Friends for the Weekend: Trip to Utah: Riley's Farewell

Ahhh Jordan! That man is sure fond of surprises. At his insistence, we secretly booked flights back to Utah in order to attend my youngest brother-in-law's missionary farewell. Elder Riley Gisseman has been called by the Lord to serve the people in the Netherlands/Belgium mission. He will leave his family and his home for two years to share his testimony of Jesus Christ and to help bring them happiness by declaring there is a Savior who died for us and because of Him, we can return to live with Him again in Heaven if we follow the Way the Savior has set for us. I am beyond amazed and humbled at what this young guy is giving up as he leaves everything he knows and puts his faith in Heavenly Father, that he will be taken care of, and that he will find people willing to listen to his message of glad tidings.

Since Jordan could only come for a couple days, I felt like it would be more worth it for the kids and me if I stayed a week, splitting the time in half with my family and my in-laws. This is the second trip I've taken with two kids by myself and I was more than a little nervous. It was an evening flight and my first flight out of San Antonio was delayed by an hour. The kids were spectacular on the flight, but we had to run from one gate to the next to make it to our connecting flight (which they were holding for us). It was pretty stressful, but once we were on, both of the kids fell asleep and we soon landed in Salt Lake City. I am nearly convinced that there are fewer problems on morning flights and I've vowed that next time, even if it's an early morning (I shudder at the thought) flight, that I'm going to try that instead.
My parents picked us up at the airport and we headed back to my home in Ogden. My parents were in the middle of renovations and it was fun to see the improvements that were happening. I'm so excited to go back again and see how the house has changed! My parents so deserve this!
I hung out with my sister Nicole and we took the two girl cousins to Tona (an AMAZING sushi restaurant where my oldest sister Chantelle happens to be the manager), and then to the Treehouse Children's Museum, where the girls had a blast running around together.
We went over to Chantelle's new house in the evening and had fajitas that she whipped together. It was so nice touring her new home and seeing how happy she and her family were living there. They were also due for an upgrade!
The next day we took the kids swimming at a public pool and wore them out nice and good! I loved playing with Lily and Olivia! Those girls adore each other and I love seeing all the cousins play together! They all love to hold Romney and they make Olivia feel so big and important! I'm so grateful that they could have time together and for the insta-friends Romm and Olivia have with their cousins! Unfortunately, I couldn't take too many photos because my phone battery is on it's last life and pretty much has to be plugged into the wall at all times. :(
On the last day, I went out with my Mom to Farmington Station for some shopping. We had some Costa Vida and tried The Baked Bear (a delectable ice cream cookie sandwich shop). We rushed back home and picked up my Dad so we could all go out to the Lodge at Maddox together where I had a savory filet mignon steak and soft, buttery rolls. (Can you tell we're big foodies in this family)?
Back at my sister Chantelle's home, we had cupcakes and sang "Happy Birthday" to Olivia since her 5-year-old birthday was only days away. They gave her a super soft, luxurious pink blanket and a hip cat pillow. This girl is definitely spoiled by her aunts and uncles and grandparents!

Romney LOVED Bear! But most of all he reveled in riding him like a Stallion! Bear's such a sweet dog for allowing Romney to fulfill his dream of becoming a true Texan Cowboy.

Brent and Romney were pretty much best buds on this trip. Brent may look a little tuff, but he's a big softy when these babes come around!

At Maddox with the family! Sorry you couldn't be there Nicole, but thanks for suggesting we go so I could finally share in this deliciousness!

She sure is loved!

That night, Jordan flew into SLC Airport where Jake, his brother, picked him up, clandestinely, and took him back home where he walked into his parents' bedroom and surprised them! There was screaming and hugging and crying (so I'm told) and everyone was thrilled by his arrival. Truly, Jordan knows how to make a big surprise. We were so happy we could make this work out and that we could be here to support our family. The next day, I came over to the Gisseman home and got to be there for Riley's open house! It was a big affair and he had so much support from family and friends and neighbors. Holli and Dave served Belgian waffles in his honor and they were gobbled up! Riley is loved deeply and I know there will be many prayers said for his safety while away and for a safe return home in two years. I'm so grateful for Brittany Palmer, the woman behind the camera, who captures such beautiful moments! These picture don't show the half of the people that came to support Riley.

