Family Gathering in VA- baby blessings

It's amazing that two beautiful little babies could prompt such a sweet gathering.

Saturday, July 5 through Sunday, July 6

We pulled ourselves together, and drove down to Dan and Julee's in VA.  We stopped at a roadside BBQ smoker joint and had a different kind of pulled pork.  Wayne's stands up to it, but this was a different kind of delicious....had a great zing-a-ling.

We forgot the girls' bathing suits, so when we were in UT I ran to Wal-Mart to pick up one for each girl.  They only had something that looked like a tankini in Grace's size, but it ended up more bikini-ish.  Grace wasn't pleased, so on our way to VA, we stopped at Target and found a cute one-piece.  I only include this because I love that our girls choose modesty at a young age.  We teach them to not think twice about or judge what another person wears, but to pay attention to how they feel and be true.

We got to Dan and Julee's and started out with hours of pool fun while Dan, Wayne, and Joe (Julee's dad) worked at the grill.  What a spread!  Julee's baked beans were to die for.  Dan's ribs and the Brower chicken was to die for.  Mari's gazpacho was to die for- I love the way she makes it- chunky/salsa-like.  It all was SOOO yummy, and we were all deliriously full by evening.

Dan set the lawn on fire with his fireworks display.  What a hoot!  The kids had a ball with the sparklers and then we scooted off to our hotel for a good night's rest.

Sunday, July 6 ~ JOY

We met back at Dan and Julee's for the blessings of Ceseley Jane and Desmond James....both beautiful, sweet babies.   Ceseley is a strong string bean with a smile that brightens up a room, and Des is a peaceful, chunky cherub.  The blessings were beautiful and fitting.  I caught a look of pure joy on my dad's face as he observed two of his sons exercising their priesthood respectfully and honorably.

Afterward I asked if he was in awe watching his family grow and progress like this, and he acknowledged it was so.  While we were at Adam and Mari's my brother, Ben & his wife, Amanda welcomed their 3rd son, baby William, and this a.m., grandbaby #27 on our side of the family was born, Claire Kimberly.  Including the grandbabies from Ilene's children I believe there are 51.  So, the posterity grows and I'm sure as time passes it will always be joyous to witness and know beautiful occasions such as baby blessings, successes, progression (including repentance), covenants made and kept, prayer, FHE, and love shared.  I could see the look of "cherishing the moment" on my dad's face following Ceseley's and Des' blessings.  I think I'm doing a bit more cherishing of each and every good thing as well.  All are in a sense miracles and evidence of God's existence.

Following the blessings, we once again enjoyed an amazing buffet.  The banana bars were a hit.  Check out the link.  The blog is one of my favorites.   After brunch, the cameras were busy, and after a little Wii time, it was time to go.  I'm feeling the after effects of an intense game of Wii tennis with Wayne.  I can't get my rematch soon enough:)

Aside from I-91 being closed in CT for a few miles due to an accident and our drive taking 2 hours longer because of that and a couple other slow spots, the drive from VA, through MD, DE, NJ, PA, NY, CT and to our MA home was not bad.  How's that for a positive spin on a brutal drive?  We were all glad to get in our own beds and sink our heads into our pillows.  We are so very thankful for our safe travels and the many cherished memories made.  The Minivan that Could passed 200,000 miles heading east somewhere in Iowa.  We're hoping for another 50K.  

And that's how our family traveled through 17 states

(+ Wash. DC) in 12 days in the summer of 2008.

The End.

July 4th in DC!

Well, if we were going to miss July 4th in Boston, celebrating in DC was the next best thing, right?

We spent the morning at Mount Vernon (George's house per Aunt Mari:)).  It was warm and humid, but we had a lovely time.  As we arrived there was a reenactment of sorts going on on the front lawn.  The musket fire was LOUD, and the kids were past impressed after a few shots were fired.  Thomas pointed out the minutemen on the left and the continental soldiers.  Some soldiers picked a girl out of the crowd and pretended to find a paper declaring her loyalty to England, and they declared her a traitor.  She was a good sport!  

