Family

Utah holds a different meaning to me now. The word immediately makes me think of family. We enjoyed every second.

The drive there was full of excitement and energy. Being stuck in the car for so long made the kids into little monkeys at McDs. Katelyn is wearing Troy's shorts after getting a ton of food on hers. I was obviously too lazy to find her clothes. 

 

We drove through the night. Mockingjay kept us awake. We had to switch every 3 hours or so. It was hard to do, but definitely made it easier for the kids. 

I didn't take that many pictures. We just enjoyed the moments. 

Saturday: We arrived! Talked with Ben's family and slept. So happy to be there. 

Sunday: Church, naps and dinner with my family. We loved the food and games. Megan, Michael and Maddy are so cute with the kids. Halli can attest to that. We loved visiting with everyone: Corey, mom, Alan, Malika (sp? Sorry), Devin, Sarah, Tim, Megan, Tyler, Halli, (Annie was at home with newborn girl Hayden), Michael, and Maddy. We caught up the Jason and Lindsey (Michaels wife :) that week. 

Monday: Still recovering from driving through the night but wanting to take advantage of every minute. Devin, Sarah and Tim came over and played games with us during naps. Then we went to Cafe Rio. Oh how I miss that place. That night we went to a movie, edge of tomorrow. 

Tuesday: played in the morning. These boys are so lucky. Look at that fun Grandma! I don't even do that. 

Then we drove to my moms. She watched the kids while Ben and I went to lunch with Jason. So fun. We came back and hung out with my mom. The kids love playing there. They are so lucky to have Grandma Jana. Dinner was back in Lindon. Alit and Brittany stayed the night. Love this family! I can't remember when, but Kaylene took me shopping for my birthday and totally spoiled me. I hate deciding on things to wear, and she gives great advice that helps me. We even got the shirt I wore to the wedding. 

Wednesday: Went to Lindon pool. 

Katelyn, Liam, Ben, Brayden and Brittany

Troy and Grandma were probably together somewhere. 

Devin and Sarah came too but I didn't get a pic! Tim was so stinkn cute in his floater. 

Katelyn LOVES the water. That is a face of joy, if you can't tell. 

Liam kept getting cold, so I took his shirt off. Bad idea. I should have put more sunscreen on him. He fried his shoulders. Blisters and all. Great mom award. But he never complained. Such a tough kid. 

 

That night Ben and I went to dinner and dessert with Rich and Rachel. We could talk for days I think. I really miss them. 

Thursday: Visited Grandma and Grandpa Allsop in the morning. My mom came over and we tried on Katelyn's skirt that she made. So cute. Way to go mom. 

Got to meet Hayden Rose Andersen. UGH. So cute. And visit with Annie. Time goes way too fast. 

Went to Devin and Sarah's while the kids napped at Grandmas. I miss being so close to them. We lived on the same street as them and Alan. It was awesome. (I really do like Texas, but missing is okay too)

Then we went to Thanksgiving Point with the Merrill side. SO fun. Everyone had a blast. I lost Liam only a couple of times. Success I think. 

My thumb is really the highlight of this picture. 

We ate at J Dawgs nearby. Another Utah treasure. I love just hanging out and talking. We will have to do that more with my family in December when people are not working :)

Friday: Wedding day! Kaylene watched the kids while we went to the Draper temple for the sealing. Then the ring ceremony and luncheon in Sandy. (Look at previous post.) car broke down. Fixed while we hung out at my moms. Went to reception and loved seeing all of my extended family. They are pretty awesome. 

Saturday: left home on our 22 hour drive. We made it!