Since Nate was busy with work, I decided to take the kids and head to Utah to visit my family - without them knowing. I told Mark and Cristin, just so they could make sure people would be around before I made the trek.
Kalli and Trey did pretty good in the car. Trey had some tough moments, but overall not too bad. If we didn't stay the night in St. George with the Forests, it might have been a different story. Thanks Forests!
Kalli only gets to watch the portable dvd player when we go on long trips, so she is usually glued to the tube and a very good rider
We arrived at Mark & Cristin's house around 4. We tried to get my dad to come over without letting him know we were there, which proved to be very difficult. Dad had a meeting that night and some other things he needed to get done, so Mark couldn't convince him to come over to his house until he finally said that he had a surprise to show him and he HAD to come see it. Dad said he could only come by for 5 minutes. I wish we had taken a picture of the look on his face when Trey answered the door. He was a little confused to say the least :) Dad was shocked and thrilled to see us. Needless to say, he didn't go to his meeting that night and we went to Firehouse Pizza instead. (Mom was in Ohio helping Mandy when she gave birth to Bella. She was coming home the next day).
We ended up meeting Jill and Nick at Coldstone a little later. Everyone went in to meet them, but me and the kids. Once they were in line, we came in the door behind them and stood in line. She turned around and the look of shock was priceless. Her mouth dropped open a little then all the way, tears even followed (so touching :) It was so fun surprising everyone. Mom came home the next day and we planned on hiding our car and sitting on the couch when she walked in, but she got home an hour sooner than expected. She was still surprised, though. Lastly, I surprised Gma Betty and Gpa Darrell. They were out of town until Sunday, so we walked over Sunday night and Grams was shocked to see us as and surprised I drove all the way by myself, just for the heck of it. I love surprises! It couldn't have been more fun!
Trey and Owen love Poppy and ask to see her all the time
Trey did NOT like the snow, but Kalli was pretty excited and wished for more
We went to Willow Park Zoo with the cousins and their kids one day. The kids played so well together and loved the zoo. It is pretty tiny, but they don't care!
These boys think they are pretty big
They loved feeding the ducks
Kalli and Hayden are only 2 mos apart - they hit it off
Gpa Ricks introduce his Harley to Trey. I don't think Trey is going to be a rough and tough biker when he grows up. Sorry gramps!
Kalli might be our biker girl instead :)
We went out to an amazing pizza place Dad has heard about in Preston. The kids got in a little pool
and arcade gamed before the food was ready
One day I met up with some of my high school friends. We still try to get together every time I come in town. I love that we are still so close. It is as if time has stood still the past 11 years (except we all have kids now :)
Michelle, aka Moose, has been my bff since we were babies. Our birthdays are only 1 day apart and we grew up in the same little town of Benson. We used to ride bikes to each others houses and ride 4 wheelers around trying to catch butterflies. Ahhh, memories... Our parents are good friends and our grandparents are good friends as well. We have to continue the tradition with our children. She just needs to move to California. I love (and miss) this girl!
Moose, Me, 'Hurla' and 'Taryn' - 2 prego, 2 not
Mom took us bowling on her day off. Kalli hasn't been in a very long time and LOVED it. She did pretty good too. Did I mention that I got 2 strikes...
Shopping at the CV mall
We went to see Grandma Brown and as usual, the kids have a blast. Grandma Brown holds a soft spot in my heart. She always knew how to make us as kids feel special and have so much fun. She continues this on with my kids. She knows just what to do. We had a tea party
Cookies, twinkies and IBC rootbeer was served. Kalli loved it.
Trey had a pretty awesome time too
Trey and Owen only 3 weeks apart. They are going to be the best of buds
We had a bonfire/weenie roast at my parents house on the Saturday before we had to leave. Everyone came including one of Kalli's favorite cousins, Jordan (who lives in WY, so this was extra special).
Dad took the kids on wheelbarrow rides - they wanted more, more , more!
Trey LOVES Poppy
We went down to the river close by so the kids could throw rocks in.
Trey didn't want to leave
I caught Trey sneaking peas out of the bowl. When he got caught he said "uh-oh"
He made quite the mess
On our way back home we spent the night with the Forests again. Jess took us to this awesome jump house playhouse. The kids had way too much fun!
Prego Jess took trey down the slide. He loved it!
Now it is my turn!
These 2 play so well together and so do the adults! We miss you guys, when are you moving back?!
The last hour before we get home and see dad. Kalli was so excited, she said she was going to sleep so when she wakes up we will be there. Doesn't look too comfortable, but who am I to judge :)
We had so much fun in Utah. It is always a good time and I appreciate everyone taking time out of their busy schedules to play with us. We love you all and anxiously look forward to the next trip!
