Thursday, April 30, 2009

Utah Trip 4/23 to 4/28

Well, I'm back in Keokuk. A 24-hour shift later, and it's time to post my latest trip out to Utah to see Aryn & Quinn. Although the time gap between this trip and my last trip was much smaller than my previous visit, it still always seems like a long time in between visits. Aryn greeted me with her usual heart-melting hug and smile. Quinn looked at me with a "do I know you?" suspicious stare. It only took Quinn a couple of minutes (and perhaps a little jealousy when Aryn was getting her hug) however, to quickly run over and get in on the action. I was hoping for better weather because it's much easier to find activities for the kids when I can include outdoors, but winter was still trying to hold on out in Utah, and overall we had a mixed bag of sunshine, clouds, rain, and even snow. Aunt Kathee and Uncle Dave were gracious enough to host me again, and we started the visit by just playing at their house, but then filled out the week with trips to Rock Canyon, Hogle Zoo, Discovery Museum, Sugarhouse Park, and of course plenty of time in Alpine.
In Provo at Aunt Kathee and Uncle Dave's



Rock Canyon


We played by the BYU football stadium with lots of grassy hills to
run and roll down and even a cougar to climb on.
Of course, a lot of time was spent at Sara's in beautiful Alpine, and she is
always gracious at letting us play there and feeding us yummy meals.

We spent a chilly day at Hogle Zoo where the kids got to see
their favorite animals-- giraffes (Aryn) and birds (Quinn)


Discovery Museum in the Gateway Mall in Salt Lake City



Sugarhouse Park
enjoying the playground, ducks, geese and sunshine.





It was a really wonderful visit. The kids are just so much fun to be with, and this trip I got to spend five days instead of three or four. I'm so grateful for a job in which I can pack in all my work into a few days and be able to take off to see the kids without needing to utilize vacation time. I was also glad to have been able to see Grandma Roberts and her beautifully remodeled home, in addition to a few old friends, which made the trip even more enjoyable after the kids got tucked into bed. Aunt Kathee and Uncle Dave are so wonderful and hospitable for letting me crash at their place too. It's going to be a rough 6 weeks before I get to see the kids again. I've chosen to take a visit in May to see Mom instead of the kids, knowing that I will get to spend some good quality time with the kids at the beginning of June in Sedona. So, that's the next trip I'm eagerly awaiting.
AND...Before I'm done, I need to throw a little shout out to my AMAZING sister Kellie, and brother-in-law KC, who both celebrated their birthday while I was away. What wonderful siblings and friends they both are. It seems like just yesterday we were all living together in Royal Farms in Sandy or Holliday or wherever that was. My how times change. :) You guys rock, and I appreciate and value both of your friendship. HAPPY BIRTHDAYS!

6 comments:

Dane said...

Sounds like a great trip, and the little ones look so healthy and happy!

I'm so grateful that our time in ABQ will overlap. Looking forward to seeing you!

brooklyn said...

Always love seeing pics of the littles. My favorite (as art goes) is that one of Quinn on the slide.

Jan said...

Thank you for posting the pictures of your adorable kids.
We miss them so much here and it just isn't fair that grandmas and grandpas can't live next to ALL their grandchildren. A Commune, is that what it is called.
Sure love you all.

Vigoren Family said...

Thanks for the post! I know your time is limited these days, so I love the updates. Adorable pictures. Glad you got to spend so much time with the kids.

Thanks for the warm birthday wishes, too!

Love you!

Ammo and Josh said...

NO WAY! Your kids are all grown up now! Must be so nice to have a job that allows you to see your kiddos so often. You are always doing such fun things with them. I bet they get so excited seeing you. They are adorable!!

Emily said...

LOVE THE PICS OF THE KIDS!! Can't wait to play with Aryn in Sedona! Thanks for the updates, Jord! Love you!