Just as the heat and humidity were rolling into town, we packed up and headed out to Utah for three weeks. It was the longest trip we've ever done, and we had plans to go a few different places during this trip. It sounded awesome up until the week prior when I was trying to figure out logistics, how to pack everyone with the least amount of stuff possible, coordinate the food for the different spots we'd be, and figure out the general schedule. And attempt to fly all four kids solo (Mike would be meeting us later).
I know, I'm a bit of a planner. Trying really hard to "go with the flow" more, but the week leading up to leaving, most of my excitement was drowned with throat-closing-off-increased-heartrate anxious emotions. How many suitcases? Can the kids handle carrying their own stuff or do we need to check some of the baggage? Clearly, most of my worries were centered around packing, which really when I look back, kind of chuckle because we could have borrowed/bought anything that was essential that we forgot. Once I started to realize that packing was not the end of the world, and breathe in the joy of this opportunity, I was much better about it all! Thankfully, the excitement from Mike and the kids kept the ship steering forward - they had that "Christmas excitement" energy and it is so contagious!
And the funny thing about all that anxiousness - sometimes the best cure is to simply keep moving forward! Mike was a huge help in getting us unloaded and on our way at the airport, and the kids were amazing on the flight. So grateful!
We've flown a few times and have learned a few tricks - less is always more and lollipops are awesome for plugged ears - these guys prefer them to gum.
We landed with the sunset. So beautiful!
The kids and I arrived in Utah just before the 4th and were able to spend a few days with my parents. We had a blast checking out the new park in town (next time we will definitely pack a lunch and spend more time there!). The kids loved the long slide and variety of climbing toys, but hands down the favorite was the access to the creek. So beautiful. And the trees. Ahhh, the trees. I LOVED how they built the park AROUND them! My mom said this land was actually a man's home, and when he died he gave the land to the city to build a park. What a gift and legacy to share with the community!! I sat there thinking of this man, and that he must have sat in his house thinking how beautiful it was to live where he did. He probably had kids, grandkids that enjoyed these trees, and must have thought that he wanted this place to be enjoyed for all. I never met him, but felt an abundance of gratitude for his kind actions.
Funny enough, we'd been there about an hour when Alexis came down and said "mom - there are kids that we know! Come with me!" And sure enough, one of our dear friends from our old neighborhood was at this park as well! :45 minutes away from her home, randomly meeting up with another long-time friend, and at the same time that we happened to be there! It was so fun to catch up with her, and of course we never even got a photo of the kids - they were all over the place!
We headed to Costa Vida for lunch. I think one of our goals with Utah, other than seeing family, and going to the mountains, was to eat as much Mexican food as possible!
We headed back for time to play in the pond before the family barbecue and Eaglewood fireworks.
I remember going to those fireworks when they first started and you'd go across a dirt road and watch the 10 single fireworks with the 50 other people there. Okay, there was probably more than 50 people, but to see how extensively it has grown is CRAZY! I don't think we'd consider it if we couldn't walk up like we still do! But it's such a fun tradition, and I love a good fireworks show!
Mike was flying in late that night and we weren't sure when he was going to meet up with us. He surprised us all and met us just in time for the fireworks! It will remain one of my greatest memories of the trip - when two girls were piled on my lap (they were cold in the mountain air), the other two kiddos watching the fireworks and Mike sneaking right next to me. Love that feeling of being together after being apart. Feels good to be whole again.
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