Jon & Maeva: May 2020

Quarantication week 11: May 24 - June1

An impromptu trip to Utah

Day 1- May 22
Thursday, As Jon and so were talking we made the decision take a trip to Utah the next day. It was an impromptu decision, but after being in lockdown for 10 weeks we were feeling a little restless, and we had wanted to take a trip to Utah before Julien and my parents left for their mission but did not think it was possible due to timing, schedules, and covid 19.

Zoom call with the missionaries!

During our drive the missionaries called us to give us a message on the restoration of the church.

As we were driving past Fort Worth, the weather started to get bad. There was a lot of thunder and lightning, we than started to get notifications for tornados.

We decided to stop at a gas station to use the bathroom, and within minutes the weather turned from bad, to worse, to worrisome. There must have been 20 cars parked side by side there, everyone huddled in, taking shelter inside the gas station or inside their cars. Because I was a little worried of the number of people inside the gas station due to Covid 19 we decided to run for the car. It was not a easy or safe thing to do but I am glad we did because within minutes the power went out, the wind picked up even more, and huge hail balls the size of golf balls hit the car. We stayed there for about 2 hours. I was nervous but we all tired to sleep a little.

About 2 hours later the storm died down, cars started to leave the station, still no power.

We followed suits and tried to get out of storm area leaving Bowie and head to Wichita Falls.

Luckily our car was able to get through flooded areas were other cars were stuck. Once we got to Wichita Falls we checked into a hotel for the night. We found out the Storm Chasers were staying there too. I was not surprised because of the size of the storm we had just been in.

The next morning we found news reports and pictures of what had transpired the night before in Bowie, TX. Needless to say we were very lucky. The hotel we had though about staying in Bowie was pretty badly hit, cars totaled.... I am grateful we came out of there safe and sound with no less than a crazy story to recount.

https://youtu.be/L9El33dFL-w

Day 2: May 23

Logan doing the first leg of our drive on day 2!

Jon thought it would be fun to get everybody some unique candy...

how did I end up with the toilet treat!

This Purell bottle became our best friend during the trip.

I had many Purell bottles as well as disinfecting wipes in the car to keep as germ free as possible!

Pit stop!

Sporting our face masks!

Tarantula hawk

These are nasty looking hawks. Jon told me their bite was very painful.

This girl is pooped out!

These red rock formations mean we are getting closer!

Beautiful sunset as we wrap up our 2nd day on the road!

Day 3: May 24

It was a cold morning in Montacello!

We were eager to get on the road and arrive at our final destination.

While visiting with Jon's brother in Las Vegas, he asked us what we liked to do during the long car ride. We told him that we like to listen to conference, the scriptures, or other church books. He laughed in disbelief, but it true, that is one of the things we like to do during -/+13 hour long drives.

Poor Keilani had enough!

So close to Raph's house!

Cousins!

We arrived around lunch time.

My parents came over with lunch for all of us,

and my brother T and his family joined us later.

It was so good to see everyone!

Kiki was so happy be the oldest and take care of all the babies.

Baby Saoirse!

Day 4: May 25

Raph woke up early and made some pretty great breakfast tacos.

Julien and Logan were pretty excited and joined him in preparing everything.

Monday was Memorial Day.

Everybody came to Raph and Scarlet's house where we had a nice BBQ, ate S'mores, played games, and just enjoyed each other's company.

Keilani really enjoyed drawing with chalk.

Each took turn drawing with her.

Secret Hitler is always a hit!

Aunt Scarlet saving the day by removing a splinter from Kiki's foot!

Best Buddies!

Day 5: May 26

Loved going on a jog almost every morning that we were in Utah.

The air was so crisp and fresh, that it was prefect running temperatures.

Jon enjoying his jog too!

Julien went nearly everyday also.

Scarlet was able to watch Kiki and Eden while we took Julien shopping for his mission.

I think he enjoyed it very much!

We took the boys and Keilani to Cafe Rio for lunch!

One of our favorite places to eat while in Utah!

Kiddos having a blast with their cousins.

Eden made friends with the neighbor children and played frisbee across the yards, it was very cute!

Eden got to join Gabriel at his Taekwondo class.

He was so happy!

Raph read the kiddos a few books.

The kids loved it!

Jon, Julien, Logan and my brother Thiefaine went to the Grid for some Go Karting!

They liked it so much that we went again the next day!

Day 6: May 27

Morning jog!

During my morning jog, a cute old man with a bright red Mikey Mouse shirt was jogging in the opposite direction. He had the biggest smile on his face as he ran his laps. It was making my run so enjoyable to see him so happy. It made my day!

Keilani wouldn't leave me out of her sight today! lol!

Julien and Logan's good friend Ryan whom was on his inter-mission break and waiting for his reassignment was able to visit for the day. The boys were very excited to see him.

Ryan was one of the young men who lived Saudi Arabia at the same time we did. He and Julien quickly became friends and have retained their friendship all this time.

Slip and slide!

I found 2 snails on my way home from my jog and took them home to show the kids.

It kept them pretty occupied for a while.

I love how children have the ability to make friends so easily!

love baby snuggles!

The Grid! Round 2!

The boys wanted burgers so that's what they got!

We love 5 Guys!

Beautiful Utah!

After dropping off Ryan we picked up the boys suits.

Looking pretty official!

Who does not love running through the sprinklers on a warm summer evening!

Raph reading bedtime stories again!

Everyone was so attentive!

Tarot

Day 7: May 28

Our last day in Utah was low key, I packed up the suitcases and we just hung out at the house with everyone.

Last jog in this beautiful place!

My little buddy!

She is such a cutie!

Scarlet and the kids released the butterflies today!

Keilani was happy to see Mami and Papi greeted them with a big hug.

Tired Saoirse snuggling with Logan!

My parents brought a pool over so the kids could cool off.

The children had a blast!

Snow cones!

Tarot!

The coolest aunts, Scarlet and Maruia making forts for the kiddos!

Cheesecake for dessert!

My new shades from my Fab Fit Fun box.

I like how dramatic they are but not really my style...

Who knows maybe they'll grow on me.

Goodbyes!

My brother Thiefaine and his family!

Group photo with Thiefaine and Raphael's families.

I love my family.

I have the nicest siblings, so loving, giving, fun, thoughtful, caring individuals.

Tonight Scarlet read bedtime stories because Raphael had classes.

Teave got to stay for a sleepover!

Day 8: May 29

Not always easy to get up early but we had a long and busy day planned for today: a drive to Las Vegas with a stop over at Bryce Canyon.

I am so grateful for my brother and sister in law for opening their home and letting us stay there during our stay in Utah. They are amazing!

Before leaving town we stopped by my parents house to say goodbye.

It was bittersweet to say goodbye to them as they are leaving soon for Congo to be Mission Presidents there. I am so excited for them, they will be amazing.

This cutie was not happy to get back in the car so soon for yet again another road trip.

Luckily she took a little nap.

Bryce Canyon is such a beautiful place.

It is where I ran my first half marathon. I remember being taken aback at the beauty of my surroundings as I ran years ago. The next day we hiked some of the canyon. Since then I wanted to go back and visit it again.

This time we hiked Navajo Loop which was breathtaking!