Conference Cousins

We had visitors for General Conference! Grandma and Grandpa Stuart, Aunt Marci, and Owen came down for the weekend bringing lots of fun and lots of meat and peaches. They arrived on Friday evening and after a tour of our house by our ecstatic children and a quick dinner, we left the kids with a babysitter and went to the show, KA, by Cirque du Soleil at the MGM Grand. It was awesome. The story is about imperial twins who are separated at the prime of their youth and undergo a journey of self-discovery and coming of age. They encounter KA, the fire that has the dual power to destroy or illuminate. I actually loved the stage even more than the story. It was a floating stage that moved and turned in every direction while the actors performed. It was amazing--up, down, around, vertical, and diagonal.

On Saturday we tried to listen to the morning session of General Conference. I say "tried" because it was more difficult with company. Everyone wanted to talk and play and snooze ;). Clark and Katelyn did just fine with their conference activity books but Jake lost interest and played in the playroom with his action figures and Owen and Carlee just wandered around getting into food and toys. Marci, Grandma, and I were chatting a little bit and entertaining kids and Grandpa was dozing off . . . I mean "listening with his eyes closed". (It's okay, we were out late the night before.) When that session was over, Joe got home from work and we headed downtown to the Hofbrauhaus for a German lunch. It was tasty and very filling. We all enjoyed it as the band was playing German polka music, people were toasting with their beer steins, and everyone was yelling German chants while toasting. We then headed home for a quick swim before Joe and Grandpa went to priesthood meeting and the ladies and kids went to the Dinosaur Park. It was a lot of fun. The kids had a great time.

Eating at the Hofbrauhaus

Playing at the Dinosaur Park

Sunday we had a great breakfast, watched Conference, had a great dinner and just relaxed for the day. Grandpa, Grandma, Joe, Marci and Owen went to visit Grandpa's aunt for a little while and had a good time seeing her. I stayed home with the kids and played Speed.

All in all, it was a great weekend and we love having visitors. Thanks, Grandma and Grandpa, for the fun visit and yummy things you brought. We love you and appreciate all you do for us. Thanks, Marci, for visiting us without your hubby, and Owen, for playing with Carlee and sharing toys. We love you guys too and can't wait to meet Owen's new brother in a few weeks.

Owen and Carlee, just 2 weeks apart

Heading for the "terrible two's"

Super Singers

Clark and Katelyn auditioned for the school choir last week and made it! Congratulations, kiddos! We are proud of you and look forward to your performances. Sing those little hearts out!

Reliving Childhood

When I was younger, Cath and I made up a lot of games. Steph and Jenn would play Barbies and dolls but we weren't into that. We were Charlie's Angels, Nancy Drew, and any other thing that we made up. Our favorite game was "Neon Leon" and we would play this game for hours and hours. Growing up we lived in a split-level home so the top floor was my dad's office, my sisters' room and the playroom. My sisters, Jenn and Steph, shared the room and it was in the roof area so the ceiling was slanted and it was long and skinny. At the end of their room was our playroom. There were no windows in these rooms so the game Neon Leon was born.

For Christmas one year, one of us girls (there were 4 of us and my little bro) received some glow-in-the-dark bracelets and necklaces in bright neon colors. These were even better than the ones you can buy now because they were rechargeable. One Sunday afternoon, we chose to play regular hide and seek upstairs but noticed those bracelets glowing. Thus they were added into the game and became the name of it. One sister would be "IT" and stay at the front of the bedroom with a lamp on charging the bracelet. The other sisters would run and hide in the playroom. When the lamp went out, the game was on. The object was to sneak past "IT" and get back to the bed without getting caught. Since it was pitch black in those rooms we could only see the glowing bracelet so we knew where "IT" was and could crawl, run, tiptoe, etc. to Home Base. The last person back was "IT". We loved this game so much and would seriously play for hours.

