by Derek—2005.08.13 @ 1847
In order to travel up north we needed to obtain transportation--cheaply. The best we could do was a combination of renting a small car (which wouldn't fit our family) and borrowing my Dad's car (which would). Since my parents were going up north anyway for Grandma Fotheringham's birthday and Dayton's baby blessing, we arranged to drive their car while they drove the rental. Dad's car is close to retirement and tends to be tempermental. For starters, it doesn't like to start. "In warm weather," my Dad began, "it normally takes three trys. In cold weather, you can do it in two." True to the pattern, the car would not start until you tried three times. The other dilemma is that the gas guage doesn't work. "Just get gas about the time you get to Beaver and you'll be fine," my Dad pointed out.
Our first stop (before Beaver) was to the Ott family reunion in Tropic, Utah. We drove up through Cedar City canyon, over through Cedar Breaks Canyon, and down to Panguitch Reservoir where we hit I-80. Tropic is on the way to Bryce Canyon and proved to be one of the most scenic drives we'd been on in some time. It was great. The Reunion was all but over when we arrived (it being the last day), but it was so good to be up in the mountains. Breathing the fresh mountain air was so refreshing and rejuvenating. The kids had so much fun running around, jumping, throwing rocks, and playing with cousins, it was addictive. I'm afraid I ran around a little too.
Our stay was very short--only a few hours--and we were on the road again in order to catch Grandma Fotheringham's birthday.
The drive from Tropic to Highland, Utah took four hours--a tad longer than we anticipated--so we were late for the birthday. Luckily, everyone was still there and we say Grandma open her last present. Hugs all around and well-wishing when we arrived (and a hearty dinner too). Elise and Isaac seemed more interested in playing in the grass than eating (I really don't know what keeps them going--they don't seem to be eating much these days...).
It was great to see uncles, aunts, and cousins at Robert's house. Everyone is growing up and doing well. We played a little volleyball with those that stayed, and the score seemed to always be 12 vs. 7...
Melissa reminded me (several times) that we needed to get back and prepare for Dayton's baby blessing tomorrow. It was about 8 p.m. before we left Robert's home which left very little time to get everything done. Kids bathed, closed ironed, rooms arranged, and plans organized. Melissa reminded me (as we went to the grocery store later) that family was important (I was complaining about having to get all this food for guests) and that I was going to find myself alone and friendless when I got older if I didn't try harder to be social.
I agreed.
I have to admit that sometimes I want to just find a nice quiet corner and read a book instead of entertaining guests, but I also know that family is something not everyone can boast, and I have a wonderful family.