Salt Lake Trip

A couple weeks ago, we headed back to Zion to introduce Clara to the fams. It was a fabulous trip! This was the first trip where Sophie has really played with her cousins. And, obviously, this was the first trip where Clara met her cousins (and aunts and uncles and great-grandparents and...)

On Wednesday morning, we headed up Milcreek Canyon with my dad and sisters. Nate and I really wanted to take the girls up into the mountains for the first time. Who knew we would miss the mountains? The kids got a HUGE kick out of throwing rocks in the stream, wading in the water and going on a special walk with just Grandpa.

Wednesday afternoon, I met up with Reagan, who I have been friends with for almost 30 years. She lives in Washington now so it had been years since we were both in SLC at the same time. It was so fun to see her and her cute kids!!

Wednesday night, my awesome dad and Char had my whole extended family over for a BBQ. It was soooo nice of them to set that up!! And I love that my family will come and see us whenever we are in town - they are the best! Sophie's favorite parts of the night were dancing with Jackson and Kristen in the back room and getting Marley to spin around. My favorite was staying late and chatting with the girls.

Thursday morning, we went to Jungle Jim's with Grandma Yoji. Sophie was terrified of the little rides - wouldn't even go on the carousel - but she liked the games and loved being with her cousins. The Whack-a-Crocodile was the best game and summed up the cousins perfectly: Miles pounded the crocs, Sophie tapped them gently and Hazel reached in a pulled them out of their holes. Of course.

Thursday night, we went to my mom's for dinner. We had four generations together, plus we got to see my Uncle Scott and my cousin Jackie and her husband, Tima. I wasn't expecting to see them and so when they showed up it was the best surprise!!

Friday morning, we spent playing with Maddie and Henry. We spent most of our time out in the backyard eating popsicles, playing tee ball and looking at the flowers with Aunt Kathryn. Unfortunately, Sophie also came down with a wicked cold and eventually lost her sweet little voice. She was such a trooper the rest of the trip though!

Friday night, we just hung out at my dad's with my sisters. We got lots of good cousin play time.

Saturday morning, we got some quiet time at my mom's. Sophie wanted to pick her own apple off the tree and startled two deer when she went out there.

Saturday night, we celebrated Grandpa Jim's birthday at the Howells' where the magnets are always a hit and where Maddie and Sophie ran screaming around the table. In a good way.

We stayed with Jim and Jane this time and it was wonderful! Clara made herself completely at home. Sophie followed Grandma Jane and Aunt Kathryn around, helping Grandma cook and playing with the knick knacks with Aunt Kathryn. Grandma also introduced Sophie to the grandfather clock in the living room. Sophie would put her hand to her ear to listen for when the clock was "tick-tocking" until it started chiming. She loved being there and so did we! Thanks, Jane!!

Click here for even more pictures from our trip.