I have introduced it to my children. The first time we played was in St. George with my sister, Stephanie, and her family. It was a little difficult because Carlee kept talking to me while we were hiding, Jake kept telling everyone where he was, and Madi kept gooing and babbling. So we had to improvise and the young ones are now "IT" every time and do the seeking. Now my kids want to play this all the time. Our house is very open and we have a spiral-type staircase that goes up with a catwalk-type hallway connecting one half of the second floor to the other half so it is really fun. While "IT" is in one half of the house, we can sneak down the stairs to homebase. It is now our favorite FHE game and we play it on the weekends.

Another fun childhood memory is watching the movie, "Bye Bye Birdie". When my mom rented it and made us watch it we laughed our heads off and made fun of the entire thing. When it was over we watched it again and probably watched it at least a dozen times before taking it back to the video store.

My children were introduced to this movie today. I told them about it and the boys were NOT going to watch it. They wanted to go upstairs and play Pokemon. So I said, "That is fine. Katelyn, Carlee, Dad and I will watch it." I turned it on and they walked upstairs. Pretty soon, I see their heads peeking over the loft down at the TV and a few minutes later they came downstairs carrying all their Pokemon stuff with the excuse that they would play downstairs so they "could be with the family". I don't think Pokemon was played once. Every time I looked over at them, their eyes were glued to the TV. I have turned into my mom. She said we would love it and we did, eventually. I told my kids the same thing and when the movie was over, Kate and Jake were heard humming and singing, "One Last Kiss."

Awwww, memories . . .

Scary Store

I love to shop at craft stores. I don't always buy but I love to get new ideas and just look at stuff. It drives my husband (and sisters when I'm in Utah) crazy. I find it very relaxing and I like to just wander around and look. One store that my kids can not stand to go to is any fabric store, mostly because I love to mix and match fabric colors and patterns and I take FOREVER choosing cute fabric. When they were younger and could sit in the cart, I would make up games to entertain them. In the fabric stores, we would build forts with the fabric bolts. When they could sit in the back of the cart, I would pile the bolts of fabric on top and make a "roof" over their heads and they were stuck in "jail" with only their sippy cup. I would feed them snacks through the bars of the cart but they could not escape until the "roof" was completely gone. This was great because they were entertained and all of my fabric got cut without too many fits and tears.

One store that my kids actually like to go to is Michael's. Another game we would play when they were younger was walking through "the jungle" (the floral department) and trying to spy wild animals. When we would find a tiger it would chase us down the aisle and we weren't safe until we got to the next one. Now that my kids are older (except Carlee and sometimes, Jake) I still have to come up with different games in stores but at Michael's they are pretty good and just like to shop and try to convince me to buy crafts and projects for them.

The other night we went to Michael's as a family. Joe took off with the boys to check out the model cars and such and I was looking at scrapbook paper with the girls. We then met up and were looking at all of the Halloween decor. Now this is sometimes scary because they have the moving vampires, brides of Frankenstein, skeletons, spiders, etc. Carlee was very wary of these figures and leaning away from them with her big eyes wide saying, "Scary!" So we went down the aisle with the cutesy Halloween decorations. I felt something on my shoulder and I looked down and there was a bloody hand resting on my shoulder! I screamed, of course, and Clark laughed his head off. Because I screamed, Carlee started to cry and scream and he began torturing her with the bloody hand waving it in front of her face and trying to put it on her. We were causing quite a scene. I was trying to calm Carlee down and scold Clark all the while trying to shake that crazy feeling of that hand on my shoulder. EEEEWWW!

As we were heading out to the car, Carlee looked at me and said, "Scary Store!" I guess I better avoid that section of the store and just stay in "the jungle" with Carlee.

Fatal Attraction

My 21-month-old daughter is attracted to poison. That or we just do not feed her enough! When she started walking at about 13 months, she would dig for food out of the kitchen garbage can. She has also eaten a dishwasher soap tablet, and squirted Windex in her mouth. I don't know how she gets into these things because I'll hide them or tie the cupboards shut but she is a sneaky little thing and very determined. To top it off, she and her cousin, Tyler, decided to down half a bottle of pills last weekend.

My sis and her kids came down last weekend because Jim was out of town and Steph tends to get bored. Since she lives only 1.5 hours away, it is easy to make the trek. Joe and I decided to take advantage of her and go to the temple Saturday night. When we got home about 9:30 p.m., Steph was just beside herself asking why we didn't listen to her messages. We told her that we didn't take our cell phones and asked what was the problem. She told us the story . . .