Mari, Des, and gpa stood in the long line to tour George's house while gma Ilene found shade, and Wayne, the kids and I walked through the beautiful gardens, through the farm, where the soldiers' tents and liberty bell replica were displayed (men acting as soldiers actually slept in the tents the previous night), and George Washington's original and current resting place.  They had a wreath ceremony at his resting place.  It was nice to pay respects on July 4th.

Speaking of George Washington....  We spotted a man who appeared to be dressed as George Washington.  I hurried the kids along to meet him and suggested to Thomas that he ask him if he was in fact George.  When I prompted Thomas, he came up with his own question for George...

Thomas: Is it true that you insulted Artemus Ward in public?

George:  General Ward?

Thomas: Yes.

George: Well, I didn't insult him, but rather we engaged in a lively public debate.  It is a good thing to be able to discuss differences of opinion, is it not?

Thomas: Yes.

George and I smiled at each other, both pleasantly surprised at Thomas' boldness.  I was happy that Thomas appeared satisfied.  Later we met Martha as well....so fun!

The view from Mt. Vernon over the Potomac River toward MD is something to behold.  It's no wonder George Washington longed to return home following his presidency.  The estate and surroundings are beautiful and peaceful.

After Mt. Vernon, we headed back to Adam and Mari's and decided we would head out to DC via the Metro to see the fireworks.  We hesitated because the forcast called for rain, but we decided we'd brave the weather since we didn't know when/if we'd be back for the 4th.  The ride into DC was easy.  We ended up walking right up to the mall in between the Washington monument and the Capital Bldg.  The fireworks started soon after we arrived.  It was an amazing setting...worth the adventure that followed, and it's not easy to impress a Bostonian when it comes to 4th of July celebrations:).

After the fireworks, we were 7 of 7 zillion who tried to get back on the Metro to return home.  Holy cow, what a zoo!!!!  


We were clinging to each other through the crowds while Wesley slept peacefully in the stroller.  The train door tried to split Wayne in half, but we managed to squeeze in....seven of the many sardines on board.  Then came the tears...Grace: I'm thirsty!  I can't move!  My feet hurt!  Caroline: I want water!  We were standing so close, we had to maneuver in order to be able to find the water bottle and lift it enough for the girls to get a drink.  As soon as a seat opened up, Grace was sitting down and fell fast asleep.  Caroline soon followed.

We enjoyed a good night's rest after an unforgettable 4th of July in DC (& VA:)).

On the road again...

Tuesday, July 1 through Thursday, July 3

Tuesday a.m., Christina and I did a little UT shopping that we just can't do in MA.  We went to Deseret Book and I found this beautiful piece of art by Del Parsons that I decided I wanted to look at everyday. You can't really tell, but the actual canvas has a distressed finish and is in neutral tones. The thick black frame is also distressed. I love the message the image gives & I feel I can relate.

My sister Shayla gave me a quick tutorial on how to make flower clippies and I'm going to give it a go, so Christina and I also stopped by Robert's for their big spring flower sale. We'll see if I can bring some of this cuteness to the east coast. When Shayla was passing them out at the reunion, it was no surprise that Grace was all over them! She wanted one of each color. They are darling, for sure.

Grace loved having her hair done by Ama when Ama came by and visited before Christina and I ran errands, gma Ann took little ones to water slide at Julie's, and Ama, Wayne and Matt picked up our minivan.  When we all returned (minus Ama), we said prayers, thank-yous, and good-byes, left with lots of love, and headed east through UT, WY, NE, IA, IL, OH (thankfully making it safely through a terrible storm), IN, dipped into MI, and stopped in PA.


Thomas collected state post cards (or pics of state signs) for each of the states we drove through.  He was asked to collect them over the summer since he'll be studying North America next year in Social Studies.  He'll have quite a collection to share!  Hey, family and friends, if you want to send Thomas a post card from your state, he'd love to add to his collection!

We spent the night in Cranberry, PA just outside of Pittsburgh and were thankful for a comfy bed, and good night's rest.

Thursday a.m., we got back in the minivan and drove through PA to my brother's home in MD. Again, picking up where we left off was a sweet thing. My dad and Ilene were there as well, and the kids were so excited to run around and play (and get out of the car)! Adam and Mari were so gracious and generous. We are so thankful for them. The kids adored baby Des. We visited and then went off to see Wall-e. Cute movie. I was tired and almost fell asleep, but everyone really enjoyed it.