Incredible support from his friends!

Jake is solid. You want this guy on your side! He's loyal to a fault.

Brothers AND Pals = Recipe for success!

These guys have been through thick and thin together. Daniel Bytheway will be serving a mission in Peru!

We went to Riley's farewell address on Sunday and he spoke like an experienced missionary! He thanked his family for their love and support and sacrifices and then after, his whole extended family came over for cookies and to say goodbye one more time. This part of the trip had been especially emotional for all of us as we realized that we wouldn't be seeing him for a long time. Jordan asked Riley to give him a blessing and Riley complied. There was a sweet spirit in the room as the youngest brother laid his hands upon his eldest brother's head and spoke in the name of the Lord. Words were spoken of Jordan doing well in his residency and being a good father and husband. They said a tender goodbye and I took Jordan back to the airport with his parents, while I stayed back in Utah for a couple more days. We played games in the evening and had a nice time being a family.
The next day was a state holiday (Pioneer Day). We went to support Grandma Goosie, as she walked the 10K for the 5th year in a row at 85 and a half! It was a little scary as she crossed the finish line and she was leaning heavily to one side, being supported by her daughter, but she made it through and she's healthy and A-OK. This will very likely be her last year walking and I can't believe how strong and determined she is! She's a powerful lady and the sweetest person you'll ever meet! I'm so glad I get to call her mine!
We went swimming with the extended family at Randy and Deb's pool and the kids really enjoyed themselves! Olivia even refused to get out of the pool because she knew she wouldn't be coming back for a while and she didn't want the fun to stop. I can't blame her!
Dave and Holli took the kids and me out to dinner and Olivia was able to watch some fireworks being set off at the neighbor's house! She and Doniel (the neighbor boy) are thick as thieves and they love seeing each other when Olivia comes into town!
The next day we packed up, stopped by to see Grandma Goosie once more, played outside and drew on the table with water with Dallin while we waited for our ride to the airport, then hopped in the car and drove away. Holli, Dave, and Riley took us through the check-in line (which was crazy long), and we said our tearful goodbyes. Olivia was most distressed and cried all the way through security. Every now and then she'd get a little choked up as she thought about leaving her Utah family. She loves with all her heart! I love that little girl of mine!
On both flights, I met extremely nice people who helped me out! I've met WAY more nice people than mean people at airports (I'm ecstatic to report) and I couldn't travel alone without the help of these friendly strangers. People hold my baby for me, get things out of bags for me, play with my kids, help me through security, grab my stroller for me, among other things! It warms my heart to come into contact with so many nice people!
On our last flight during the descent, the flight attendant announced that it was Olivia's birthday and that she was turning 5! We got in at midnight on her birthday! The attendant had us all turn on our assistance lights, and then we all sang "Happy Birthday" to her and they even made her a little cake out of pretzel bags! It was too cute and so considerate and I'm sad to say Olivia slept through the WHOLE THING! That girl wouldn't wake up if there were jets flying right next to her ears! She is the heaviest sleeper I've ever known.
Jordan picked us up from the airport and we went home! It was so nice to see Jordan again, even though we'd only been apart for a couple days. I'm just not complete without him. Everything is truly better when we're together! He helped me put the kids to bed, then I worked on decorating the house for Olivia's birthday (even though it was past midnight), because I'm crazy like that! Romney had jet lag, so he stayed up until 2:40 a.m. with me until I was done decorating, and then I insisted that playtime was over and he HAD to go to sleep now. I'll talk more about Olivia's birthday in my next blog post!
I'm so grateful for the opportunity I had to return back to Utah. I felt the bonds of family so strong and I truly am lucky and blessed with the family and friends that God has put in my life. It was a nice, but short, trip and I can't wait to see their faces again! God speed Elder Gisseman and bless you on your journey! We love you! You have matured and grown so much and I can't wait to see the person you grow into on your mission! You will be an incredible missionary!