Clark and Jake were playing the Wii and Kate, Tyler, and Carlee were playing in the playroom. Steph was nursing her baby, Madi, and listening to all the kids. A few minutes later, Katelyn came down and told Steph that Ty and Carlee were just playing with blocks. Seconds later, it got really quiet and Steph got a little concerned. She sent Katelyn up to check on them. Katelyn came down with an empty bottle of pills. Steph freaked out because it used to be half full! Somehow those two little munchkins got the lid off and just popped those pills into their mouths. She thinks they each ate about 20-30. Since she doesn't know anyone and we didn't leave any info for her (She is very responsible so we didn't need to ;) Now we know better!) she called her cousin-in-law who is a family practitioner and read him the ingredients of the vitamins. She also called poison control. Luckily they were children's vitamins and not pre-natal pills because there wasn't any iron in them. If they had gotten a hold of the prenatals, they would have been at the E.R. having their little stomachs pumped. Kate and Clark were also freaking out crying and asking if they were going to die and what was going to happen. All was well when we got home but those two rascals sure wreaked of vitamin smell! All in a day's work, Steph!

Big Birthday Weekend

Saturday, September 6 was Katelyn's 7th birthday and Monday, September 8 was Clark's 9th birthday. With their birthdays being only 2 days apart, we let the kids plan a big activity to celebrate and since we live closer to family now, Grandma and Grandpa Holt came down for the weekend to help us. They arrived Friday afternoon and that evening we went swimming after dinner and had our weekly movie night with popcorn.

Saturday morning Kate opened her gifts--a brand new purple bike and a salon chair for her American Girl doll, Emily. Then we all headed to the outlets so that the grandparents could take Clark and Katelyn shopping for a birthday present and a new school outfit. The kids were pretty excited to shop alone without Mom and Dad's opinions and restrictions. Clark talked Grandpa into some Pokemon balls and more Bakugan and Katelyn talked Grandma into a Barbie kitchen set, some dangly clip-on earrings and some bangle bracelets (Thanks a lot, Grandma and Grandpa!). Jake and Carlee got to shop with Joe and me and they were great while Joe spent money at Adidas and I spent some at Ann Taylor. After some shopping, we went home for lunch and Hannah Montana cupcakes and ice cream.

We then got ready for the Tournament of Kings dinner show at the Excalibur Hotel and Casino. Jake and Carlee were with a babysitter so it was pretty special for Clark and Katelyn (Thank you, Drew and Melissa!). They loved it. The knights jousted and fought with swords. The evil Dragon knight tried to take over the kingdom but good prevailed and so did our king, the king of France. We ate dinner with our hands and yelled and cheered for the knights. Katelyn was a little wary of the dragon's blood soup but after watching the rest of us "drink" it decided it was pretty good. Clark just loved raising his Sprite and toasting to the knights. When the show was over we took the kids out on the strip. It was the first time they've seen it in the dark and they were amazed. It was fun to see their reactions to all the lights of Vegas. We took Grandma and Grandpa to M&M World and the Coca-Cola factory. (Coca-Cola . . . so refreshing . . . Aaaah!)

Clark's birthday was also a great success. They sang to him at school and when he got home, he opened his gifts--a set of "real" golf clubs, and a new Wii game, Lego Indiana Jones. He got right to work on the video game while I made his favorite dinner, egg salad sandwiches. After dinner, we had Charmander Pokemon cake and ice cream and a night-time swim. The kids went to bed happy after a great weekend and good celebrations.

I think that last picture says it all. Happy birthday, Katelyn and Clark! We love you so much and are proud of what you bring to our family. Thanks for being such sweet kids!

Joseph Stuart, M.D. and Kristen Stuart, P.A.

Monday night was the usual routine . . . We got the kids to bed, I cleaned up last minute things, Joe was surfing the internet and watching T.V. I was just settling down to sit next to him when we heard the pitter-patter of little feet AGAIN!

