My mother in law came to visit

My mother-in-law came to visit for two weeks. WE picked her up in New Mexico on Memorial Day weekend. I caught Travis' grandparents at a good time and I learned a lot about their family. I learned that one of his grandfather's brothers came home on leave during World War II, he was a fighter pilot, and visited for the weekend only to take off from a landing strip not too far away during a patch of fog and plow into the side of a mountain and die. An adopted uncle of Travis' was killed in Viet Nam. (The cemetery was just down the hill and we took flowers and honored those who fought for our country.)
 I also learned that Joey was not named after his great-great grandfather like I thought but of his great grandfather's brother who died young and was adored by all! Yes, the stories were depressing, but how cool that we have them!
When I was a kid I used to hate going to cemeteries because it reminded me of death, but now I find it is a great time for those who have lost loved ones to share stories that we don't necessarily know and remind of us of who is no longer with us. I also realized how much I miss going with my own family to the many cemeteries in the Salt Lake Valley and cleaning headstones of loved ones who have gone (mostly my grandparents who are still missed deeply after all these years), making sure everything is in it's place, and taken care of. My dad was really good at that. I wonder if Jeff has taken over that responsibility?

We even took a drive by the lake. Yes, I parked probably 1/2 a mile from it so we would not get stuck! Actually, it is pretty cool! The government took pity on it and donated money to build a dam and salvage it. There is water again! Okay, not the whole lake bed, but it is a good start! The area we got stuck in is under water but the area we drove on is high and dry and covered with green life. Who knows? I am just glad it is a lake again because it was pretty depressing to have Travis tell his almost drowning story only to have the kids look at a pathetic dry lake bed that totally takes away the drama of it all!

It was nice having her here. I feel bad because she came when Travis and the boys were taking off for Fathers and Sons campout. But, funny thing! She could not believe how quiet it is when the boys are gone! And then they came back and she smiled at me and said, the noise is back with them!
Ah, my noisy wonderful boys!!! They make me so happy!!!


I am taking her home tomorrow by myself because Travis can't get off work and the kids are staying behind. Britt is at girls camp and Travis will be home at night. It will be fun! It is supposed to rain so I am NOT going up the Salt River Canyon. I am going the long way through Payson! It is going to be fun! I get to drive back all 6 hours by myself! But if I can come back from Texas by myself, this should be so easy!! I just hope the rain lets up a bit!
Weird weather we are having for June!!!