Westward Ho!

 It is time for our yearly trek to Utah! We made it there in excellent time (including some much-needed napping).

 Although it looks the same, this is not the same picture as last year.... Our first stop was Corinne.  Almost my entire family was there for the weekend (one nephew on a mission, the other living in Las Vegas).  It was crazy, a zoo, but so great to see everyone.  Jon even got to stay for a few days before he flew back to Des Moines.

While he was gone, we went to Salt Lake and visited our good friends, the Chrstiansens.  If you will recall, Gage and Brooklyn are betrothed.  And if that day is any indication, the betrothal is still on.  They had not seen each other for nearly 4 years, but played as if they see each other every day.  We all thoroughly enjoyed ourselves and it was a day well spent.  We started out Med/Law school with one kid each and now look at us! Good times!

 While at my Dad's the kids "helped" ruin an air mattress.  It had a huge bubble and stopped holding air so my Dad let the kids jump on it.  They had a ball and caught some serious air.  Too bad the wind blew it into the slew, causing a gigantic hole.  It was good while it lasted.
After a week in Corinne, it was time to head to Logan.  While Jon's parents went to pick up his brother from the airport, we headed over to Bear Lake.  It was an overcast, drizzly day but we had a blast regardless. 

 The kids swam in the cold water and dug in the mud and a great time was had by all.

 Jon taught them drip castles, a past-time of his youth and they all took to it with vigor.

 Who doesn't want to dig in the mud?  It was a great way to spend our day and a tradition I'm totally for.

 Then we played and played and played with cousins.  Once again, nearly Jon's whole family was there for a few days (only missing one sister-in-law!).  Another crazy household, but we loved seeing everyone!

This about sums it up.  Lots of sunshine, lots of family, lots of good food and Thumbs up all the way!

Last night brought us home again.  After 17 hours in the car, we were all ready to be here.  Now, it's time to prep for school and get back into our routines.  As usual, the kids weren't ready to come home, but at least they appreciate the visits!  Thanks family, we Love you all!