We have a problem in our household that has been a problem for a few years now. Our little rugrats can not stay in bed! We have taken away privileges, made threats, given them spankings, separated them, grounded them, screamed and yelled at them, etc. For some reason, they think bedtime means sneak around and play in each other's rooms thinking that Mom and Dad don't know what they are doing. Unfortunately, for me, bedtime means I lose my patience. I am done being a mom at 8:00 p.m. Then it is "couple time with dessert and tv/movie" or "Mommy's projects without interruption". After yelling upstairs a few times and trying to ignore them, we heard the bang and the screaming. Kate and Clark came yelling downstairs that Jake was bleeding all over the floor. Joe went upstairs and they were right. A huge gash on the left side of his forehead. Great, another scar on Jake's face. (This makes 3 including his plastic surgery)

He needed stitches and rather than going to the E.R. Joe did it at home with me as his assistant. Jake was hysterical and we gave him the choice of going to the hospital or having Daddy and Mommy do it. He chose us and we just told him that Daddy was going to glue it closed. We had to keep the shot and stitches secret or we never would have made it. Jake laid on a towel on the counter and I had to sit up there holding Jake down with my legs and arms. Of course as soon as the lidocaine went in, Jake went beserk kicking and trying to pull out the needle. He finally calmed down and Joe was able to put in three stitches. The entire time Jake was asking if he was done yet and we just told him "2 more glue dots . . .1 more glue dot" "You're so brave, Jake!" "You're doing great." When we were done, it looked great and Jacob conked out in his bed. Five days later, Joe took the stitches out and Jake could go swimming. Dr. Daddy did an excellent job and it sure beat 4 hours in the emergency room.

Back to School

I love back to school. I remember how excited I was and I could never sleep the night before. I loved going shopping for new clothes and school supplies. I loved labeling my things and getting everything organized in piles and then placing them neatly in my backpack. I loved laying out my first day of school outfit the night before. I loved waking up extra early on the first day and making sure my hair and outfit was just right so I would "look cute". I loved the butterflies in my stomach and how I just couldn't eat breakfast because I was so excited. Now I get to re-live those days with my children . . . at least I thought.

We got through the shopping of new clothes and school supplies. We got through the labeling and organizing. We got through the laying out of the new outfit. We got through the sneaking into each other's rooms when they were supposed to be asleep and whispering how excited they were to go to school. We got through the "early" morning looking just right and swallowing a couple of bites before pushing the plate away and running upstairs to brush teeth and get on shoes. We took pictures and loaded into the car. We were going through the first day of school with flying colors. We even made it to the playground on time for them to stand on the dot with their class number and participate in "Morning Muster" (they do the pledge of allegiance, a moment of silence, and announcements outside before walking into school).

Clark was settled and although looking a little nervous, he bravely waved good-bye and said, "I love you, Mom. See you this afternoon!" Now Katelyn, on the other hand, started the tears the instant her class started walking into the building. I couldn't believe it! She was the most excited and couldn't wait to meet some new friends. She hung onto me for dear life and begged me to "home-school" her. When I told her no (Mean Mom!) she asked me to stay with her at her desk all day and Carlee and Jake could just watch. I gently pushed her into her seat and walked away. She came running after me with tears just streaming down her face. I was trying to be firm telling her how much fun she would have and that she would find some great friends like she did last year. She was still crying but luckily, her teacher came out and helped her into the room after I promised over and over that I would be there to pick her up right at 3:20. I sneaked away after taking a quick peek to make sure the tears were over and headed back to start my day with 2 less children. Whew!

Just in case you are wondering, they both had a great day and met some new friends. This transition has been a little tough on my sweethearts and they have struggled a bit but they are getting through it. It can only get better. Life in the military . . . hmmmm.

More 4-year-old Logic

Friday night the kids and I were discussing the extracurricular activities they might be interested in this year and I was looking over the classes and sports available through the community recreation center. I was throwing out suggestions and the kids were choosing their favorites. I suggested karate to Jake and this was his reply:

"I love soccer, Mom!"

"Remember last time though, Jake? You just ran across the field and dilly-dallied without listening to the coach."

