Utah Trip June 3-11th 2009

It was fun to see so many family and friends while we were in Utah earlier this month.
First stop: The Findlays
My kids love spending time with their cousins.

Below is Mason and Cameron, wearing the same shirt.

Second stop: Logan to see Grandma and Grandpa Nielsen, and several other Nielsen relatives. (Kristie, Richard, Mandy, Sydney, Chole, JoAnn and Jenna)

My Grandparents are amazing. They are both in their 80's and are doing well.

We are so grateful for them.

Lydia had fun hanging out with fellow 6 year old cousins. Jack (on the left is her first cousin and Sydney in the middle is her second cousin). Cousins are instant friends.

Third: Evans Family Reunion at the Edmond's Cabin in Kamas, UT

All 30 members and 2 dogs of the Evans family spent the weekend together away in the mountains. It was wonderful!

Lydia and Maddie (11) played together designing dresses for barbie.

Jacob loved hanging out with Snitzel, and Snitzel was very patient with Jacob.

It was an adventure to go four wheeling in the mountains. Zeke loved giving all the kids rides. After taking all the kids on rides, he and I went on our own ride and came upon an adult brown bear. It was exciting and got our hearts pumping a little faster than normal.

We also meet our newest niece/cousin Halle. She is such a cutie and a very sweet baby.
On Sunday was her baby blessing. Jana is very talented and made this adorable dress. It was a special occasion and Halle was precious.

We were grateful to be able to get a family picture of everyone together.

Mason and Landon had so much fun goofing around with Spencer.

After the family gathering Maddie gave Lydia a ride on her horse bareback right before loading it up and heading up to Logan to a horse camp.

Forth Stop: Oquirrh Mountain Temple Open House!

The last time our family was able to attend an open house was when the boys were 2. It was so neat to be able to go inside and see this beautiful temple. As pretty as it is on the outside the inside was even better.

Fifth Stop: Catching up with college friends.

It was so fun to see my two closest college friends: Cheryl and Amy! Amy just had twin girls and they are adorable. Cheryl had a baby Heidi 1 year ago, and I hadn't seen her yet and she was a cutie. We could have visited all through the night, but unfortunately these mama's can't do that anymore, but it was fun to catch up and laugh about some fun times together.

Sixth Stop: Antelope Island "The Great Salt Lake"

Practicing our cowboy skills at the ranch on the island

With the few opportunities Lydia has had this spring with different horses, she has become a horse lover and tells me she must be a cowgirl.

Finally: Lagoon

On our last day in Utah we went to Lagoon. The crazy thing was it was a pretty rainy day. But hey we are from Seattle so we know how to do stuff in the rain and still have fun.

It's raining so why not go on a log ride????

Jacob warmed up to going on rides and had a great time.

When it rained we just went for cover. For the longest rain interval we got stuck at the bakery in Pioneer Village. Not a bad place to be stuck at for an hour!

Thanks everyone for taking the time to see us while we were there. My kids eyes were filled with tears from the time we got to the airport in the morning to the time they wen to bed that night. It's always hard to say good bye to those you love.