Merrill Madness at its Best!: Our Weekend Trip to Utah....

We had been personally invited to Alex and Rebekah's wedding back in January. We were so excited for them that we knew we would have to make a trip to Utah. This is a 13 hour drive. I don't like to go to Utah for just a quick trip...but this time, we had no choice. We planned on leaving Thursday morning (school got out for Keaton and I on Wednesday. Paden would miss a couple days) We would go to Lagoon on Friday, Wedding on Saturday and then home again on Sunday. Once we arrived in Utah, Bruce started complaining about his back hurting and my sister said she couldn't go to Lagoon with us...I didn't really want to go with out someone to ride the rides with. So my sister gave us another option, one she could attend. She suggested that we go Boondocks...miniature golfing, laser tag, bumper boats and go-karts. Unlimited. This was a great alternative to Lagoon. We had so much fun playing in the sun and with each other.

I had too much fun watching from the sidelines. I laughed so hard as they each squirted each other, laughing and ducking, as if that would save them from getting wet. They were drenched when they returned to dry land. :o)
Then came the go-karts...we should be able to get dry by then.

Bruce never quite knows what to do when he can't tweak things and make them go faster.

Here comes Keaton, determined to pass.

Paden is just happy to be there, driving and having a good time.

Keaton is our competitive one. It is all about the win with him...just look at the determination on his face.

He was determined to pass his dad.

Bruce is loving the go-Karts. I don't even think he knows at this moment that his son is behind him and trying to pass him.

My turn around the track....this is fun!

Whoo Hoo!! Paden says, "I don't care if you pass me, I am just having fun!"

Until now that is...when his car got spun and he was driving the wrong way. I passed him and just started laughing. I couldn't help it. It looked so funny, him going the wrong direction.

It soon came time to leave this happy place. We had things to do and people to see.
We left Boondocks and drove to Bountiful where we met up with the Beacham family for a dinner before the big day. I was surprised to find that the dinner was just Alex and his family. Rebekah and her family were having their own dinner. None the less, it was yummy food and great company. Tomorrow was the big day.

ALEX and REBEKAH...
Alex had come up to Oregon on business and made the time and effort to come out and see us. It was so nice. We really enjoyed our visit. Alex had expressed his feelings to find someone to marry some day. He also told us of a girl he met just before coming up to Oregon that he hoped to ask out when he got home. That girl was Rebekah. In July when were were in Utah for Sabbatical, we made arrangements to meet Alex (and Rebekah) for for dinner one evening. My first impressions was, this girl is Amazing and so good for Alex. The conversation was carefree and fun. I know that I joked around several times about what was taking them so long? and the signs all pointed to them getting married. All things that would scare anyone away...if they were not the right one. We saw them again in November at Grandpas 80th Birthday party. We had a HUGE family photo. Rebekah was in the photo. I again teased, saying "a photo makes it Permanent" I am so bold sometimes. It really does get me in trouble. But this time it was a true statement. Alex and Rebekah asked me to take some pictures of them. I love taking pictures and was honored. My favorite one....

Well, in January I get a text from Alex saying, "Rebekah wants to know if we can use the picture you took at Thanksgiving as our Engagement picture" What was I suppose to say. I screamed out loud...although neither of them heard it :o) But of course I said yes. I was so honored.

The wedding took place in the Bountiful Temple. Rebekah's dad was the sealer. What a wonderful honor, to be married by your father. He spoke of the wisdom that each person was bringing to this marriage. He said that most couples come to the temple to be married because that is what they have been taught all their lives and learn the significance later, but because of life experiences, these two came to the Temple knowing. He also spoke of the Eternal bond that was taking place by being sealed in the temple. He spoke of the joy that comes from having children. This hit home. I am suppose to have joy in my children...even when a teenager is driving me nuts and his father isn't helping. But I loved being in that room, feeling that Spirit of Love that comes from our Heavenly Father and being reminded that Families are Forever!!! I am so thankful to Alex and Rebekah for personally inviting us to their wedding. It made it very special for me. That is not a regular occurrence. We usually just hear about weddings from siblings..saying their children are getting married and such...but this one was different. We felt invested. It was so worth a quick trip to Utah for.