"But I won't dilly anymore. I'll be a good listener and make good choices this time!"

"How about trying a karate class? You'd be great at that and you've never done it before."

"No! I don't want to do that!"

"Why not?"

"Because . . . (tears welling up in his eyes) Because I can't hit and break the wood! It hurts my hand. Me and Clarky tried in our garage in San Antonio before we moved and I couldn't do it!"

So I guess Jake is still deciding what he is interested in but as far as the others, we are set!

A Visit from the "Cousins"

Last weekend we got a visit from our TX cousins. Charlie and JaNay lived in San Antonio with us for 4 years before moving to El Paso and our kids loved playing together, having sleepovers, hanging out during birthdays, and just getting to know each other really well. They had been in Utah for a couple of weeks and decided to take a minor detour through Las Vegas on the way back home.

We were so excited for their visit, although it was a quick one. They got here on Friday evening and left Sunday morning. We played in the pool, stayed up late, and visited the Strip for the first time in about 10 years. Joe and I had driven through it twice but never got out for a stop. Unfortunately since we had only been here about 2 weeks we weren't that "strip savvy". We will get better with that so when future visitors come, we'll know what and where the restaurants are and which casinos to visit with the best entertainment. We had a good time anyway checking out the water show at the Bellagio, the moving statues in Caesar's Palace, and M&M World at MGM Grand, and eating at Outback. All in all, the kids just had a blast swimming and playing together. Thanks Stuart cousins, Aunt JaNay, and Grandpa for a fun weekend!

Tribute to my Grandmother

Ethel Bates Holt

April 20, 1910 - July 20, 2008

Grandma had 98 years of experiences and what an incredible life she led. She was born in April of 1910, graduated high school in 1929, and married her sweetheart in December of 1930. They had 5 children--4 girls and 1 boy, my dad. Grandpa passed away 21 years ago and Grandma has anxiously been waiting to be with him again. Their joyous reunion happened on July 20, 2008 and I am so grateful that I got to see her a few more times before she passed. She was such a sweet and gracious grandmother and I have so many fond memories of her. My sister, Stephanie, was asked to give a talk at the funeral and did an amazing job. This is the tribute she gave that best explains what she means to us and the memories that we have of her . . .

Of all the remembrances, I have reflected most on Grandma's hands.

They were hands that could do all the important things, that made Grandma, Grandma. Grandma's hands were soft and gentle, constantly moving to take care of anyone close to her. Grandma's hands pulled us close as she whispered how much she cared for each of us, how she loved us all, how beautiful she thought we were, and how much she appreciated our visits.

From cooking to cleaning to sewing and crocheting, from passing out cookies and candies to preparing a meal for each visitor, no matter what time you came to visit. Hers were busy hands, that were a part of her, and became a part of me, of my memory for her. Those loving hands could sneak a treat into our hands, because that is what Grandma did. Grandma had that unique way of making each of us feel special, as if we were getting away with something, something that only Grandma and we were to know.

I remember hands as they helped us climb upon her lap, then covered us grandchildren with snuggles and kisses. I watched those same loving hands help my children, her great grandchildren, climb upon the same caring lap. It helped me to understand the unconditional love and attention that Grandma showed to all her family. Her hands moved freely when crocheting an afghan, a treasure I will always hold dear. I carried mine as a child, and now wrap her beautiful talent around my babies. My afghan is now worn, tattered, stained and faded, but just as precious as it has always been. What a gift, what a wonderful gift I have further received to give my children their own afghan from Great Grandma Holt, when they can fully appreciate the value and heritage it represents.

A life of longevity, spirit, love, and busy hands that will continue though all eternity. Those are the things that I remember. Those are remembrances that enhance my faith and testimony. For I know, that Grandma was happy as long as those hands were useful. They gave purpose and fulfillment of her love to her family. When her hands gave way to not being able to do for others, Grandma gave way. You see, Grandma will always be with us, because we will see Grandma's hands as she stood in the doorway, waving goodbye until we couldn't be seen anymore. Even when we were unsure if her eyesight could still distinguish us as as we would be leaving, we knew that Grandma was still looking after us, and still waving those wonderful hands.