SLC & Alpine

Sunday, June 29- Tuesday, July 1

We were thrilled to spend the remainder of our UT vacation in SCL at Grandma Ann's and Grandpa Gary's.  Gary was away on business, so we were sad to miss him, but we had a lovely time, as always with Gma Ann.  We laughed at how our Grace Ann seemed to appreciate Gma Ann's floor to ceiling decor more than anyone.  They are 2 peas in a pod in many wonderful ways.  Gma. Ann has been living with her daughter, Julie who is excpecting triplets, and when she mentioned she hadn't had time to clean off her courtyard, we decided to spend Monday morning doing just that.  The kids and I scrubbed away while Wayne took the van in to get serviced.  Later that day we went to visit Julie, her triplets in the wombs, and her 4 amazing kids.  Our kids played together while I folded laundry, and Wayne and I played catch up with Julie, her IV nearby.  She's been so sick, but I was in awe at how great she looks.  In fact I think besides being pregnant with triplets, she's in better shape than I am!  I'm inspired to work a little harder to strengthen my limbs, and if my tummy wants to cooperate and tighten up a bit, that would be icing on the cake!  We're so happy for Julie and her family and can't wait to see their 3 darling baby girls.  They are coming to one amazing family!

Monday afternoon, our family cruised up to Alpine to BBQ with my UT family...sisters Sara & Julie, brother Jon, their spouses and most of the cousins.  Of course there had to be a ruckus, and that came through Uncle baseball....Uncles vs. nieces and nephews.  The latter weren't doing so hot, and the oldest nephew, Josh was getting a little urked.  When a pop fly came right for Samantha, and she dropped it, Josh stormed up to her and then walked away.  When we were curious if he was truly upset, Josh snapped, "They don't know how to freakin' play!"  It was hilarious!  We all cracked up while Josh cooled down.  He's a hoot.  The niece and nephew team quickly fizzled, so the aunts stepped in.  I don't know what happened to my batting skills, but after swinging a million times, and finally making contact I wasn't about to settle for a single.  Problem was my sis, Sara stopped at second.  Since I knew she could appreciate a good steal- her son, Josh is an avid base-stealer, I urged her (OK I gave her a good shove that caught her off guard and sent her flying) to steal.  She couldn't get up she was laughing so hard.  I made it home while Sara laid there at second laughing.  That was a good tummy laughter workout.  I need more of those!

We BBQed, the kids played on the water slide, ran through sprinklers, made s'mores, the big girls (moms included) made darling button clippies thanks to Julie's tutoring), and we all had fun reconnecting.  I suppose reunions in heaven are like this, where you simply pick up where you left off and the love you have for one another makes the time between visits insignificant.

Since Monday, Ange has had her baby!  We just missed baby Claire's birthday!!!!  I love that name.  Wesley and Mia are just a month apart and this was the first time they met...so fun!  Mia walked circles around Wes, but we managed to snap a few fun pics of the two.  Mia will have a ball being big sis to baby Claire.  Congrats to Jon and Ange!

Brower Family Reunion- Ama style

Friday, June 27 through Sunday, June 29th

Wayne's mom, whom we affectionately call, Ama, hosted this years' Brower family reunion.  She really pulled out all of the stops in a grand effort to make this years' reunion something memorable for all.  Her efforts were obvious and when all was said and done, Wayne and I  agreed it was worth the long drive from MA.  There's no doubt about it, Wayne is a happy camper (no pun intended:)) around his family, and I love that about him and about his family.  

The weekend was packed with a stagecoach ride, square dancing, paddle boating, swimming, and rafting (playing at the lake was our kids' favorite activity).

We enjoyed lots of good Ama grub, s'mores, a family video, exploring, Monson's baptism & confirmation, sacrament & testimony mtg., ultimate frisbee, football, kiddie pool, kite flying, bubbles, hammocks... 

...making new cousin friends...

....and picking up where we left off with cherished family friends....

A word on Monson's baptism....  I've never  witnessed a baptism outside of a church.  Monson's was beautiful and he'll be able to know how many of his pioneer heritage felt as many of them were also baptized in nearby bodies of water.  It was especially sweet to see Monson's expression of joy right after he was baptized, and the joy on his father, Curt's face as well.  My sis-in-law, Emily took this sweet photo....

