Utah Trip: March/April

We made an unexpected trip to Utah.  We obviously planned it, but we thought we would not be going all that way this year due to the difficulty in traveling with four young people. (Really it's all the work it is for me...stress and I need a break for a while, but it's not in my life plan.)


We drove the first 6 hours after Josh got home from work on Wednesday night.  Spencer had thrown up every day for about a week, and I wasn't feeling so hot myself...so it was a crazy time for a trip!  Josh gave us both a blessing just before we loaded in the van.  I had NO more issues, and Spencer did not throw up again.  Ahh, sweet relief of using the priesthood. 

Spencer DID cough the ENTIRE 6 hours.  He had some kind of weird spasm and just kept coughing.  I tried EVERYTHING...essential oils (yes, I packed them), vicks, drinks. I kept thinking he just needed a steam tent. In the last bit of the drive, I finally put in on my lap in the back seat (normally not okay with me) and I breathed with him.  I put ALL my thoughts and energy into helping him relax and breath and not cough.  It worked and he fell asleep.  Once we got into Salt Lake the next day, we went to a health food store and got some other things he needed to fully recover, and he did.  He had TONS of fun...after the first day.

I have to brag, cause I think I have some of the BEST travelers in the world!! 

The rest of the boys were amazing! They only watched one movie during each 6 hours.  They talked, they played, they read books, they colored, they watched the world go by...and the didn't fight.  I love my boys!!  So we got into Salt Lake then West Jordan on Thursday around 5.  It was so wonderful to come 'home' to a meal and family!

So here are some pictures and a recap of what we did:

We made a bucket of popcorn to take on the trip. Spencer was quality control.  He learned all about what goes in the bucket from a picture I have in the kitchen of my dad eating popcorn out of a bucket just like it.  It's hard to tell if he's saying 'Papa' or 'Popcorn'.

Can't have a post without a smoothie face!  This is a good cleanser before a road trip.

 FRIDAY: we spent the day focused on Temple work.  Josh's dad started with the baptism and did all the way through the endowment for his dad (Granddaddy).  It was a beautiful day, both outside the temple and in.  The boys had fun playing basketball, running in the back yard, and hanging out with their Aunties!

SATURDAY: General Conference day.  We watched the sessions and went to dinner with Grandma Winx.  I have some GREAT little boys!  I heard everything and only had to chase Spencer a little bit.

Parker and Tyson were GREAT for ALL the sessions.  They colored, drew pictures and kept track of all the speakers.  Here they are playing BINGO.  It was intense listening!

Spencer was a bit wild.

Legos were played throughout the stay.

Dad/Grandpa exercised for one session.

I made baked french fries between sessions.

Spencer FINALLY had a good appetite!!!

This was Saturday...so green a pretty.

This was Sunday morning....WHAT THE???  Kinda ruined my visiting plans for the day.

Again, good kids during the Sunday sessions...all dressed up in their Sunday Best too.  Such good guys.

 SUNDAY: after some good conference sessions we celebrated Emily's birthday and Fuzzy Grandpa and Grandma Winx visited.  It was great to see them!

Dinner with Fuzzy Grandpa.....

....and Grandma Winx

Spencer loved playing, and having a purse?

They act tough, but inside they are mush!

Not so much mush on the inside...clearly he was having fun.  If you haven't met Kaden, now you have.

And all DID enjoy Emily's birthday celebration.

He might have liked it most.

You have to catch him eating, otherwise he scowls.

Josh just always catches me eating.  I promise that's not all I do.

MONDAY: We spent the day in Grantsville with Aunt Rizz, Uncle Jake and the cousins (Devin, Kaleb and Kenny, whom we brought with us).

 Much fun was had by all.  Especially these little dogs and cats (pretty sure that was their game...it was inspired by my sister's small 'farm').

Josh is goofy, but he was watching the baby chicks.  He also enjoyed the goat and the dog...Rizz, he wants a puppy when you have one to give.

Again, much fun being had and now Rizz has learned she has MONKEYS!!

We didn't do a great job at photographing much of our visit.  Josh's family did, so they'll have the tangible memories.  My kids LOVE going to Utah, so despite the difficulty I have getting them there, we'll be going regularly....well, maybe we'll take ONE year off. 
TUESDAY: Grandma and the Aunties took the boys birthday shopping and out for a pizza lunch.  They LOVED it and are looking forward to building rockets and volcanoes now!!  Such fun birthday gifts!  We also played games and enjoyed one more day of vacation.

We made it home in 12 hours despite Tyson throwing up and almost doing it again.  They were great travelers once again...only 2 movies and lots of good times.  We feel blessed.  Also, we are glad it's only 12 hours...we know it could be worse (Memphis was 24)!!

Thanks for all the fun...and sorry to those we didn't have time to see.  We'll see you next time!