Utah Trip

Every summer we try to make it to Utah to spend some time with our extended families. Lucky for us, both sides of our family live about an hour apart and with our move this summer we were able to spend a week with each. The first week was spent with the Stuarts and we arrived on Saturday July 12th.

Sunday we went to church and then Joe and I visited my grandmother in Layton. She is 98 years old and wasn't doing too well the last couple of weeks. She wasn't sick but getting old and unfortunately her body was starting to shut down. The day that we were cleaning our house to leave San Antonio I got the call that she was struggling and going fast. As I was vacuuming and crying, I was also hoping that she would hold on for us to get to Utah. That Sunday she recognized and talked with us but she wasn't the same. Grandma has always been quick as a whip with a very sharp mind. She has an amazing memory. This day she was floating in and out mumbling about different life experiences and acting very fidgety. It was very difficult for me to see her like that. After visiting with her for a while, we went to Justin and Marci's new house and played with them for a while.

On Monday evening, everybody came over and we had a pizza party and the kids played outside in the irrigation water. The kids had a blast chasing each other around, eating popsicles, and trying to get wet.

Tuesday morning was spent riding horses and the four-wheeler. Katelyn loves to ride Grandpa's horses and someday wants to be a rodeo queen. She is very confident when she rides and isn't scared at all. She actually does a pretty good job at guiding the horses and taking care of them. Grandpa even took her to Smith and Edwards to get her some cowgirl boots and she was very excited about that. Joe took the kids riding on the four-wheeler back and forth to the barn. They would scream and laugh. Jake wanted to drive it himself and would push the gas as far as it would go and laugh uncontrollably. I hope this isn't indicative of what is to come. Clark spent the night with his cousins, John and Zach, and would go with them every morning to golf lessons. He really enjoyed it and wants to take lessons himself.

Wednesday, Joe flew to Chicago to take his written board exam. That afternoon, we all met at Shelly's in Kaysville and tried to make it to Cherry Hill Water Park but due to a company party making it extremely busy, we headed to the Farmington pool and had a blast splashing on the splash pad, getting swimming lessons and contests from Aunt Shelly, sliding down the slides, jumping off the diving boards and having fun in the sun.

Thursday, Grandpa took the boys, Clark, John, and Zach, hiking up to the B on the mountain. Clark was really excited for this. He did this last summer and wanted to do it again. Katelyn and McKell had a Tea Party with Grandma. When my in-laws were on their mission in Nauvoo, they picked up this cute little porcelain tea set. Grandma wanted to have a little tea party with her granddaughters when they would come visit. The girls spent the morning making sandwiches and cutting shapes out of them with cookie cutters. They then poured lemonade into the tea cups and we sat around the coffee table for our tea party. The girls loved it and Grandma was the server in her apron. The kids just enjoyed playing and visiting with their cousins and grandparents.

On Friday we all got up and headed down to Fashion Place Mall for the Nordstrom Sale. I took the kids on a tour of the mall because I used to work there in high school. Unfortunately, the stores I worked at (Arby's and 5-7-9) are no longer there and the mall is completely changed so the tour wasn't that exciting. But we had a great lunch with Grandma and Grandpa and then they headed up north to work in the temple and I headed south to spend the next week with my side of the family.

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Our second week in Utah was also a great one filled with many activities. Saturday was spent at the Young Living Family Farm. This is a farm south of Spanish Fork and they are known for their Lavender Fields. Unfortunately Lavender Days was over but we had a great time with the farm all to ourselves. There were antique wagons, a wild west town, Indian village, medieval castle, and a nice little river. During the festival they run paddle boats, have jousting, and lots of fun activities. We had a great time just running around and being noisy. Afterwards, we stopped at "The Red Barn" for some homemade ice cream and treats. YUMMY!

Sunday we drove back up to visit great-Grandma Holt. This Sunday, she was very unresponsive and we didn't stay long. She looked very peaceful and comfortable but didn't recognize or acknowledge our visit. That evening at 11:00 p.m., we got the call that she had passed away. She was an incredibly strong woman who was a great example and although we will miss her, she is reunited with her husband, daughter, and other family members and we look forward to seeing her again.

