summer visit.

We had a great weekend. With all these cute kids in your backseat, how could you not?!

We drove up to Utah Thursday and were able to see Madison compete in a rodeo. It was really neat watching her do that. (I can kick myself for not getting pictures of her!) She is truly in her element when on her horse. Madison has grown tremendously in the last few months. She carries herself with poise and a quiet confidence. She is thoughtful, always gracious and considerate of others. Maddie is quite the young lady.

On Friday, we ate at our favorite Utah restaurant, Los Hermanos, and then spent the day bowling and swimming. We purposely planned those activities because we wanted a chance to visit with the kids and catch up on everything they have been up to lately. It is always good to see all six kids pick up where they left off. There's never a moment wasted on feeling awkward or making small talk. Everyone interacts with each other like they just saw each other last week. That makes us feel really great.

On Saturday, we headed to the zoo. Ashley and Amy were in Salt Lake for a wedding, so it was the perfect opportunity to get everyone together. I am so thankful for Ashley who helped me plan everything! Aaron and his girlfriend, Tracy, came to the zoo too. They were awesome with the kids! It was so much fun to have us all together. We went to lunch after the zoo where the boys created the "bottomless soup bowl" lunch, right boys?
Then on to John and Aaron's house to see their adorable new puppy and celebrate the 5 birthdays in August and September. On Sunday morning, we attended church with the kids before heading home. The talks given were ones we needed to hear and it gave Matt and me strength and motivation for the drive home as well as the week ahead. Funny how Heavenly Father knows what we need to hear and when.

It was a weekend filled with laughs and tons of memories. From the moment the kids hopped in the car, they talked about old memories of vacations and birthday parties and time spent together before they moved. We talked about everything. I am so thankful for these six kids and the love they have for each other and for Matt and me. Having that knowledge makes the distance just a teeny bit easier. We are really blessed.