Dec. 21-30: A Covid Christmasby Hunter Schenewark |
Tuesday, December 22nd, I went again to the airport (the day before I had dropped off my roommate David,) and picked up Mom and Breyer. Christmas Vacation had started! We made a couple of visits: First, we stopped by the Keller's and dropped off a loaf of cranberry/orange glaze bread with Julie's dad. Then, we headed to West Valley and surprised Sis. Cummings. After 8 years of communicating online, Sis. Cummings and my mom finally met. As soon as the door was open, they both shrieked and gave bear hugs. After that, it was off to Uncle Ben's. Everyone there was lying a little low, be it surgery or covid, etc. Uncle Ben and Mom cried together, and it was a tender visit. Then, finally on to Provo, where we met Tanner at the park Nora. Note, the temps were freezing and after 10 minutes, I was dying to get back into the warm car, but Nora just wanted to play, play, play.
Mama JoJo waiting for Nora to go on the slide.
Mama JoJo welcoming Breyer and Nora. There might be silver in their hair, but with grandparents, there's definitely gold in the heart.
We headed to Wallaby's for some aussie bbq, and then went to Pioneer park to walk around with Tanmarie and Nora. To finish the night, (the visitors were beat!) we headed over to Julie's house, to share dinner with her and play a game. Julie kindly offered to let Mom and Breyer spend the night at her place, but the hotel was nonrefundable so to the Marriott it was. And I figured I might as well enjoy the luxury of the hotel too, so I spent the night there.
Wednesday, the rest of the crew pulled in from Texas, having made the long car ride together. We played frisbee golf in Lehi, and ate jersey mike's, and moved into our airbnb condo. Kobe let me steal the Christmas tree he had cut down from the canyon, and that was quickly decorated. Alas, I did lose Tanner's costco card.
T-Bone Tanner showing us his old stomping grounds - while at Canopy, he played this course almost every day.
The Porterhouse showing his skillz
A rare photo of Dad, the man usually behind the camera
Thursday's activity was a trip to the zoo. I wasn't terribly excited to go, I thought that the zoo would be great for Nora, but not for me. It's been a long time since I've been to one, and I happily admit that while it was fun to simply see Nora's reactions to the animals, I thoroughly enjoyed seeing the animals for myself. Breyer and I fell behind the main group for a few minutes, and we watched an elephant feed and water himself. His trunk control was impressive. My other favorite animal to see was probably the seals.
After leaving Hogle Zoo, we drove just down the road and made a quick stop at the This is The Place Monument and park.
Then, on Julie's recommendation, lunch was at California Burgers, a local fast-food place run by the kindest Asian family. It was amusing when we told the worker that we would pay for the car behind us (it was Tanmarie) and the employee was so happy. That afternoon was pretty quiet, and at night we had our traditional Yuletide logs.
And Porter shared his pre-Christmas gifts, with lots of clothes to share with everyone. Including, jeans for Dad. Which I don't think I've ever seen him wear. And lest you question my memory, check out Sawyer's reaction in the background of the second picture below, as Dad, in denim, descended the stairs. Questioning my siblings, we have nary a recollection of our Dad in some dungarees. Random Sawyer observation: while the chance of Big Sauce going to law school is holding steady at 63%, the chance of seeing him without boots and a shiny belt-buckle has now bottomed out at 0.03%. He's gone full-on cowboy on us.
However, we're not just whooping and hollering about these jeans. This was a shirt type never before seen either, consisting of only 3 buttons. Chances of seeing Dad in this again: 1.4%.
Christmas is always so magical. I was sleeping on the couch right by the tree, and kept any inquisitive marauders from plundering the stockings. Elder Schenewark (Cooper) called, and after talking with him for a while, we skyped with the Bach's and opened up the presents. I feel so blessed - I don't need any presents and am just happy to be with my family, yet they spoiled me silly. I joyously received ravioli cutters, a kitchen scale, a baseball glove, a record player, and a watch. Porter stole the show with his presents. Or rather, as thoughtful as the presents were, the boxes will go down in Schenewark Christmas lore. He requested cremated remains boxes from the post office, so everyone had their own cremated remains box to open up. They are very sturdy and he also taped them up with tape saying "Cremated Remains." That night, Julie got off of work and came over to meet my dad and stayed and talked until close to midnight.
