Monday, May 18, 2009

Unexpected Trip to Utah

This past Monday Ryan got a call that his Grandpa had passed away. A few weeks ago he was having chest pain so he went in to have it checked out. He had a major heart surgery a year ago and the valves were all blocked up again. He said the doctors pretty much told him not to buy green bananas. They knew he was much to old to be able to preform the surgery. After 92 years he passed away on May 11th. He was married to his wife Marian for 67 years, had 8 children, 38 grandchildren, 73 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great-grandchild. He lived a very healthy and happy life.

So Thursday night came and we packed our things and headed up to Utah to be with the rest of the family. After Ryan got home from work we drove all night and got there at 4 am! The funeral was so nice, it was great seeing everyone and great to finally meet some of the family I had never met before. This is a picture of the 8 kids and Ryan's Grandma in the center.


Greg and Jake with Camryn not sure who loves who more?

The Smart Family minus Cody and Whitney who couldn't make it.

After Friday's events we were able to have a fun day on Saturday. We woke up and went for a long walk on these beautiful trails that lead to the most amazing houses, views and huge park. We have decided that we like Park City more in the Spring time than we do in the winter. We are trying to convince my in-laws to buy one of those amazing houses and it turns out Chris and Lindsay have their eye on one as well. After our walk we had Ryan's parents take us out to their property in Oakley. It was so beautiful this time of year and the river on their lot was gigantic and so pretty! We are excited for them to build on that!


Then Ryan's cousin Mandy came up and hung out with us so we could see her adorable daughter Charley that wasn't at the funeral. It was so great to hang out and our kids loved each other. Check out Camryn's tan!!!

Then it was off to Provo! We wanted to drive down the Provo Canyon because it is one of our favorite drives and so we decided to met up with the Tandy's. Nichole has become one of my good blogging friends and Ryan was good friends with her before we started dating so it was great to finally meet up. We had never met her sweet husband Chase and baby Brielle so we stopped and had dinner at The Rio!

These little girls are only 11 days apart so it was great to finally see them together! Brielle is the sweetest most mellow girl...can't you tell the difference between them just from this picture! We wish these guys lived closer so we could hang out more often! Thanks for meeting up with us guys!

A Provo trip would not be complete if we did not drive by BYU, our old apartments and best of grab Maverick Frozen Yogurt! I had to do this for Brittany and Mia who could only really appreciate it considering we had this at least a billion times while we were in College.
We had such a blast this weekend! We were so glad we made the long trek and can't wait to come back in a month for Ryan's HS reunion!

12 comments:

Karen M. said...

We are so sorry for the loss of grandpa Smart! Nice to have a long and relatively healthy life, though. Love the picture of the two new "friends". Yes, you can tell the differences in personalities by the picture. Can't wait to actually see her-it's not that far away!

Brenda said...

It's times like this that really make you appreciate family. I LOVED reconnecting with family members this past weekend. You and Ryan are an amazing example of putting family first, and I'm going to continue to follow your lead. I know it's not easy getting family together, but when I watch Jake and Greg bonding with Camryn, it makes it all worth it!

Chase and Nichole said...

Im glad the funeral was so nice. I can't believe Ryan's grandpa had so many grandchildren and great grandchildren! Holy Cow! Love the pic you got of Camryn and B Bopper! I had so much fun seeing you guys too! Maybe I will come hunt you down when you are here next month for Ryan's reunion :)

p.s. don't let Brielle fool you... she really is a crazy one once she lets her gaurd down!

Carrie said...

So sorry to lose Grandpa Smart. What a great life though! I hope I can live as long, be married as long (so my hubbie will live as long too) and get to see my kids grow and have kids and grandkids too. Growing old together must be the neatest thing. Glad you guys were able to make it and enjoy family and friends too!

Amanda said...

Whoa a 10 year reunion already for Ryan? That means our 10 year reunion is fast approaching! Glad you guys enjoyed yourself in Utah. It's always fun to go back to our old stomping grounds. And how does Camryn already have a tan?! Ethan gets a little pink and then it disappears the next day... just like his Mom!

Trent & Brooke said...

Erica- hi! looks like a fun trip! jealous you went to the Rio. ok, so i saw your comment on my blog...are my pics not showing up from our trip? they should be on the post below the cake one...let me know! (wish you could take the decorating classes with me!)

nikki said...

We were so sorry to hear about Grandpa Smart. It is always hard to lose your grandpa but it is always a nice time to reflect on a happy life and to be grateful for family. I'm with Carrie - I'd like to live my life like that.

Didn't you know you weren't supposed to tan your kids? :)

I have never been to Park City in the spring - it looks beautiful! Can't wait to see you in a little bit!

Karen said...

I'm so sorry to hear that your Grandpa Smart passed away. Love to you Ryan and Erica and ofcourse your Dad and Mom. Love you, Karen Rose

Amy said...

Who did the background? Carrie and I were trying to figure out how to use those birdies we found. Many condolences to the Smart family. Sounds like you were able to make good use of the time though. Camryn looks burned! Can't wait to see you! SOOOO SOON! :)

abbie said...

i am practically crying that you had a UT summer trip complete with cafe rio, the outdoors and maverick! and camryn's tan cheeks are hilarious. sorry to hear about ryan's gpa but he sounds liek a great guy.. and looks a lot like ryan's dad, i think. well i guess ryan's dad looks a lot like HIM!

Greggory & Kate & Harley said...

you are the cutest blogger ever you know that!??!! sorry for ryan's loss but i'm glad you were able to make the most out of your trip! yay utah!

Mia Evans said...

I appreciate the shout out and the Maverick! Although living in southern cal has spoiled me with lots of fro yo places... but you can't beat all you can fit in a cup for $1.16! :)