Utah! Day 13

This was the day we headed home.

Our flight left at 8:30, so we had to get up nice and early to get to the airport on time.  It was so sad to say goodbye, to watch the mountains fade away, to know that I'd be at least a year away from another trip to Cafe Rio.  Woe is me.

BUT.  I was glad to be going home.  Michigan has carved a place in my heart, and part of me hopes we never leave.

The flight home was uneventful.  The girls were generally happy.  The dollar store "presents" worked their magic, just like I hoped they would.  When we got home I discovered the toothpaste had exploded, but luckily it was in a pocket that only contained toothpaste and toothbrushes.  And it wasn't my favorite kind of toothpaste.  No harm done there. 

And just like that, we were done.  And now you are done.  Reading the never-ending posts about our trip to Utah.  And I'm done writing them.  YES!

Utah! Day 12

Monday: Park Day.

We got up and took a morning walk to the park by my parents' house.  The girls had a great time playing at the park.

Then at lunchtime, Sabrina and her brood (including Judy) came to town!  So we met up at a different park by my parents' house and had lunch.  Cafe Rio was consumed for the 2nd time.  There was much catching up.  The girls had a great time playing at the park.

Then in the afternoon we went to Sugarhouse Park where we had a potluck/chat-fest with friends.  The girls had a great time playing at the park. 

See a theme here? 

I was so glad that we got to see the Millars, even if we were missing Brett, and even if it was only for 1 day.  It worked out perfectly, actually, because we planned a little shindig and I personally think more people came due to the fact that we both were there.  It was wonderful to see so many old friends, and their kids!  It really is quite funny to think back 10 years and realize how much our lives have changed.  The marriages, the kids, the mortgages.  Everything is different now.  But there is something wonderful about old friends - the kind of friends you can pick right back up with, like no time has passed.  I had missed them.

Utah! Day 11

Day 11 was Fathers Day.  It was also Suzanne's birthday.  As such, we decided it would be a great day to spend with the Blockburgers.  We headed across the valley again to spend the day going to church, eating yummy food, opening presents, eating cake, and hanging out. 

Before we hit the Blockburger home, we headed to the cemetery.  I guess we figured we should visit all the Blockburgers that day.  We even picked a dandelion and a clover flower to place on the headstone.  Not fancy, but definitely thoughtful, I'd say. 

I kind of like the shadow picture.  It was the best thing I could think of to get us all in the shot and prove we were there. 

PS: Clark was not forgotten in the Fathers Day/Birthday Hubbub.  He received a present Julia made in preschool (she kept the secret for a whole month!), a card, a present Julia made at church, and a book.  Let it be known that he is a wonderful father, and often much more patient with the girls than I am.  Just today Ella heard me open the door (at 1:00pm) and shouted, "Daddy!  My daddy!  My daddy is home!"  She was so disappointed that it was only me, sweeping the dirt out the door.  He is loved.

Utah! Day 10

I know what you're thinking: Good grief!  Are we done with this Utah trip already? 

I know because I'm thinking the same thing.  Put your head down and power through.  Things are about to get a bit condensed, which is ok because this portion of the trip was pretty low-key anyway.  Here we go.

Day 10 we made a trek to my aunt's goat farm.  They sell goat milk, cheese, soap.  Lots of goat milk products.  Drake Family Farms, check them out!  Anyway, it's always fun for the girls to see real live goats, especially those little baby goats.  Oh so cute.  We went with my cousin, Jana, and her family, which made it even better! 

Then we spent the afternoon hanging out and playing Bohnanza.  It turns out I really like that game.  If you ever want to play it, come on over!