Utah!

Jeremy started working in the ER for the month of July.  Since he was going to be working so much, the kids and I went up to Utah for about 10 days to see some people we love.  When we drove up, it was really hot.  I think our transmission got overheated and out kept cutting out about half way to my mom's house in Genola.  We prayed really hard that we would make it, and we did.  I was still worried about it so we didn't drive back and forth quite as much as we had originally planned, but we had a great time, and Jeremy was able to meet us on our way home in St. George and followed us through the big climbs and serious heat.  

We spent the 4th of July with my family in Odgen at Angela's house.  I was finally able to see my sister Alyse's new baby Claymore!  Unfortunately I didn't get a picture of the cute guy with my camera.

Will loves hanging out with this guy.  He and Diego always have a great time.

Cute!

These guys hung out on my mom's swings every morning and afternoon.  Remember that feeling, just hanging out and loving life?

My brothers came down to my mom's and Brent's friend Yoshe made this incredible crown for Cora out of lilies.  Cora thought it was the coolest thing she had ever seen!

I love my mom's yard in the afternoon.  

Micah and Erin helping Will in the tree.  I think his shoe got up there somehow...I'm not sure but judging by Erin's smile she might know how!

We also got to see the Booths!  We have missed having these guys as our neighbors since they've moved back to Utah.  It was so fun to be reunited!

We also went swimming with the Curtises!

One of the cats in my mom's neighborhood had kitties.  Will and Cora loved snuggling with them and playing with the three silly kitties!

I snuck away one night and went and got a soda with this lady. It has been a couple years since our trips to Utah were at the same time.  So fun to see her, it is always a good time with Miss Wittypants around.

Cora and my other bestie's little girl Lydia.  

We went up to the Booth's another day so we could see one of our other favorite families that moved to Utah, the Hanks!  

That night I had a get together with my high school friends.  This is my best friend Megan , we were inseparable until 11th grade when we both had different interests.  I love this lady!  It was so fun to see all of my friends, it has been a long overdue get together.  I thought I had a picture of all of us, but might have to search a little harder.  We stayed up until 2 laughing and catching up.  I haven't laughed that hard in a very long time!

Saying goodbye to Grandma, Grandpa, Emily and Shelby.

Cora had fallen asleep on the chair and refused to take a picture with her Grandma and Grandpa C.

But she finally gave in.

Will and Cora love their cousins.  I asked them what their favorite things were that we did and hanging out at Matt and Lisa's and going to the Booths house were their favorite.

We spent an extra day in Utah so that Jeremy could meet us in St. George on his day off because of our car issues, but that meant we got to go to my brother Roland's for his birthday!  I love Roland, he was always nice to me growing up and for a big brother that is saying a lot!

Grand Canyon!

Since we don't really know when our next family vacation will be, we decided to make a break for the Grand Canyon just a couple of hours away.  We stayed for a couple days and had an incredible time.  It was also the first time we've been to a national park with the kiddos.  Makes a big difference when you have little ones who can't hike 15 miles a day!  We were still able to see quite a bit and the kids were troopers, especially considering it was 90 degrees and we were still used to our Chicago weather! 

First look at the Grand Canyon.  "Whoa, that's big!"

We attempted our first hike.  I was a little nervous because Cora doesn't have much fear and the sides just dropped off to the bottom of the canyon.  So Jeremy took her hand and charged ahead.

We had a goal to make it down to a second tunnel, but Will was done so we headed back up.  We found out from the map that we were actually really close to our goal, but sometimes you have to listen to your kids.

On our way back up we stopped in the shade of this first tunnel for a few minutes.

Can you see why I was a little nervous for the kids?  Turns out they are good hikers, they just don't like it when it feels like a million degrees.

They made their own fun while we cooled off in our hotel room.

We went to a late ranger program where the ranger talked to the kids about nocturnal animals and what to listen for and where to find them.

Will was in heaven.  He was a great listener and answered a lot of her questions.  This kid really loves learning about animals.

Cool sunset.

Will completed his ranger program and earned his badge.  Here they are swearing him in.

It was so fun to get away and just have fun together.