Utah Week 1

Every time we have gone to Utah in the past, we have kind of "flown by the seat of our pants" as far as a schedule is concerned.  It always ends up being really stressfull and we sleep at a different house every night.  So this trip we decided to try something different.  And when I say we, I mean, I convinced Jon it was a good idea.  Haha.  So we spent the first week in town with the Purdy family and the second week in town with the Brady family.  After all was said and done, I think there are pros and cons to both methods.  But at least now we have the perspective of the "other side."  So, with the Purdy family we tried to keep things low-key and kid friendly.  We arrived on Saturday evening, around 7pm.  Bradys came over for a few minutes because who wouldn't be absolutely excited to see these crazy kids?!  Sunday, we went to sacrament meeting but then took the boys home for naps.  Except Vanessa decided she needed to be with Grandma at all times.  So Grandma sat in primary with her through second hour and then she went to Relief Society with Grandma the third hour.  That evening, Becky and Brett came over and we feasted on some ribs and turkey and all the fabulous sides you can imagine.

 On Monday we went to Chuckee Cheese with the kids.  And then met up with Jon's family to go to the Desert Star Playhouse.  It was adults only, of course, so my parents watched the kids.  The play was Kicking The Hobbit.  It was pretty funny.  On Tuesday, we went to the zoo.  Always good times at the zoo.

 On Wednesday, my parents go work in the temple from about 2pm-10pm.  So we died Easter eggs in the morning and then Jon and I went to meet up with his friends from high school at Cafe Rio.  Miss that place.  We stopped by Bradys for a minute and ended up leaving Brigham and Vanessa with his parents.  Benson wanted to come with but Vanessa was hooked to her Grandma again.  And Brigham had squeezed out half a container of babyfood on his clothes so he was naked and got left behind too.  But he warmed up quick and loved the attention, I'm sure.

 On Thursday we took on Kangaroo Zoo.  All jump places are a kid's heaven on earth, in my opinion.  Benson loves them, but it definitely means a work out for mom and dad.  Who needs a gym, right?!

 We got some slushies for the kids and Brigham cracked us up begging Benson for some.  Thank goodness these guys are good at sharing.  Wish germs didn't share so easily.

 I don't think Vanessa stopped moving and chasing after Clay the entire time, except to drink the Slush.  Jon and I traded running around with Benson.  We each lasted about a half hour before we were pooped and sweating.  Benson seemed content with that though.

 On Friday, we took a girls day.  My mom, Steph and I left the kids home with the guys and went shopping at City Creek.  We spent way too much money and then met up with the guys and kids at Pf Changs.  Love that place too.

When we got home, my dad had picked this up for me and Brigham.  I personally love the Hello Kitty.  It was an ice cream cake.  When I was little I always wanted ice cream cakes for my birthday and this was the exact kind I liked!  I was amazed my dad remembered.  He had me going for a minute until he admitted he didn't remember but it was the kind that looked the best to him.  Haha!  At least he has good taste.

 Brigham thoroughly enjoyed his first birthday cake.  His preferred method of devouring was to just lick it straight off the plate.

It was so much fun to be with family again.  It makes me kind of sad about the bill all over again.  But, I am so grateful for our beautiful house and fabulous job that allows us to go and visit family.  It's easier to appreciate them when you treasure your time with them, anyway, right?!