We had a great trip to Utah this summer! We did so many fun things and got to hang out and play with Sara's family! Here are some of the highlights of our trip!
GETTING THERE!
We had over a 2 hour layover in Minneapolis, MN on our way there. After a nice lunch at TGIFridays we found this fun playground for the girls to run around and use some energy before we got on our second flight!
We learned that Ella doesn't only NOT sleep in cars...she doesn't sleep on airplanes either! Each of our flights were 3 + hrs and she slept maybe 45 min at the end of each flight!
Ella's favorite past time....
OUR FIRST OFFICIAL STEVE AND SUSIE SMITH FAMILY REUNION
The first full day we were there (Saturday June 6th) we had a family reunion. All 5 of my siblings and their spouses and kids were there! We had a little luau with delicious BBQ made by my older brother Keith (smoked for 16 hrs!) painted some plaster of Paris figurines, made lays, and played badminton. I don't have any pictures yet--we used my moms camera, but it was a great time! Can't wait for our next official reunion!
THE DINOSAUR MUSEUM AT THANKSGIVING POINT
My parents purchased a 'Grandparents' membership to Thanksgiving point, this means that all their grand kids (no limit!) get in free and the adults 1/2 price. We had a great time, but Aspen was afraid of the dinosaurs! Once we got to the interactive parts she relaxed and played. We were glad to be able to go with Granna, Grandpa, Amy and her kids Steven, Kate, and Ryan, and Heather, Phillip and Sophie! Ella just hung out in the stroller and keeping true to her reactions here at home would NOT touch the sand!
This part was a lot of fun. They get to move the sand around to change the flow of the water, making dams or blocking it. And there are little plants and dinosaurs!
The traditional 'dig' site!
This part was a lot of fun. They get to move the sand around to change the flow of the water, making dams or blocking it. And there are little plants and dinosaurs!
The traditional 'dig' site!
OQUIRRH MOUNTAIN OPEN HOUSE
Aspen was so excited to be able to go into 'Heavenly Father's Castle' as she calls the temples. It was beautiful with wonderful murals of Utah scenery around some of the rooms. Aspen especially loved it when we pointed out all the pictures of the Aspen Trees!
Water Painting
All playing nicely in the Family Room!
CHEESE!
Our resident royalty! You would have no idea the drama caused by princess dress this week! ;)
GOING TO VISIT GREAT GRANDMA AND GRANDPA SMITH
We had a great time visiting with Great G&G! The got out their blocks that Aspen loved building with and Ella loved knocking down!
Along their windowsill they have many little cups and bowls that Great Grandpa and turned on his lathe. Ella loved to move the nuts from one bowl to the next all down the window!
Then they took us out for a yummy lunch at Chuck-O-Rama where they enjoyed seeing how well my kids eat! Thanks for the good time Grandma and Grandpa!
Then they took us out for a yummy lunch at Chuck-O-Rama where they enjoyed seeing how well my kids eat! Thanks for the good time Grandma and Grandpa!
PLAYING AT GRANNA AND GRANDPA'S
We loved having the cousins over a few times to play! One time Keith came over from work with out the kids and Aspen was very offended that he didn't have them with him!
Water Painting
All playing nicely in the Family Room!
CHEESE!
Our resident royalty! You would have no idea the drama caused by princess dress this week! ;)
CATCHING UP WITH FRIENDS
We were so glad to be able to see a few people while we were in town, but as always wish we could have seen more of you!
I was able to have my friends Emily and Pam come over with their kids for a fun afternoon of playing. Then I had dessert with Em and Tamera!
We also had the chance to go to lunch with our friend Jennifer and her little boy Cole, she is the friend who introduced us almost 7 years ago...Thanks Jenn! We enjoyed lunch at the Pie and some play time.
PLAYING GAMES
Aspen is so exacted to be able to participate is some of the 'big kid' games. She learned how to play Candy Land with Granna, watched lots of pool games between the men, and even a few rounds ping pong! One of her new favorite things to do is Wii bowling. She has recently learned how to bowl herself! She bowled three games in a row scoring an 86, then 138, and a 119! That's better then some adults can do on that games! And YES she did it all by herself. She was so proud of herself.
HEADING HOME
Waiting at the Airport...
Though not documented in photographs we also...were able to do an endowment session (Brent and Sara), eat at Cafe Rio twice, go shopping at some fun scrapbook stores (Sara and Granna yeah!) and have a great time!
Though we are sad to say good bye to everyone we are glad to be back in our own home, beds, and routines. We can't wait till our next trip out!
PS YOU are ALL invited down here ANY TIME! Come see us!
2 comments:
Your kids are just so gorgeous! What a fun vacation.
Man, you should've called me during your layover in Minneapolis. We live about 8 minutes away from the airport. Your reunion sounded fun. i still can't believe that your mom is a grandma. It is so fun to be together as a family once you all have your own kids. Being so far away, I treasure those trips so much, as I am sure you do too.
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