Monson's mom inserted a piece of paper and offered pens so that everyone there for the baptism could leave a note for Monson as a show of support.  Monson will be able to look back at these notes from loved ones and recall his baptism and the loving family that were there for him.  I love this idea.

I'm glad that Uncle Brent got permission to hold sacrament meeting.  It was nice to take the sacrament as a family.  As we began testimony meeting, I felt like surely Gpa and Gma Brower were smiling on their family in that setting...on their daughter, Teresa (Ama) for making such a tremendous effort hosting the reunion, and on each family member who made great sacrifices to be there and give their children and families the opportunity to strengthen family ties.  My family left with happy memories (I call that success), and I left thankful for the family I married into.

There was an acknowledgement that the Brower family reunions will soon be less frequent, and that our families are growing such that we will naturally turn our focus to our "immediate extended family."  For us that would be Ama/Gpa. Kelly, Wayne, his siblings, and all of our children.....getting this group together is challenging enough!  We'll do our best to balance our family time with efforts to bond with extended family.  To the Arnells, Browers, Timms, McLaughlins, Menzies, Kirby's, Andersons, Kochs, and all who didn't make it to the reunion...."God be with you 'till we meet again."

Thanks again, Ama, for everything!

Love, the Beantown Menzies

17 States in 12 Days

Wednesday, June 25...

Wesley tried to lend a helping hand with the packing.

We loaded up "the Minivan that Could" and headed west.

 Are we really doing this?  4 hours into the drive as we drove through upstate NY, Caroline cried, "Can we start our trip tomorrow?  I want to go home.  I want my bed!"  "Can you hang on for 30 more hours?" I thought, as I missed my bed already too.

I actually feel a measure of gratitude when our kids want to go home (even if it's in the form of a meltdown on a long road trip).  I'm glad they feel that home is a comfortable haven.  We drove on through PA and OH.

People ask us how we do these long road trips.  We do it the old-fashioned way...w/o movies (not that we're against movies on road trips), with books (Grace, Thomas, and Christina got through 4 books on this trip), activity books, snacks, strategic seating arrangements (separate squabblers with fun-loving Wes), a kid-friendly Atlas, walkabouts and bathroom breaks at nearly every pit stop, road trip playlists (we listen to this years' primary program music a lot), and prayer!  Wayne drives at night and I drive during the day.  We didn't have time to site see along the way this time, but in the past we've broken up the MA to UT drive with some great stops....Chicago (Field Museum, Wrigley Field), Nauvoo, Carthage, and Kirtland, OH.

Thursday, June 26....

We drove through OH, IN, IL, IA, NE.... 

and finally we bunked up in Denver at our friend, Julie's house.  We had a great time meeting her family, our kids hit it off and had fun running around and playing together...I regret not snapping a few pics!  It's been well over a decade since we've seen Julie, so this was a real treat.  Her family is so much fun and we loved what we saw of Denver.  Although, as we drove on the tolled highway and paid $8 within 15 minutes, Thomas said, "Why don't you just give them your wallet?!"  Seriously though, Denver was gorgeous.  I'd live there in a heartbeat.

Friday, June 27....

Our drive through the Rockies was unforgettable....stunning.  We got up to nearly 12K feet and the descent was crazy.  I'm just glad Wayne was driving!  We stopped to catch a glimpse of the CO river. 

As we drove into UT, and the scenery wasn't so stunning, except around Zion's Nt'l Park and Moab, the meltdowns began....Grace: I want to go HOME!  Caroline: Me too!  As Grace and Caroline's (and Wesley's) tears flowed freely, I found it hard to come to grips with the fact that in just 4 days we'd be back in the car heading back east....what were we thinking?!  "I'll do this for Wayne," is what I was thinking.  

And then our radiator decided to leak.  We made a pit stop, Wayne poured sealer radiator fluid (I'm making up that term) in the radiator, and soon afterward we arrived at Palisades State Park in Sterling, UT for the Brower Family Reunion (Wayne's side of our family).

Next post... The Brower Reunion- Ama style