utah

Three weeks in Utah.  (plus a small side trip to California to visit Jesse and Susan.  Pictures soon.)  I feel as though I sucked up every minute I had while I was there.  Thank goodness.  I'm kicking myself for not being a better photo journalist, however.  My ability to document via photo is sadly lacking.

However, the trip itself was not lacking and was just what I needed.  A good dose of those that I love.  I share these pictures as a taste of what went on. 

 

 Mabs and I went to the temple together.  Amazing treat.

 I met this little one for the first time (can you believe it?)  And while there he graciously learned how to crawl and grew four teeth all at once.  That part was a tad painful to witness, but I'm glad I got to be there for such change.

 So fun to watch these two play and laugh. And talk!  So grown up.

This one blows my mind.  The oldest granddaughter/niece.  So responsible, smart and fun.  She chose the better flavor that day too.  Fun treat after watching her at gymnastics.  And to see her on her first day of school!  Can't believe it.

 I was there for Mabel's birthday.  Best birthday yet she said.  Surrounded by everyone she loves.

My darling friends.  Wish I had had more time with everyone.  So good to see them though.
 (Not pictured: Sweet Megs and Marillee.  Both came later to play)

 Jacque! Always an inspiration.

 i was really missing neilsons frozen custard too.

 Finally able to meet Ariel's sweet baby! 

 Was able to witness these two getting hitched.  What a lovely story they have.  It was also an amazing way to see all of my family!  Perfect way to start the trip.

 Dinner at Grandparents.  Delicious food. Comfortable, fun conversation and company. 

 Meeting Tess's spouse :)

It was awesome to see Jake and Katie married. 
As compared to the couple in high school I would go on double dates with.

Theirs is also a sweet story.

Highlights of my trip:

--Talking to aunts, uncles and cousins at the various gatherings while I was there.  This is one of things I crave most while I'm away.

--Reacquainting with sweet friends.  I miss the strange chemistry of conversation that happens when we're all together.  Suddenly everything is funny and simple.  Miss you lovelies.

--That huge storm a couple of nights before I left where my siblings and I cuddled up on my parents bed to watch the lightning from the upstairs window.  Which just happens to have the perfect view of the mountains.  I felt such a nostalgic comradeship.  This is the other thing I miss most.  And then the board at the top of the bed fell through and I remembered that we're not all light kids anymore

--Long talks with my mom.  Long talks with my siblings.

--Going swimming with the babes.  Watching V and P get better and better at being in the water.

--Cafe Rio and bad movies for the mocking with Mica and Phil.

--Going to Mica's zumba class!  So fun.

--Going to San Francisco for the first time.  Seeing how my brother and his darling wife live.

--Sushi and downtown with Rose.

Overall: feeling that rejuvenation and reminder of my roots.  Remembering that families are forever, and that that includes making the most of the time we have now.  Thanks for all who hosted little ol' me.  And for your reviving natures.  LOVE.


home again, home again, jiggety-jig.