Ty is playing with the coolest toy EVER in this picture. Do you remember those old Fisher Price record players? So fun! He loved it. And I loved sitting in my grandma's basement with him, watching him enjoy the toys I loved so much as a kid. It was so great to be in Canada and visit my mom's family. The familiar environment, old toys, delicious food, and long time relationships of aunts and uncles made for one nostalgic trip for me!
Four generations of women (plus Ty!). This trip inspired me to come closer to my roots, and my sister and I eagerly asked for many of my grandma's famous recipes. She is the epitome of what I would hope to be, but could never measure up to in the food department. Grows all her own produce, makes her own noodles, and puts a whole-foods meal on the table every night. A-MA-ZING!
Aunt Nancy is so fond in my memories. Always doing fun things with us, and keeping us busy in an adult gathering. She is still as wonderful as ever, and my girls noticed right away. Bronwyn quickly became her shadow. It was like watching my childhood all over again.
Uncle John seems to get softer as the years go by. I think he likes Ty more than any other kid, ever! :)
We had Christmas in July before we left! Char and John spoiled the kids with gifts from Mexico and from Canada. We now can play hockey in our kitchen, and you bet we are playing often!
I have a special bond with this Uncle John. A trip to Yellowstone with a meatloaf that didn't give up, and the worst (and only) ski experience of my life! They both happened years ago, yet we reminisce and joke about them each time we are together. It warms my heart to feel that those memories are just as fond to him as they are to me.
On our way home, we drove through Rexburg and did our obligatory walk through campus. So many memories there. I am always torn between the wonderful memories of studying there and meeting Todd. But there is also so much sadness as it makes me miss my dad terribly. Being back in Rexburg makes me feel like I can walk right back into the past.
Hilary and Todd are both immortalized on the walls on the music building with Todd's Director Award, and an article Hilary wrote for the Scroll (Ricks newspaper) is hanging on display. But me, the one who actually went on to pursue music, NOTHING! No recognition at all. Whatever... :)
Every chance we get we take a family picture in the practice room Todd proposed to me in. Someday we won't be able to all fit in there!
We walked through the new building on campus, which is an amazing new conference center. It is a beautiful art gallery, and the inside looks just like the conference center in SLC. So beautiful. I think it takes the entire campus to a whole new level.
We also met old friends for dinner at GRINGOS! Still has the best salsa I've ever had. But let's be honest, each time we go the service gets worse and worse.
We TOTALLY lucked out and ended up in town the same day as the Folk Dance Festival Parade. One of my FAVORITE childhood memories. I loved watching all the dancers, and always looked forward to it. I loved shopping the street vendors with my mom, eating the food, the excitement in the air... all of it. As I sat there with my family, waiting for the parade to start, hundreds of memories started pouring into my head. I had SO many memories just on Main Street, Rexburg Idaho. Where I had sat to watch numerous parades, participated in many parades in Drill Team and as Jr. Miss, where I sang the national anthem in front of the Court house, where I sang Christmas carols as the city tree was being lit, the dance studio I studied in, the restaurants I ate in, the store I bought my wedding dress in... So much of my life happened on that very street. And there I was, about to share one of my favorite memories with my own kids. And suddenly that street would mean something to them too. I was overcome, ecstatic. But...
After waiting for an hour for the parade to start, and 5 minutes after it started, torrential rain and wind sent us running to the van. The street was literally in chaos as napkins flew, raindrops fell, parents reached for children, and dancers ran for cover. And instantly, it was all RUINED! I was so disappointed.
I know that life goes on no matter how hard you try not to let it. But the past still means so much to me.
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