Prearations

Greetings from St. George, UT!!! The annual L. family reunion has started, and we look forward to the adventures this week will bring.

This last week was spent in preparations for leaving. K2 still participated in swim lessons, and Underfoot had refresher lessons. One day this week, Underfoot and I were doing his scripture time. One of the pictures was of a family dressed white standing in front of a temple. He pointed at the picture and said, “They’re angels, Mama.” This tender moment gave me hope because we believe we have the opportunity to be a family forever. I hope he recognizes our love for him and K2 and our desire to be together forever.

As I would drive between swimming lessons, I listened to taped lectures and books specially about the American Civil War. I have learned about the people, the politics, the reasons some fought, and the battles. I have learned how this war from not so long ago still affects us today. I am grateful to have learned about the past. Different perspectives have helped me to teach my children about belief in and for a cause. It has also helped me to teach about obedience. In addition, I’ve learned that most people do not succeed in all times of their lives but have a time in which they shine and prove themselves valuable.

L4 worked a lot of extra hours so he won’t have to use all of his paid time off while in on our trip. K2 and Underfoot have been thrilled to greet him when he comes home. He took Underfoot for a bike ride one night and carries both boys often at their request. Arriving home early on Thursday evening, he assisted in the final travel preparations. I’m grateful he came home. I love him!

Thursday was a bustle of activity. We packed, cleaned, ironed, loaded the car, and went to bed after midnight. We woke early the next morning (around 3:30 am to Underfoot crawling in our bed saying he didn’t feel well). After attempting to go back to sleep for an hour, we dressed, prayed, and left for our adventure. We drove and drove with a few stops for earrings (Thanks D.!), potty, and eating. We listened to Louis L’Amour books, talked, and stopped to eat at a buffet in Las Vegas. About 13 hours later on Friday evening we pulled into St. George. We then went swimming.

On Saturday, we checked out and checked in, went shopping, made supper, and welcomed the family with a meal. L4 even surprised everyone with homemade ice cream! Our boys did awesome! K2 would scream when he was done being in his car seat or bored. L4 has dubbed him 100 dB. Underfoot stayed close and did amazing on making it to the bathroom as a newly potty trained boy!