Week Seven - Utah II

As Tripp mentioned in the previous post, he left for SLC during church Sunday and Kyle's mom picked Kyle up that evening for a two week visit. That left the girlies and me to pack for our trip to Utah. We left Wednesday morning and arrived in Cedar City around lunchtime. I stayed for lunch and helped the girls unpack then Daisy told me, "Bye Bye Mama" while she happily read books with MamaThom...no wet eyes in sight with all the excitement of six days with her grandparents. So, I set off for Salt Lake. I met up with Tripp at the hotel and had dinner with some of his work colleagues.

Wednesday evening we were honored to join our dear friends Nikki and Rich at their endowment session. If you've never been through the Salt Lake Temple, go. It truly is more wonderful than the others (in our opinion). Of course, going through with them made it extra special. After the session (by the way, it's longer there...maybe by 45 minutes or so) we headed out for a late bite at the Melting Pot. Just a little cheese and chocolate but it hit the spot. Maybe next time Colette will actually join us....

Thursday morning Nikki and Rich were sealed to each other then to their kids. So lovely. Truly one of the most memorable experiences of my life. The photo above is of George, Lulu and Ruby after being sealed. Darling. Thanks Butlers for including us.
After the sealing we hung around for photos then a few of us went to the Garden Room for lunch. I never lunch with friends so this was a treat. Tripp had to head back to work immediately after the sealing so it was wonderful having Allyson and Colette to hang out with...not to mention that I never get to truly sit and chat with them (thanks for allowing me to steal your photo Colette). Later, we spent the afternoon with the Butler's family and friends visiting and chatting at Rich's mom Dee's house. Thanks Dee for your hospitality!!!!! The entire day was just lovely.

On Friday Tripp had a few work errands to run then we made the short trip to South Jordan to stay with my Aunt Tina and Uncle Gary. We spent the day with family...touring my cousin Michael's home, lunching with his daughter Emma, napping (well, just Tripp & Gary) then driving up to my cousin Jennifer's house for dinner and fireworks. We never actually got to see the Lagoon fireworks but I'm confident they were out there somewhere. Either way, it was fun to hang with everyone (Tina, Gary, Jen, Jason & Kids, Leslie, Ashley, Michael, Judy & Kids, Angie and Jason's parents). Thanks to the entire Gibbs family for the hospitality.

Saturday morning we met Nikki and Rich for brunch. They showed us around their old neighborhood and we checked out a seriously cool bookshop. After breakfast we spent some time with Grandma Florence then off to Sundance for the afternoon.

Sundance was beautiful. Unfortunately, it rained off and on so we couldn't venture too far. But we loved every minute anyway. Can't wait to head back with the kids. That evening we went to the movies with Tina and Gary then out for a light dinner before bed. Tina fixed us a yummy breakfast before we hit the road Sunday morning.

After too many days apart, we were anxious to see our girls. They had an amazing time with Mama and PapaThom and their Uncle Paul, Aunt Laura and cousins Isabelle, Seth and Cooper. Sadly, no photos to share but I know both girls have marvelous pictures of the visit in the minds. We visited for a short while, had a quick dinner then hit the road. Tripp had to leave again first thing this morning so we needed to get home and get some laundry done for his travels. Thanks MamaThom & PapaThom for taking such good care of Abbie & Daisy and making wonderful memories with them.