Palisade State Park

Our first camping adventure of the season was AMAZING. We went to Palisade State Park. It was beautiful and so peaceful which was super rejuvenating with what was going on back in the normal world of COVID-19. We had a great campsite with double capacity and lots of room for kids to run, play, and ride bikes and scooters. We decided we needed to share it with someone. We initially had invited the McPhillens but they were unable to come. So we invited Richard and Janelle and family. It was last minute but they jumped on board and came on down. We had so much fun with them. 

Checking out the water conditions and getting ready to hop on a paddle boat for the first time.

Eliza picked a pink one, of course. The shiny was an added bonus. :)

Family Fun

We stopped on the other side of the lake and had a look around. 

Eliza trying to talk herself into jumping in or getting into the water. 

She jumped. It was awesome. It was still early in the day so she got a little chilled from the adventure and I think that soured it a bit. 

Lucas deciding if he likes the water or not. He was back and forth. But overall had a great time in it. 

Cousins came in the afternoon and stayed the second night. The next morning, we even got Grandma and Grandpa Stacey there. Matt and Grandpa Stacey went golfing. 

Celebration of Grandma Rowley's Beautiful Life Lived

(Taken March 3, 2020 on her 95th birthday)

(Taken March 3, 2019 on her 94th birthday)

LORA JEAN FORSEY ROWLEY SPENCER passed away peacefully at her home in Payson, Utah on the morning of April 30, 2020.

Lora was born March 3,1925 in Richfield, Utah to David Churchill Forsey Jr. and Stella Bertha Christensen. Her family moved to Payson during her childhood where she attended all her public schooling, graduating from Payson High School in 1943. While attending Brigham Young University she met Don Ernest Rowley and they were married in the Salt Lake Temple on October 3, 1945. After residing in Orem, Utah where their four children were all born, Lora and Don sold their fruit farm there and moved their family to the West Mountain Area of Payson in 1960. They successfully started the first of what would become many fruit farms in that area and she never moved again. Her husband Don passed away in 1995. In 2003 she married family friend and widower Buss Spencer and they filled each other’s life with companionship and happiness until his passing in 2010.

Lora chose the profession of wife, mother and homemaker and was the consummate professional. Her cheerful, loving, and nurturing nature filled the Rowley home with a peaceful and content spirit that made her home the favorite of grandchildren and great grandchildren. Lora was a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and gave a lifetime of service in multiple callings in the Relief Society, Young Women, and Primary. She was also an active member of the Daughters of Utah Pioneers for many years.

As Lora’s body weakened the last years of her life, her light never dimmed and she was cheerful and a delight to visit until the very end. Her oldest daughter Nedra cared for her for years and then a granddaughter, Kym (Brady) Butler moved their family in with Lora during her last 8 months to give her assistance and company. The Butlers brought her much joy, and Kym held her hand as she left this life.

Lora is survived by her four children, Nedra Grover, Brenda (David) Bennion, Loretta (Darrell) Stacey, and Robert (Cara) Rowley as well as Don’s brother Norman Rowley and his wife Judy. She has 19 grandchildren and 52 great-grandchildren. The youngest great-grandchild (Robyn Lora Rowley) was born in Payson at the same hour of Lora’s passing.

Lora will be interred at the Payson City Cemetery alongside her eternal companion, Don. Graveside services will be held Monday, May 4, 2020.  Services will be conducted by Bishop Ryan Rowley, a grandson.

 Watching the funeral from the car because of social distancing. Only immediate children and spouses, and grandchildren, no spouses. Everyone was also wearing a mask. What a strange sight.

 Coloring and Fairy Playing Time

COVID-19 Quarantine Life

Eliza has about 1 hour of school work each day that she completes at home. She made this artwork for her class's first grade t-shirt.

Eliza and Lucas played away everyday happily and it has been awesome.

Waiting for the Primary drive by parade with candy buckets.

Lots of fun shows and movie time.

Baseball with Daddy

Wheelbarrow rides with Grandpa McPhillen and Uncle Jared.

Building fun train tracks with Uncle Kevin

Tessa listening to Eliza's Marco Polo message. 

Waiting for the Air Force jets to fly by as they made their way through Utah to thank the medical workers. (We didn't end up seeing them or hearing them)

Lucas spends hours playing with all kinds of cars everyday.

Water Gardens Theatres created a drive-in a week after the movie theater had to shut down. It has been incredibly successful. We have seen Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs and How to Train Your Dragon. It was so fun to introduce the kids to the drive-in movie experience.

Lots of time spent at the Mcphillen's house.

Lots of time spent at the Stacey's house. So grateful they got to come home early from their mission to be with us during these trying times. 

We have enjoyed many books and stories. Eliza has become a REALLY good reader and loves to read which makes us very happy and excited for her and the adventures she will find.

Decorating the stairs for Easter

Bubbles with Milo

Playing games like Splendor and Dragonwood with the McPhillens

Snow Springs drive by parade.

Fun games with Daddy

 

This cutie does great chalk drawings.

Started a puzzle at General Conference. The kids had fun activities during conference.

Lots of playing out in the front of the house while waiving to other kids and neighbors from afar.

Cooking with Grandpa McPhillen

Loving the swing set Grandma and Grandpa got and built last year.

Art with Grandma McPhillen

Busy days make for an exhausted Lucas.

And sometimes Mommy too.