Thursday, July 16th. Yes, this day needs to be divided into 3 parts because it was THAT packed. When we were preparing for our trip to Utah, I asked the kids what they wanted to do there. Immediately Matthew said, "visit James!" to which Tyler instantly agreed. I had almost forgotten that their friend James lived there. It had been 3 years since they had seen him, but he hasn't been too far from their thoughts. Here is a collage I made for him when they moved away. There was a Star Wars obesession going on at the time, so this was appropriate. I also made a copy for my boys, and it sat on their dresser for a while. This was taken in the spring, 2006.
We met James' family (The Lloyds) at church when we moved to Round Rock in 2002. Matthew was a newborn and James was one. Tyler was 2, his older brother David was 3. It wasn't until about a year later that the boys really got to know each other. We participated in a babysitting swap with a few other friends, and with each of us having 2 boys, it was fun to have them play. But mostly, it was James and Matthew who buddied up. But he played great with my 2 boys, being sandwiched in the middle in age.
This is the 4 of them at Matthew's 1st birthday. David (4) James (2) Matthew (1) Tyler (3).
Here they are (below) with their buddy Evan, too (my dear friend Linda's son). The 5 boys had a grand old time every Friday night when we'd swap to go on dates. Evan and Tyler were best friends. David just tolerated the younger ones, as he was an old soul.
I just love these two pics together....
A few months before Alyssa was born, they had a 3rd boy, Josh. They moved to Kansas the summer of 2006 and that entire year, my boys talked about going to Kansas to visit him. Never really talked to him, just remembered they loved him. Here are the Lloyds around the time they moved: Rich, Marianne, David, James, and Josh
Then, a year later, in the summer of 2007, James' dad Rich was diagnosed with GBM stage 4 brain tumor. They whisked off to Utah for treatment and to be close to both of their families, but he passed away only about 8 months after the diagnsis (spring 2008). It's been heartbreaking, and we have talked to our boys a lot about it. I think it is important for our children to understand that heaven isn't a scary place to think of, but it is sad that we don't get to see our loved one for a while. Having a dear friend lose their father for a time has brought about great discussion with our children about the blessing of eternal families. They made cards for James, and this situation has kept James and his family regularly in our thoughts and prayers. Marianne and I were friends. Not super close, but still friends. It broke my heart, but I knew her enough to know she is a strong woman. No one should have to endure such pain, but I knew that through time, she would endure it well.
I sent her an email a few weeks before our visit, and we planned a time to get together. As much as I would have loved to make it longer, my 5 day trip to Utah was quite packed, so it worked out well that they really only had a 2.5 hour time slot to get together on the day we could. We got to go to their home in Salt Lake. I'd never really known someone who lived right in the heart of Salt Lake, and the community there was just so nice and quaint. Her home, built 50 years ago was set on the most beautiful street filled with lush green trees. Inside, it was beautifully updated and restored. These pictures just don't do them justice. 
We arrived a bit early, and she was about to shower after a workout, but instead, she made us lunch as we shared stories. What I do remember well about Marianne is she was always the greatest hostess (when she had us over for dinner once, she taught me the fruit/vanilla yogurt treat that we make ALL the time) and kindof a supermom. She claimed to be unprepared for lunch, and on a whim, not only did she make our kids Macaronni and cheese, she also gave them a gogurt, sliced up some oranges, carrots, and juice boxes. My kids are lucky to get some pretzels and apples for a lunch at home. They ate outside, and we chatted in the kitchen as she sliced up avocado and tomoato for my deluxe sandwich. Here she is listening to Alyssa's story and trying to calm Cali while I ate.
Her oldest, David, was on a trip with a friend, but my kids played with James and Josh in their basement bedroom. My kids think basements are the coolest--so do I!
Cute boys...there were a few awkward minutes at first, but they jumped back into playing, and even pulled out the light sabers for good ole times.
Marianne and I talked about lots of things. Even though we didn't keep in great contact, we have a history together that allows us to speak easily with each other. From old friends to new friends. From being a widow and dating again to allowing the pain and the sadness come out. We talked a lot about Rich, and how his legacy will be carried out through his boys. He was a strong leader both in the
business world, as well as to the men he taught at church. His
testimony throughout his life, even in the end, was rock solid, he knew that this challenge was strengthening him for something more. That which we don't understand now. We laughed, we cried, we were a bit sad to part after such a brief time together. But it was just enough. I left feeling uplifted, knowing I was right--she is a strong faithful woman, with a good head on her shoulders. I know she is being watched over and will be taken care of. A loving Father in Heaven would not have it any other way.
Great Grandma and Grandpa Ball (to my kids) met us there with my mom. Alyssa took a special interest in my grandma. It was cute.
In the gardens there, we found this Quail with her little ducklings. They followed her around wherever she went. If she walked away from them, they were right in her shadow. If she turned the other direction, they were right there. Felt very familiar. It was very cute and the kids talked about those chicks for days.
The tabernacle pipe organ is just awe inspiring.
The Sister missionaries must be telling a very interesting story. The sisters serving there are usually from other countries and they learned English on their mission. It is always so fascinating to hear there stories, many of them converts to the church as adults. Some converting from Hindu, Buddhism, and even Judaism. 
Everywhere we went, my grandparents would proudly say, "We've got 4 generations here." It was very cute. Standing in front of the Christus state in the Visitors Center. So peaceful in that room.
Because the airbag turns off in the front seat, the kids got to take turns sitting in the front. It was fun for them, and I liked it, too. 
Cute Cali slept in a nice padded bed on the floor next to me. 
*Note to my readers: I am trying so very hard to plug through this trip. I just have to finish, but I have so much going on right now. After this trip is done, I will post about the mayhem that has currently taken over my life.
