Utah

We had such a great visit home to Utah. We arrived on Saturday, April 28…the kids were AMAZING on the plane. I was worried because I am getting bigger and I was traveling alone, but they did great. On Sunday we relaxed and caught up with Grandma and Papa Miller (my parents) and then had an extended family get together. It was great to see some of my cousins, aunts and uncles, and my Grandma Alice.

Most of the cousins on my side of the family. (Minus little Claire)

Maya and Ellie selling stuff to people in my parent's neighborhood, but mostly to family members. On Monday Josh and I hung out at my parent’s house while Maya and Grandma went to get their nails done and to do some shopping/have lunch. Maya was SO excited to do this because she’s never been to a real salon before. Unfortunately I don’t have any pictures of this on my camera, and the pictures on M’s camera are stuck for some reason.

Papa and Josh were good buddies on this trip. Tuesday we visited with Nick’s side of the family. (His mom, brother, and Grandma) We hung out at the house and caught up and then we walked down to the Trax station by their house to let the kids see the trains pass by. It was nice to see them all. Later that night we went to watch my niece, Ellie, and my nephew, Carson, in their softball and baseball games. It was fun to be there to support them! They are both good players!

Maya and Grandma V

My nephew, Carson. He is so grown up now!! Wednesday – we took Trax downtown with my parents to see the temple, have lunch, and look at the new City Creek Mall. It was awesome to show Maya where Nick and I got married. She loved watching all of the brides come out of the temple. She even took a couple of pictures of them. My mom gave each of the kids a few dollars so they could buy something downtown. Well Josh thought the temple was a big candy store so he was disappointed when I told him we couldn’t go inside to purchase some. I took my new DSLR camera and got some really cool pictures with it while we were there. That night we went to Papa Stan’s softball game and cheered him on.

On a train with Papa!?! He was in heaven.

At the temple.

Maya trying to put her arms around Josh, while Josh pushes her away! Pretty typical.

I love this one!

Super model pose, haha.

Thursday – Grandma Debbie took Maya to work with her at the golf course for a few hours. She got to wear a little red apron and wipe tables, help customers, and put bottles of pop/Powerade out. My mom said a lot of the golfers got a kick out of how she would make sure the labels were facing out and just perfect before moving on. She is soooo OCD! My mom gave her all of the tips from that day and she made $10!! Lucky girl. While they were working, Josh and I went to Café Rio for lunch with my sister, Missy. It was so fun to catch up and I wish we could do it more often. That night we visited with my sister in law, Lindsey, and my cute niece, Claire. She and Josh are one month apart and play really well together.

All ready for work!

Please note, if you ask Josh to bend over this is the shot you will see. Those darn pullups don't stay UP!

Friday – We were home most of the day and then that afternoon we met up with Nick’s fam again at Gardner Village to shop a bit, then to McDonald’s after so Maya and Josh could play. I think the kids, and I know I was, quite worn out at this point in our trip! Oh, who am I kidding? I was worn out before the plane landed, but we still had a great time playing catch up.

Maya, Granny Moe, and Uncle Michael Saturday – We had my niece’s baptism this day. It was fun to be there for Ellie that day. She is such a special girl and is always so good to include Maya, even though she is a few years younger than Ellie. We just love her. Missy had a planned a wonderful luncheon after the baptism – she always goes above and beyond! After that we went home and rested before the big GIRL SLEEPOVER was to take place. Maya was so excited when my mom told her that she got to have a sleepover with her cousins, Ellie and Brynnlee. Maya planned the activities, food, snacks, games, etc. that they were going to play at the sleepover. Again, she became a bit obsessed with the details. A few days prior, Maya and Grandma found “Best Friend” necklaces for everyone coming to the party. That night M hid the necklaces and drew a treasure map so the girls could find them. She sure had fun! My nieces are so sweet. It was Ellie’s BIG Baptism day but she still let Maya boss everyone around and be in charge of the sleepover.

Me and Grandma Alice after the baptism.

The girls looking over their treasure map.

Best Friend necklaces!

Josh and Papa had some popcorn and a guy's night out while the girls were having their fun.

You can't have a sleepover without a pillow fight!

Maya had so much fun! Wish we could do this more often. Sunday – My parents offered to take the kids to the mountains and have a picnic and I stayed home and used their big garden tub. It was heavenly! That night we went up and visited one last time with my sister’s family. Monday – My mom and I took the kids swimming at the recreation center for a few hours. When we got home I started packing and getting things ready so we could return home on Tuesday. We had another great visit home. It makes me sad that we live so far away but I really do enjoy being able to spend so much quality time with the family while we are there. Only a few more weeks and my mom will be here to help with the baby and the kids. We can’t wait to see her!

My dad loves to tease the kids!

Phew, it makes me tired just to type this all out.