vacation/family/wedding

We just had a whirlwind vacation! It's hard when your family lives close to each other but far away too. You want to see everyone but all the travel time stinks!

Day 1: We flew out to Salt Lake City and promptly drove 4+ hours, down to St. George. We had serious butt fatigue by the time we arrived. The daughter was getting married the next day, in the Mormon temple, which we couldn't attend...because we're not worthy, not being good Mormon's and all. I have a lot to say about that, but I already have, so...

Day 2: The wedding reception was nice. We didn't get to spend anytime with the daughter and new son-in-law though. That was a little disappointing. It was kind of like being the aunt and uncle from out of town, who comes to visit at Christmas. All of my man's siblings were there though. That was fun! And fun for them too. They haven't all been together since their dad passed away a few years ago. It was great to see them all. They're all so different from each other. I like that. 

and look at this extra unique and pretty boutonniere! It's made out of wood shavings!

Day 3: We drove back up to Salt Lake City, where we got to spend some time with the son, his delightful wife and their 5 kids! They drove back from St. George that day too, so everyone was a little road weary.

Day 4: Even though we had lived in Salt Lake for a couple years, there were things we never did, like go out to the Great Salt Lake. So that's what we did! Aaaand we went out to Antelope Island. Both of them were SO much bigger than I imagined! We saw a heard of bison, a couple small groups of antelopes, and a coyote. The bison were the coolest! Really, have YOU ever seen a heard of bison, in person? Then we drove up to Ogden, just to check it out and back to the son's home for the evening. I like all that visiting!

Day 5: Today was mountain day!! I much prefer the mountains to the beach. It was fantastic. When you live in the Midwest, you don't see a lot of topography :-)  There is snow up there already! And it's Autumn, so wow! It sure was pretty, and quiet, and it smelled good. After that, back to the son's home again. They have a very busy household! All that youthful exuberance is wonderful to be around, but whew! That's why you have to have kids when you're young...when you have the kind of energy you need!

Day 6: home again. As nice as it is to get away, it's always nice to come back to the comfort of what you know. Not surprisingly, Salt Lake City has changed a lot in the last 25 years. It's about doubled in size! We really liked it when we lived there but it's too peopley for us now. Yep, we're old!