On Monday we went to my sister's house and the kids played in the sprinklers, ran the Slip'n'Slide, and jumped into the inflatable pool. We also tried our hand at RockBand and decided to start our own sister band. If only we didn't laugh so hard, we might be pretty good.

Tuesday we went to Seven Peaks Water Park. It was a lot of fun. My kids are actually a little timid in the water so the lazy river was the hit. The small slides were just perfect and Clark was going to try some big ones with Aunt Jenn and Uncle Kyle but wimped out at the last minute. After he heard that Tyler (3 yrs. old) went with his dad, he decided we definitely need to go again so that he can "do the big slides". Later that evening, Joe got to my parents' house from San Antonio. After taking his boards on Friday, he caught a flight to San Antonio Saturday. He spent the weekend there with friends, signed out officially on Monday morning and started the drive in his car back to Utah. With my grandmother's passing, Joe came back up instead of waiting for us in Las Vegas. I was excited to see him again and so was my family. It was the first time in over 2 years that he was able to spend time with my side of the family in Utah. And with Jim and Steph visiting also from St. George, it was the first time in over 2 years that Joe and Jim got to hang out.

On Wednesday, we hit the new IKEA in Draper. We fell in love with IKEA when we lived in Maryland and would make the 45 minute drive to Virginia to shop there. During our first few years in San Antonio, the closest one was in Houston so we would do a day trip just to visit there. A couple of years ago, IKEA was built just north of Austin so we would drive the 1.5 hours and stop at the best outlets in the nation on the way up or back. Needless to say we love IKEA and our kids love to check in and play while we shop. We always load up on Swedish meatballs and lingonberry juice. We picked up some furniture for Carlee and a few odds and ends and headed back to my parents to pack our overnight bag. My dad had reserved rooms for all of us at the Little America Grand Hotel so that we could join in the Days of '47 celebration on Thursday. I was so excited for this. I wanted to take my kids to the parade and my dad surprised us with the room reservations. It has been probably 20 years since I've seen this parade and I remember it well as a kid. We checked into the hotel and then went out to dinner as a family at Macaroni Grill. We then went back and swam in the pool for a while to tire out the kids for a good night's rest and an early morning.

Pioneer Day came early with Jim, Dad, and Joe saving great seats for the parade. The Days of '47 Parade is the 5th largest in the country and had some amazing floats. The parade runs about 3 hours and the kids loved it. I think the best part was the Salt Lake City Police Department. They put on a great show with their motorcycles doing tricks and driving patterns down State Street. After the parade we went to The Gateway for some lunch, shopping, and splashing in the splash park. The kids were all soaked, screaming and running through the water. Joe and Jim even had a great time trying to walk through to the other side without getting wet. Unfortunately some water went up Joe's shorts and got them both. We then headed to the rodeo. It was fun but the bull riders didn't fare too well. At least the nachos and ice cream were good. When it was over we drove back to Mom and Dad's where we lit fireworks and played games. The kid chased each other with sparklers and Carlee about blew up an entire box of fireworks with hers but we caught it just in time and enjoyed the show. We were all exhausted and crashed for the night.

Friday was Grandma Holt's funeral. It was a beautiful ceremony and my sister, Stephanie, gave an incredible tribute to her. There were a lot of tears but we know that all is well with her. We had lunch with our extended family and it was nice to catch up with cousins that I haven't seen in years.

On Saturday morning, we had family pictures taken. Again, it's been years since we have done that. Jacob was about 2 years old when we last got our pictures taken and it was about time. We went to a really cool spot in American Fork with an old barn, a junkyard full of antiques, a river with a rope swing, and a waterfall. The kids did fairly well but I haven't seen the pics yet so hopefully there are a few smiles from all of us at the same time. We then took our lunch to the park and played for a while before crashing on the couch for some much needed naps that lasted about 2-3 hours.

Sunday we went to church and packed up our cars for the next day's drive to our new home. Thank you to our families for 2 wonderful weeks full of fun memories and good times. We love you and are excited to live closer for many more.