Two weeks in Utah

The kids and I were in Utah for a full two weeks.  Jared's trip wasn't quite as long.  I know he mentioned something about a job, and wanting to keep his job.  Our original occasion to go to Utah was for Nate and Emilee's wedding.  As it turns out Great grandma Bench had plans of her own.  Our trip ended up including a wedding and a funeral.  

Two weeks is a long time and our families had to endure my camera for most of it.  As always, trips to Utah are jam packed with fun and memories. 

I flew to Utah by myself with the kids.  4 1/2 hours is a long time.  They were both great, honestly and truly, but I was still soooo happy when we landed.

 We went to the zoo with Grandma JeanJean.  It was quite the fun adventure.  Sierra even got to look a lion right in the eye.  The one time I wasn't there with my camera of course.  However, I'm pretty sure the carousel with the highlight. We went on it twice because Grandma's can spoil little girls who have a melt down when it's time to get off.

she absolutely loved it

We went on a lovely hike up the canyon with some of my very favorite people.

When my mom cleaned out my grandpa's house they found this dress and coat my grandma paxton made, with her own two hands, in the 1930's.  Turns out we're the same size, so I inherited grandmas dress.  Amazing!

 

 We're sure glad Wade's family lives close.  Good times were had in the circle once again.  We're also glad they bring their fun toys along.

 We went to The Museum of Natural Curiosity.  Jeannie wanted to make sure Jared was there when we went.  She was spot on.  He had just as much fun as the kids.

 The kids spent many hours in grandma and grandpa Bench's sandbox.

 Lindsay was on the ball and realized we always get a picture on Connor and Addy on the horse.  The tradition lives on!

 

 We spent a couple of days at the cabin.  It was gorgeous and only a little chilly.  Luckily grandpa had helpers to build the fire.

      

    

Connor and Addy slept in a tent in the basement every night.

 So much fun with cousins

And then we came home.  We even rode the metro from DCA.  Connor was thrilled.  He got to ride on a plane and a train.  What a day.  What a trip.

As of late

Here's what we've been up to...
Connor had his second first day of preschool

He even gets to ride the bus.  Something he and I both love.

Sierra and I have fun waiting for his bus to get home.  Especially while we have the pleasant weather.

Although sometimes she gets real sad

Scooter riding has been the preferred outside activity for Connor this month

We found a new stream to play in

Friday night movie night.  A pizza picnic in the front room with popcorn for dessert.

Outer Banks

When the chance comes to go to the beach, you take it. Hence our last minute beach trip to the Outer Banks in North Carolina (Connor would be happy to tell you the capital of NC if you're interested).  It was great to get away and play as a family.

How could we just drive by a huge truck like this?

We left "german army" style as my dad would put it.  We were out the door by 4:20 AM on the dot.  You would think, or at least we thought, our kids would sleep at some point during the 4.5 hour car ride.  We were wrong.  It made for some sleepy kids later that day.

 Fun in the sun!

Connor loved going up and down in the ocean

August adventures

August is gone just like that.

I am happy to report that tonsils are no longer a part of my life

The kitchen is very nearly finished. Kind of.  It's usable.

We've tried to get outside and enjoy this mild summer

Jeannie humbled me on the golf course, although her driver and I are great friends.

And oh how we've loved the pool.  It's been wonderful to have right outside our back door.