No shower, no problem. Christmas morning with the sista
Porter also had the quote of the trip in my book, as while talking about gifts and Dad complimenting him on his incredible scrounging ability (like, if you ever need ANYTHING at all, he can get it, and probably for free,) Dad said, "That's right, don't look a gift horse in the mouth." To which Port replied, "Look in the mouth??? Don't look at the horse at all! It's free, you just take it, no questions asked."
Saturday was supposed to be our hike to the Spanish Fork Hot Springs. The fam wasn't too excited about a snowy 7 mile hike, but I finally had them convinced it would be worth it, when the beans were spilled and Dad googling it, discovered that due to Covid it was technically closed, and carried up to a $5,000 fine per person. I was disappointed, but understanding, and the day turned out much better than expected as we went and played baseball, which turned into a home run derby contest (won by Sawyer!!).
Sunday was a day not to be forgotten. After participating by zoom in the Granbury Ward meeting, we had sacrament as a family, and then Mom and I went to Scout's baby blessing. It was at Kayla and Ryan's house in Springville. Scout was so cute and well behaved, and Uncle Ben offered the sweetest blessing ever, talking about how Scout would serve as a unifying link in the families. The spirit was so strong, and Uncle Ben, who had barely enough strength and energy this day to get through, was so tender and emotional. It was quite touching to see him and Kaleb hugging and crying too.
Mom and I left there and went to go see her dear friends the Depews. I remember meeting them while they served as missionaries in Tampa Florida with Mimi and Grampy, but only remember meeting them. I enjoyed our time together and hearing their funny stories and feeling of their sweet spirits. They are in the twilight of their lives, and their sincerity and optimism made a lasting impression.
Monday, December 28th, was a day to beat all other days. I loved, loved, loved Monday. We picked up Jules in the morning and went sledding at Soldier Hollow. The timing was perfect - for most of the trip, the weather was freezing yet clear, but Monday snowed (which made the roads terrible) providing the perfect weather for our sledding, for which we had pre-purchased tickets. Ours was a 2 hour window, and we made the most of it, going down lots of times, both as individuals and groups. Annemarie stayed at the bottom, cheering us on, and was quickly joined by Nora. I was surprised how much snow slid up into our faces as we rocketed down on the inner tubes. Soldier Hollow had 8 lanes of sledding and built an escalator-like mover to bring us up to the top again. This was nice, but walking wasn't too bad either and I think was a little faster.
Rocking some Winnie the Pooh gloves, and happy as can be 
After our time ended, we went to In-and-Out and then said bye to Tanmarie and Jules. it's always surprising how much of a toll winter sports, i.e. skiiing, snowboarding, or even sledding, take on you, and after showers, everyone crashed. So I went over to Jules for a few hours. I made it back in time for a spaghetti dinner (we were joined by Porter's friend Parker) and then Jules came over again at night to play catchphrase and bid my family goodbye. It was a rousing good time.
Tuesday, the last full day before the departures, was a quiet one. The whole week there were games galore (and lots of frisbee golf), especially Settlers of Catan (you're welcome Miller) and our total doubled on Tuesday as we stayed close to the condo. Everyone did step up big time and helped me move into my new place. Ok ok, I need to get rid of some books. I've realized that for a while, but this move helped convince me that I actually need to act and do something about it. They're not fun to move at all. With so many hands helping, the work went quick, and we did most of it, just leaving me some things to finish up Wednesday/Thursday.
And early morning Wednesday the family was on their way back to Texas. Sawyer inadvertently brought Covid, and while it took a while, we all started dropping. Given my previous exposure without catching it, I was feeling rather immune (even though I had tested negative for the antibodies). Twas not to be...
Eternal families have been on my mind a lot, and I love the scripture in D&C Section 130:2, offering a glimpse of what life will be like after the Savior returns to earth:
"And that same sociality which exists among us here will exist among us there, only it will be coupled with eternal glory, which glory we do not now enjoy."
Sacrifices were made to make this trip possible, and it was a truly wonderful time. Many memories will be forever cherished from this one week, a week filled with love and laughter. I do hope that this same sociality will be with us. It felt like heaven on earth.
