Runaway Friends

We had a bit of a scare on Sunday. We went to church and Avery went to go sit with her little sunbeam friend Aiden during sacrament. After she came and said that she was going with Aiden to her sunbeams class. The two ran off hand in hand. After I packed up our stuff I headed to my Sunday school class but decided to check and make sure Avery and Aiden made it to Primary ok. They weren't in the primary room. So I checked the bathroom, James' Sunday school class and they weren't anywhere to be seen. That's when I ran into Avery's Sunbeams teacher who are also Aidens grandparents. They couldn't find them either. The three of us looked all over the church and outside and we couldn't find them. There is a park near our church, so Sister Sorenson got in her car to drive down there to see if they went there. I walked down that way to see if I could see them. We couldn't find them. I was starting to get a little worried. I went back to the church and found James who was informed of their absence and was looking for them too. Then we saw Aiden in the arms of brother Sorenson. He was in tears, but Avery wasn't with him. He kept saying she was to fast. With his help we were pointed in the right direction as to where Avery went. As we got further from the church I had a realization that Averys old daycare was down the street and I thought maybe she was that way. The further we walked the more concerned and worried I became.We were stopped by some members of the other ward. They asked us if we were the parents of the lost girl. he said he thought his bishop had her. He got on his phone to give him a call. Just them I saw my friends Melanie Hart and Michelle Graves pull up in Mel's truck. I immediately went over and told Mel that I thought Avery might have gone to her old school and asked if she could drive down that way. They took off to see if they could find her. Sister Sorenson pulled up in her car and was relieved to see Aiden but was still concerned that we couldn't find Avery. Then a cop pulled up and asked what was going on. I again immediately started to explain what happened and what Avery looks like. He asked if we were the parents and then told us that they have her. THANK GOODNESS! So I guess the story is Avery headed to Home Depot (the flower store) because she just wanted to see the pretty flowers. While she was there a lady asked her where her parents were and she told her that we were at church. So the lady contacted the police who came out and tried to find us. At that point I asked James how we are going to handle this, what can we say to help her understand how dangerous that was. I was secretly hoping to get some advice from the cop. He didn't disappoint either. He said that its always best to show her how scared we were and how much we love her. He also said to let her know that when ever she's lost she can talk to a police man and they can help. he also said that let her know the next time she wants to go see the flowers to talk to us and ask and we can take her to see them. While he was talking to us another cop pulled up and said that the lady who called them was driving Avery up. As soon as the lady pulled up and crossed the road with Avery I was so relieved. The cop continued to talk to me and to be honest I didnt hear a word he said, I was trying to be polite but I just wanted to go to Avery. James was talking to her, finally I found a chance and broke away from the conversation to go over and scoop Avery up in my arms. At first she struggled a little but she finally just gave into the hug. I told her how I loved her and how scared I was. She seemed to understand a little. After that the police talked with her a little and gave her a junior police badge. Mel and Michelle had come back and saw that we got her. We all started to head back to the church. We had so many people from the ward out looking for her. I am so grateful for their kindness and all their help. We went right back to church and made sure she made it to primary. Then I spotted Mel and went over to thank her and all the people who where back from helping us look for her. It was scary, but the funny thing is, is that as I look back its scarier now that when it was happening.
As soon as I realized they weren't in the church I started to pray in my heart that they were ok and that we would find them. I felt like I had this open connection of sorts with Heavenly Father and was constantly just sending my concerns and fears to him. I think that might be why I wasn't just overwhelmed with fear. Don't get me wrong I was definitely worried, but I had this sort of peace as well. Especially as I saw how many people where looking for her. I was scared, but I felt like Heavenly Father was aware of me and he was watching over Avery. I am so thankful to my Heavenly Father for watching over us and for the protection he offers my family.

This is the best I could do but, here's a map to show where our church is in relevance to Home Depot.

Quick Update

Okay I know I have been doing this a lot lately but I promise all my future posts are not going to be  fast updates. I will actually write again. We had a pretty fun January and February.

 We are still having a fun time exploring Snow Canyon. It is so pretty out there we are loving it more and more each time we go out there.

 Spring time in St George apparently means Hot air balloons. We see at least 1 every morning.

 We got to go up to Salt Lake to visit Family and attend the baptism of our nieces Becca and Lizzie. We also enjoyed the Super Bowl and Puppy Bowl at my sister in laws house. where we got to watch a wonderful game where my Denver broncos won. :)

 We were pretty happy to go back to St George though especially after the inversion that Salt Lake was having. Gross!

  Happy traveler with her leap pad and pretzels

For valentines day James surprised Avery with this when we came home from church. The sign says "Avery, you have a lot of heart to give. Happy Valentines Day!"

 Avery thought it was great. She loves all the hearts in her room.

 It's been really nice here in St George and I have been getting a little spring fever. I already planted some new rosemary for this year and I am trying strawberries to see if they'll work.

 Avery loves going to he craft store with me, especially since she found the feather boa's. :p Such a sassy girl. Ok theres my update I will try to do better. :)
Does anyone even read this anymore? just curious.

December Pictures & Videos Part 2