And so it goes. . .: Fall Break ~ the end

Over and out...

Whenever we visit Utah it feels like we go go go!

And this trip was no different.

Our Friday night stop over spot was with the extremely generous and never a dull moment Howard family. (how is it that I missed getting a picture?) There is a huge hole in our AZ neighborhood since they moved. It is always a wonderful excuse to spend time with John and Kristen and their kiddos when we need a place to stay on our way through to Clearfield. And how is it that when Kristen cooks for my children they LOVE whatever she makes?? This time around it was a yummy potato soup with homemade breadsticks that were divine! If I made potato soup for my kids they would roll their eyes for sure. But my 3 amigos requested I get the recipe and I have to report that since our return home, I have made it with wonderful reviews - thanks to Kristen : ) One of the qualities that I love about John and Kristen is that they let their kids be kids. Sometimes I feel like Brent and I smother that part in our own children so when our kids get together they full out PLAY! It doesn't matter the age difference. They enjoy each other and that makes me very happy. Our stay with the Howards is always a wonderful part of our trips to and fro.

After the game on Saturday we stopped by the Penningtons to say hello. Love this family! Always so kind and giving. They live under the Y and right next to Lavell Edward Stadium. Their front lawn has provided a comfy and close view for many a 4th of July firework shows. They had a darling exchange student from Korea living with them. It was so fun to make an instant connection with her.

After traffic cleared we headed north to Clearfield and landed at Grandpa's house. From there we met up with my oldest brother and his family one night and then got together with my next oldest brother and his family the night after that. (again, no pictures! ugh!!) I love seeing my brothers and sisters in law. The older I get the more precious these relationships become. Seeing my 5 nieces and their growing families is a bright spot! It just warms me up to spend time talking, catching up and laughing. This is my favorite part of visits to Utah ~ my family.

We squeezed in visits with life long friends and even had a girls lunch with our own girls. Maddie and Hannah have already made plans to meet at Disneyland in the spring. We'll see how that pans out.

It has been a very long time since we have spent any time in Salt Lake City so one day me and the kids rode the speedy train into town. We met up with Brent and did some exploring. We toured the Conference Center and then walked the temple grounds.

We met up with Brent's Dad, sister and her family at the new City Creek Center in downtown Salt Lake. We indulged in dinner and dessert at the Cheesecake Factory and filled the cash drawers in some of the stores. These cousins really enjoy their time together and spend most of it laughing and joking around. I love watching them interact.