Quick Trip to Utah!

My mom, Grandpa and I took a quick trip to Utah for two special events. It was so nice to have a little getaway without the kids before the baby comes :) It was so fun to be with all my extended family from all over the states that flew into Utah for these events as well. Before I left I made trip to Costco so the boys would be stocked up on breakfast, launch and dinners. I think I worried too much because I got enough groceries for two weeks worth. The boys had a very fun weekend with dad and Grandpa in my absence. Jake took them camping, in the living room, they watched movies and slept in the tent downstairs :) Grandpa took the boys fishing at Millerton lake while daddy had morning work appointments, and the boys helped daddy with some project surprises for me when I got home; they painted baby girl's crib white and added some new patio furniture and palm trees around our backyard :) When I came home Monday night very late (after a tiring two hour flight delay) it was so nice to come to a clean house and to my surprises.

My Grandpa was a trooper, at almost 90 years old we flew through security with wheelchair access, through the airport and then onto our flight. He did great. My mom and I took good care of him :) I opted out of the security surveillance and had a pat down, which was interesting considering my big belly. I think I made the flight crew nervous as well as I mentioned I had about 6 weeks to go. My Grandpa was more worried about me than anyone, he wanted me to sit in his wheelchair and asked me constantly if I was okay on the plane and if the baby was okay. He is so cute, a worry wart, but cute :)

The morning before my Aunt Julie and Uncle Channing's long-awaited and oh-so-special sealing at the St. George temple, we had breakfast at the Black Bear Diner. Heavenly breakfast. I had sweet cream blue berry pancakes, the best pancakes I've had, but we were all envying and wishing we had ordered what my Aunt Julie did, the cinnamon roll french toast. Think a cinnamon roll, dipped in french toast batter, cooked and served with whipped cream and syrup. I will have to try this one day.

The beautiful St. George temple

My many aunts and uncles and Grandpa with the happy couple

The sealing was so special. It was so wonderful to see how happy my Aunt was and is. She deserves this and has worked so hard for this. Now they are a forever family. I am so grateful for the temple. For there we are sealed to our loved ones for time and for eternity, even after death, never to be parted.  Being in such a sacred place with so much family was incredible. I felt Ryan near, I know in the temple is where I can be nearest to him. I also know that other loved ones like my Grandma who have passed where there in spirit to witness the special ceremony.

My dear childhood friend Ruth lives in St.George and she came with her cute family for a quick hello. It was so fun to see her cute little kids and to catch up for a bit!

Being silly....

After the sealing and lunch we headed to Provo, UT, it was a tiring 3 hour plus drive for this pregnant lady, but we made it. It was fun driving with my cousins, listening and singing to Disney songs and reminiscing on when we were little growing up together :) The famous "Y" marked our arrival and with it brought back SO MANY great memories for me. Memories of fun college days with my best friends, school, work, dates, dances, apartment living, football games, and meeting Jake and falling in love here.

I was lucky enough to meet up with my best friend Chelsea before we headed onward up to Salt Lake City. She took me back to her in-law's to see her cute little family, including the newest addition! It was so fun seeing her cute boys and holding her new baby boy. We went to dinner after and had some yummy Italian while chatting away. We lost track of time as always, we could talk forever, and we had a lot to catch up on. We only had a couple hours sadly, I so we wished closer! It had been a year since we were last together when we went to New York. But though our visit was too short, it filled my cup!

Sunday morning my Aunt Janet, my moms oldest sister, retired from the Tabernacle Choir. When you reach 60 years of age, or have been in the choir for twenty years, you are released. She was sad about leaving, the experiences and friendships she had gained were priceless and she will miss it so much. The prophet of our church Thomas S. Monson was present, as was Elder Scott and other noteworthy leaders in our church. Each person released was given a beautiful sketch of the Tabernacle and a small excerpt of their lives were shared with everyone. It was so neat to be in the presence of so many wonderful people and to hear the choir sing live during the televised Music and the Spoken Word recording. My Aunt looked so beautiful up there singing. I know it was a dream come true for my Grandpa to be there and watch her sing for the last time.

We had a family luncheon afterwards at my family's apartment across the street from temple square that overlooks the temple. We visited, gave gifts and congratulations to my Aunt Janet. My Uncle Robert housed us for two nights, fed us, and we were so excited to see his new beautiful home. I was happy to visit with and hang out with my cousins! I took a picture of my Grandpa playing on an ipad. It was hilarious watching him trying to figure it out.  Monday we just relaxed and that afternoon we headed to the Salt Lake airport, back home. It was a great four day little trip filled with family, a lot of laughter, love, sacred moments, and some craziness :)