks #books #constantcontact #lovethem #santaclara2ndward #gladourkidscanbefriends #evielaree

I love how the kids had so much fun together too. I got my family started a lot earlier than the others but it's fun to see them altogether, playing, hugging and having a wonderful time.

We went over and helped Grandpa at his orchard. I love this place - it's so healing. Nate might have blown out his back doing heaving gravel from one side of the yard to another. The kids and I picked grapes. :)

Jeff loved it. My heart breaker grape harvester #myjeffyboy #somanygrapes #yummy #grandpasorchard #evieshowedup #iknowlareeiswithhernamesake #natureandhardworkdothesoulgood #rubberbandguns #plumsrightoffthetree #mygrandpaisthemostresourcefulpersoniknow #grapebagsinsteadofnetting