sometimes in life you come across someone who changes your life. about 3 years ago Elder James Heiner from Virginia did just that for jared, myself and our little family. he was a brand new missionary out in the field, happy to be in salinas--what a guy huh? he had a spark about him, he loved being on his mission, he loved us, our food, our kids and the gospel. he was perfect. jared was the ward mission leader and was privelaged to see first hand and close up what a determined and warm spirited missionary he was. he was able to serve in salinas again at the close of his mission and our attatchment to him grew even closer. i chatted with his mom on his christmas phone call, i wrote her a letter praising him, we played, hung out and just formed an extremely special bond. since his departure, he has kept in touch with us by calling, texting, and he even brought the then "just girlfriend" out to visit and for our approval. we knew when this blessed day came we had to be there in the sealing room to share in this monumental step in his life.
so jared turned the van into a hotel room and we hit the road, utah bound, arriving to attend the family dinner the nite before--which both their families were so hospitable and grateful we were able to come out.
wedding day we helped the bride's family by gathering and preparing the food for the reception. jared and i completely loved being of assistance and working in the kitchen together. this is the kitchen of the rental mansion where the bride's family all stayed--what a great, super impressive family by the way.
the Mount Timpanogas temple was a gorgeous sight. it was a tad hot for us, and there was a few spurts of rain, but the wedding party could care less, we were so happy for them both.
we were able to meet up with Elder Kim--the groom's trainer from his mission and 3 other mission companions that jamesey had here in different areas. we had a blast catching up and just enjoying their youthful vibrance.
who let these beautiful wedding crashers in? ruth and devon now live 3 minutes away (good friends from salinas), so they had to sneak a quick visit in, and yes, we boogied on the dance floor. too fun!
the reception was at American Fork Amphitheater, it was a gorgeous nite, the cake cutting on the balcony was picturesque, the happy couple was just too perfect.
grandma vofo made our weekend possible, the kids totally enjoyed having her take care of them, spoil them and love them, but boy did daddy get a huge welcoming home. i loved capturing the moment.
we had a wonderful time, wouldn't have missed it for the world and are so grateful for such amazing people that we call friends. we love you jamesey and tracy--Mr. & Mrs. Heiner!!!
once we settled in, established our spot: by the fountain, in front of the small slides for the boys, and not too far from ray ray's river and caden's endless river, we split off for some crazy times.
after the first day they all found their fave spots to hit up repeatedly. Ray floated on her tummy down her little river, brady rode the Great White Shark (huge water slide--5yr old daredevil), caden insisted on swimming upstream in the lazy river and Kendra loved the wave pool and any big slide we got her on.
only one small moment of panic: caden had ditched brady in the river and the next thing i see is my idolizing son brady being escorted by a lifeguard to reunite us. brady thot he was big stuff walking with one of those cool rescue guys.
these slides where there's no tubes were our only shot of adrenaline for jared and i. not a lot can measure up to the "Tornado" ride at the Great Wolf Lodge in WA but raging waters gave a valiant effort and it has more than plenty for the kids to enjoy.
Two full days of lots of daddy fun time were great, its hard giving him back to PG &E to work, but that makes these family moments that more valued. our season passes will be well used i'm pretty positive.
