We got to do plenty of fun things, some new and some good old standbys that we always try to do when we are there...of course there was plenty that we didn't do and wish we had (especially when it came to seeing family and friends). It's amazing how busy things are with a family of seven--even on vacation. We stayed with Raegan's parents in Sandy and are so excited that my parents are now in Layton (they moved there a few days before our trip). It was the last time we will be flying and renting a car there...what a hassle! I think all of us are actually looking forward to being able to explore some of this country as we drive there for future trips! Plus, we won't be restricted by anything other than how much we can cram into our car!
Below are a few of the highlights of the trip (sorry, some of these are repeats from facebook).
Pepperwood Falls hike with Nanny and Dooba (AKA Tori and Rick). I was with Graysen and Kyler while they napped but have gone in the past. Fun hike--Anden says this was one of his favorite activities. The boys are obsessed with Minecraft these days and were busy collecting various rocks that they thought resembled the stones from the game. We had to dispose of dozens of rocks while packing to come home.
Salt Lake Temple Square visit with Nanny and Dooba (we met up with Aunt Whitney afterwards for lunch and a trip to the new University of Utah Natural History Museum). We have an annual membership to the Perot Museum of Nature and Science in Dallas and were able to get into several places (for free) during our trip! We were thrilled--saved a ton of money!
This is the Place Heritage Park with Nanny, Aunt Whitney, Grandma and Grandpa Lenhard. Great park that we've never visited before and will definitely spend more time at next time. It was SO hot while we were there and the kids were ecstatic to find a splash park area to cool off (majority of the time was spent getting soaked). Anden, Mckay and Finley also "rode" horses for the first time and loved it. The kids love animals and were in heaven at the small petting zoo where they could smother those poor animals to death. I was pretty nervous around some of the animals, but not my kids. Finley's decided that she wants to own a zoo when she's older (and be a zookeeper) so that she can live with giraffes.
Heber Creeper train ride with Grandma and Grandpa Lenhard. Our first time on the train and perfect weather! It was a fun ride, not too long and not too short...poor Kyler hated to hear the train whistle and screamed/sobbed hysterically every time she heard it (it was pretty loud, especially with the windows open). One of the train robbers was also the guitar-playing entertainment during the ride. She provided pretty fun photo ops afterwards with her lasso skills. Anden was busy reading a book and couldn't be bothered to stop reading when it was his turn--goose!
Hike to Cecret Lake with Nanny and Dooba (picnic at the top). We've talked about doing this hike the past few times we've gone to Utah, but this was our first time going. It was so much cooler up in the mountains (thankfully) and we were able to borrow a backpack for Raegan to carry Kyler in--no way we could have managed without it! Raegan kept telling me that it was an easy stroll and not a big deal of a hike so I wasn't quite prepared for how strenuous it actually ended up being...especially with the kids (and packs full of food on our backs). Several people commented on the flip flops that Raegan and I decided to wear on the hike (not the best choice, but we didn't bring anything else on the trip)! Graysen isn't fond of heights and there are some steep switch backs and climbs that he was not happy about, so Nanny, Dooba and I ended up taking turns carrying him. Oh my word--that kid is HEAVY! It took us a while to find a place for our picnic (really rocky/hilly around the lake and lots of strange bugs near the water), but we managed and had a good time. Boys kept collecting rocks for their minecraft inventory. Kids were in awe of several rock climbers on a nearby cliff face on the way down. Fun activity--definitely not something you can experience in Texas!
We also spent tons of time at home. Kids were in heaven in the backyard--something we do NOT have in Texas! Between the endless grass, slip-n-slide, trampoline and playing with Paris (their favorite puppy ever), they could not get enough!
We had a great time seeing Uncle Adam, Aunt Belinda and cousins--so wish we lived closer so the kids could play together all of the time! They loved visiting them! Aunt Pati (Tori's sister) was also able to fly out and see us before we had to leave--a nice surprise!
We spent one day at BYU (actually a couple of hours) and talked endlessly about how fun it will be when the kids get to go there. No pressure, right?! :) Amazing how much BYU has changed since we were there last.
We also got to go to Thanksgiving Point on the day they were celebrating the birthday (or anniversary?) of Harry Potter. They had tons of crafts and activities for the kids. We went to the petting zoo there and convinced Graysen to ride on the ponies with Anden, Mckay and Finley. He was pretty nervous (even with me walking next to him), but did it! We were all really proud of him! Here are a few random pictures of the trip:
Good times had by all...took several days to wind down when we got home. And then the kids were bored to tears with nothing to do, once again. :)
1 comment:
I did miss these pictures, and they are wonderful. Brings back the memories.
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