Utah {the rest}

I've had two children since our last family picture was taken, so I was happy we took time one evening to update.  (though I haven't seen said pictures yet)  We took a little drive to a nearby ski resort after the 'big' photo-session we decided to drive around the bend to the 'top' and check out the view. It was WELL worth the extra 100 yards :) I love the mountains!!

 Rylee REALLY doesn't like being forced to hold her sister, even after she received a sucker for her (previous) good behavior (you know, for a 2yo).

 see? not holding her sister = happiER face.

 Our room had a pull out bed where Rylee slept.  She took full advantage of a queen bed all to herself.

Rylee had a lot of swim time (with her "soup on") and enjoyed it all but when I made her go down the slide and mis-read where she'd land in the water and had to swim after her to save her. oops. Rylee attended several 'girl parties' and has a new appreciation for music/dancing.  She also now calls any group of people "cousins".  Michael golfed a total of 54 holes and we never get enough game playing in.

The girls really did great (after the first night that is) - of course we all had our moments, but I was surprised by how OK Rylee was with all the 'strange faces' and Kelsey hasn't reached her 'freak-out-when-anyone-but-Mom-looks-at-me' stage and was pretty much ok with anybody holding her too.

We did spend some time with whom of Michael's family is still in Utah (grandparents, aunts, uncles and a couple brothers) But I failed to take any pictures :(

Saying good bye is always hard for me. I feel somewhat like a broken record. We love living in Texas, but I do wish it was a little bit closer to family. You do what you gotta do.

4th

We started off our 4th of July celebration EARLY.  Most of the family signed up for a race - we had the option of 1mile, 5k, or 10k.  I've ran 2 5k's in my life.  Shorly after each (we're talking within a week) I found out I was pregnant with each of my girls.  I wasn't taking ANY chances and I signed up for the 1 mile :)  Michael has no fear of becoming pregnant and so he ran the 5k

 Yea, that's a 3rd place medal around my neck. That pretty much means there were only 3 in my age bracket running but hey I wore it with pride :) (My Mom also got 3rd place)

 After the race we attended a city-wide breakfast, carnival booths and waited for the parade to start.  We went to nearby Hunstville where a parade entry made the state/local news for a contorvercial entry.  I didn't think it was that big of a deal, but whatever.

I couldn't resist dressing up the girls in their most patriotic outfits:

 That night we hung out and danced to music waiting for fireworks to start.  Kelsey enjoyed her glowstick (and promptly tried to eat it)

 Rylee showed off her best dance moves:

I literally had to lay down to see the fireworks, as they were right above us!  As long as Michael had a firm grip covering Rylee's ears she didn't cry and Kelsey slept snuggled on my chest until the finale.

Oh what a great country we live in!!

Wolf Creek - Pineview Res.

The majority of our time in UT was spent in Wolf Creek up Ogden Canyon.  We tried out the Condo route this time and it worked out well.  We were close to Pineview Reservoir and so my bil brought up a boat for us to play.

The second Rylee saw it she said "Ride it?? Ride it??!!" She may or may not have monopolized a seat on the boat.  She even took naps while on the boat - I'm sure she knew if she didn't then she'd have to to get off :)

 We knee -boarded (a first for me, it was easier than I thought it would be - Michael and I even went out together, though this is NOT us :) ),

 wake-boarded (this IS me)

 and tubbed.

 oh how I love a good tube ride :) nothing like fearing for your life as you go outside the wake or ending up with a fat lip from being smashed. 

I was a bit disappointed I lost my toe ring that I've worn for 12ish years in the lake. :( sad day.

Rylee even came out into the water for a little swim.

 Kelsey seemed to be napping whenever the boat passengers swapped so she chilled on the beach slobbering on anything and everything within reach- mmm plastic crayon....

 It was a sandy good time.

I will say living in Texas has made a sissy out of me.  I've become accustomed to a certain temperature of swimming water.  I did get it, it just took most of the day :)

the pre-party party

Thanks to pinterest and a good friend we had several options for entertainment during the trip.  One of the favorites was using an old cookie sheet as a drawing board - that way, when the markers or crayons were dropped, only half fell to the floor where the other half stayed on the tray trapped by the lip.  Also this sheet was magnetized adding additional fun :)

 My family had this "reunion" planned for several years. We knew it would be a long trip and planned to head up a couple days early.  We wanted to be sure to have some time to see Michael's family, swim at the lindon pool and my sister had planned a doll party.

Unfamiliar with the term?

Well, let me explain.  Its a themed party for girls and their dolls.  Everything was scaled down to the 'proper' child/doll size.  Ours was a 4th of July theme equipped with float making, a carnival, story time, a picnic lunch, and the main event: a PARADE!  My little ladies are still a bit too young so they ran amuck and had bonding time with their aunts while I made their float.

Even little Kelsey got her face painted

 story time:

 waiting for the parade to start.

 Rylee brought her baby, and Kelsey was represented by her chicken.

 I helped my sister make party favors - play food! A sack lunch for the girl AND her doll.  They turned out pretty cute if I can say so myself. The lunch includes a sandwich (meat cheese and lettuce), chips, drink, strawberry and a cookie. yummy!

Utah (part 2)

I really couldn't get enough of the fall leaves while in Utah.  Its not so much that Texas doesn't have 'fall' but we don't really have 'fall'.  There are SOME trees that change, but due to the drought this year they are even fewer and farther between.  So we played in the church parking lot a little bit.

we were soon joined by some cousins for more fun.  Her giggle makes me smile.

 who likes candy?

 who wants to go for a four-wheeler ride?

 who has turned into the cutest chunkiest little thing in just 3 short months?

 We did take a mini trip up to BridalVeil Falls one afternoon.

 and got a photo of almost all the counsins.  One had a better offer :)

 and the other was asleep on the opposite side of the bridge.  for real.

This little girl tried her best to keep up with the older cousins.

 We were able to sneak in a quick visit with the Allsop Grandparents on our way back to the airport.

It was a whirl wind of a 3-day trip but I'm so glad we were able to make it! There was quite a bit of airport drama I hope I never have to repeat (3 of my 4 flights were delayed . . . . one 4 hours.  Let me tell you, flying while pregnant with a toddler is EXHAUSTING!! I'm still trying to recover)

Because of my late flight we went straight from the airport to our ward's trunk-or-treat party.  Fun, but again, not recommended.

Utah . . . .

Here's a few pictures after the funeral.

 Rylee with the Great-Grandmother bouquet/wreath.

 I actually think cemetaries are really beautiful.  I love all the flowers, add changing leaves and mountains to the backdrop and its sortof surreal and quite peaceful.

 Granny's house