memory lane

Aside from the boring drive, we sure love visiting Salt Lake. I felt nostalgic as I drove by our old house so near the college where we met, and got to show Emma where her first house was. Tyler had to remind me that I was pregnant with him there, too. In fact, he says, "Mom, when I was pregnant with you..."

We also got to go here (temple) and check out the inside while it's open to the public. Very cool, and very beautiful. I was moved to tears a few times as I realized the significance of what my kids were getting to join in on for the first time in their lives. They were so good and I knew they were getting a little taste of what Spencer and I get all the time. And getting cookies afterward always adds a little something special.


We don't know when we'll see Nana and Grandpa again as they're moving away, so we had to get one more boating trip in. I just associate Utah with boating at Jordanelle. Last year Emma was the tubing queen - we could not get her off that thing. This year she bawled the entire time she was on the boat - she was so concerned about the tubers and that they would get hurt. I love love love this picture because you can see her grandpa's reaction in the mirror. It might be my favorite picture of the trip.


This year, Tyler was tube king. I have about 15 great pictures of him.


And of course, Spencer on the knee-board. (Notice the tongue. Tyler does that too. ALL the time.)


My wonderful sister agreed to join us. The kids adore her, so we were all glad she came along. (Shameless plug: She's beautiful and available.)


And since I am hardly ever in pictures...


It sure is fun to be with cousins and run like crazy. I love the blur in this one - it so illustrates what it was like for them to be running around and playing so intensely.


I also got a hair cut (there's a great place at Riverwoods where it's only $15 your first time!). I guess I've started a tradition of getting a hair cut on almost every trip, but I never get one at home. Then again, we all know the best hair stylists are here.

Favorite comments of the trip:

*While driving in the mountains we rolled down the windows. I inhaled deeply and said, "I love the smell of the forest!" Emma inhaled deeply and said, "Ew...it smells like...clean dirt!"

*Emma knows I don't like the "Why" question unless she's asking respectfully and for a good reason. Today when she asked me something silly, I said, "Why?" She took the chance and retorted with, "Mom, we don't ask why? in our family!!"

*Tyler was not just the tube king, but he was also the Wii king. I don't do video games, but think it's great that other people have them. Tyler outscored everyone in the house after only a few games. After each game, he would say "Mom, how much money did I win?" If only.

We were only gone 5 busy days, but we packed in a lot. And as always, it's so great to be home.
P.S. I do believe we'll go with painting the door black. Thanks for all the input!