Vail

Some thoughts from various family members on our vacation to Vail. It was the first time we'd all been together for about five years (between school in different states to missions around the world, it's been tough to gather).

My favorites will be the hike we took the Booth Falls where I learned just how crazy Doug and Andy can be. Thankfully, no one was hurt. But next time, guys, no blazing of new trails. Jeff was smart enough to say "enough!" Just humor your old dad and let my heart beat a little longer. And Katlyn's prayer. I will always remember the sweet expression of gratitude for the vacation she enjoyed so much. Katlyn, I am so happy you had fun. It wasn't long enough, but it was sure great while it lasted. And our last evening together when we "owned" the park! Brian and Jennifer were real troopers, and so was Marc. Bad timing with bad stomachs, but you hung in there and made the best of it. Jackson's return to health blessed us all. I can't imagine Vail without "mean guy rocks" and "Spidey!" Frannie riding the bike around the park while B.J. Thomas sang "Raindrops keep falling on my head . . ." and Doug racing across the grass to gently knock her from that unsafe ride! I wish I had that on video. Little Henry III must have been laughing himself silly. "Look at my mom and dad!" The expressions on the faces of the hostesses and hosts when I told them "There are 20 of us for dinner." Yes, I said TWENTY! And I was proud of all you. Just being with everyone was such a joy for your mom and me. Sorry about golf, guys. Next time we'll make the tee time reservation upon arrival, or maybe even before we get there. Aubrey's hugs, Bri'e's smile, Kami's energy, Addison's joy, Colin's reaching for new things, Jeffrey's laughter as he passed me on the trail, Marc's home evening for the girls, Brian's lesson about Amulek and the things really matter, Andy's willingness to try everything and his conversation with Elizabeth, Katie's sunshine which always brightens my soul, Aaron's thoughtfulness in going with mom to look at the houses, 'Draya's devotion to her boys, including Jeff, Frannie making the sacrifice to come even though she had to have been miserable much of the time, Randalyn's helpfulness with EVERYTHING. And of course Mom's spirit, which makes everything happen the way it ought to, even when the dad is grumpy and tired. And especially to Heavenly Father who makes all things possible. We owe it all to Him - the beauty of Vail and the beauty of family. Love, dad

Hey Now,

I was anything but miserable in Vail! How could I have been? I was carted around like a queen for 3 days. I would've been miserable laying in my bed in LA missing Vail, but I was thrilled to be there with you all. Everything was great from the ride up w/ Aaron, Andy, and Doug to the smooth ride to DIA in Princess Buttercup. Sandy's ingenuity started Vail off right when she rigged the wheelchair with a bungee so I'd have a foot rest. I loved how everyone just relaxed and did their own thing, yet we still ended up all being together most of the time. I loved the crisp Vail mornings, indulging ourselves w/ ice cream whenever we felt like it, delicious dinners, seeing a show in the amphitheater, the Betty Ford gardens, playing w/ my adorable nieces and nephews, relaxing in the jet pool, being pushed around by my loving protective hubby (and nieces, sisters and Sandy), and of course I enjoyed the 60 second bike ride. The scenery, the rooms, the company, was
all the best 3 1/2 days I could've asked for. I'm SO happy I didn't miss it. Thanks again Sandy and Hank for making it happen! You were so generous. I loved every minute of it. I love our family, each and every one of you.

Love, Frannie

In case I don't get to see or talk to everyone before leaving tomorrow, I just wanted to write and say thank you so much for all your help over the last month. Partly because I'm so sick right now I can hardly talk. Really, I'm just so bad at verbalizing my feelings. I'm sure I don't have to tell you how difficult a time it's been for us. No, I could see the understanding in your eyes and feel your sympathy through the countless acts of kindness for my family. I was taught a great lesson throughout the course of this time. I need you all. Aaron has been a steady go-to guy for anything and everything that needs a quick remedy. Andy's brute strength helped get us through a difficult move in the face of so much stress and worry about Jackson. Katie's willingness to give up her entire day to go to our house and pack it up along with Aaron meant so much. Doug and Jackson became great buddies in Vail. Doug and even Frannie would entertain Jackson for hours at a time, mostly because they could see that Draya and I needed a break. I'm grateful for Marc's phone call and words of encouragement for Jackson and Randalyn's desire to cook us meals when we had too much going on. Brian has been dealing with illness in his own family, yet he was there bright and early the morning of our move and he helped the entire day with a smile on his face, always reliable. And for Mom and Dad. Dad steered the ship in all matters of importance while Jackson was sick. He wouldn't want me to tell you everything he did but he knows, and I hope he also knows I couldn't have done it without his help. And the same goes for Mom for taking care of the boys, rocking Colin at all hours of the night to give us a break, cooking, cleaning, folding laundry. She really is Supermom. I love you all so much. I hope you know you can always count on me when you're down. I hate goodbyes so let's just pretend we're going on a long vacation and we'll be back soon.

Love,
Jeff

Talking with mom and dad a couple of weeks before the vacation, I remember telling them that I had never been so excited for a vacation in all my life. And it didn't disappoint... Thank you so much mom and dad for making that week possible. And thanks to all members of the greatest family in the world, for the amazing times and memories. I'm so glad we got all those pictures taken of beautiful Vail and all of us together. There was a time when I really disliked taking pictures, but now I am so thankful for them.

I loved being with everybody last week and can't wait until the next time we all get together!

I love you all!

Marc