Utah 2017

We skipped the summer bucket list this year and enjoyed a more laid back summer. After going back and forth about 5 times we finally decided to drive out to Utah for Grandpa Blaine's 90th Birthday party. I was so nervous about driving so far with all the littles but they did so well! Kevin drove the whole way and I was slave to the masses in the back. The girls were easily entertained and the biggest challenge was keeping them quiet while Oliver slept. That little guy played, ate, slept, repeat and we easy drove 12 hours the first day.

We decided to stop, get a hotel and let the kids swim as a reward. They thought the hotel room was so cool and it brought out all the stored energy from the day.

 It was good to stretch out and get some rest, until 4:00 AM rolled around. "Sisters! Open the curtains and see if the sun is out!" Shouted Weslie, waking us all up. Then I wished we had just driven straight through. We laid there for a while longer before starting an early day. Everyone was over being stuck in the car, so it was good we only had 6 hours left to St. George. We stopped at the Navajo Bridge to stretch our legs for a few mins and saw lots of wild horses on our drive.

Finally we made it to Aunt Debbies where we were spoiled rotten and the creamies were endless. Debbie is as sweet as ever and Weslie clung right on to her. We enjoyed cafe rio, swig and lots of laughs. We got to attend Dallin's endowment at the St. George temple. Nana drove down to see the kids and babysit so that we could both attend. It was my first time inside and it was beautiful. We were at Ryan's the next afternoon and when Dallin woke up he asked him "if he slept better in the armor of God". I sure do miss the Ricks clan.

Kevin golfed on Wednesday and that night Dad and I went on a date to see Mama Mia at Tuacahn. This ended up being one of my favorite parts of the whole trip. Grandpa Grape had us all laughing when he started belting the music along with the cast. 

As always there is never enough time and we were leaving St. George before we knew it and heading North to Salt Lake with Grammy. Sophie napped the whole 4 hours in the car and we went straight to dinner at Italian Village with Aunt B, Keven and Val. Those pizza benders always hit the spot and I love that my Grandma and Grandpa Ricks used to go there on dates. 

I had lots of activities planned for us but we hardly needed anything to fill our time because the girls were just happy to visit cousins and play outside in the soft grass and cooler temperatures. We did hike to Bridal Veil falls, roast hot dogs and marshmallows over a real fire and visited temple square. Grammy told the girls the story of how Grandpa proposed right there. As we were leaving the North Visitor's center Remi said, "The real Jesus can really help us." She is right! 

 We were so busy and the time flew by so quickly. It was especially hard to say goodbye to Chloe and tears may have been shed. Lots of memories were made and I am so glad we made the trip out.

Sophie Riding

Wes Riding at Bob and Saundra's

Getting Spoiled by "Grandma Shirl"

Checking out the Aviary with Bal

Exploring Grandma Harsh's backyard