August vacation

Well, we were so lucky to be able to spend the whole month of August in Utah. I am not sure why it has taken me so long to blog about it. Maybe I am in a little denial. I mean I have been busy. Having two kids really takes up most of my time. (I love it though. My life is feeling more balance then ever before. My little girls are everything to me!) I just miss my family and friends in Utah so much. I try not to think about it though, and I think that is why I have not blogged about the grand time we had in Utah. Anyway here is how our trip went. (Warning this will be a long post.)

Lilly, Kate and I arrived in Utah on August 1st. I was so worried about traveling across the country by myself with the two girls. A non stop flight made it bearable and the girls did really well. We were greeted by my parents in the airport and then headed to their house to relax. I was exhausted after our 6 am flight. It was great being able to see most my family. Marie (Ryan's brothers wife) and my nephew Linus were in town from Pittsburgh so it was awesome being able to catch up with them as well.

That night we headed to one of the highlights of our trip for Lilly. My niece Nicole's little girl Savannah had her 2nd birthday party. It was a tea party and Lilly is still talking about it. She loved being able to but her spoon in her drink and stir it around. Also the princess party favors have become some of Lilly's favorite things!

The next week was spent in Utah without Ryan. He had finals that week. I have quickly learned that there is no point to be around Ryan during finals week. He is always busy with studies. We spent the week hanging out and enjoying the dry warm weather. I am amazed how quickly I have adapted to the humidity in Wisconsin and how very dry Utah seemed to me.

On Tuesday we hung out with Aunt Marie, Linus and Grandma Patty at wheeler farm. I forgot what a cute little place wheeler farm is.

We had a lot of fun hanging out with everyone throughout the week. My mom was so sick that week. I was so worried about her and finally she went to see the doctor on Friday. Yep she was sick, with pneumonia. My mom is amazing but she pushes her self to hard. She finally got some medicine and she started to improve.

Ryan flew in that next Saturday (Aug. 8th). We meet him and his parents, brother Richy, sister in law Marie, nephew Linus, and grandma Dorthy for a lovely breakfast. It was so great to have Ryan around. You don't really realize how much your hubby does until he is not around. ( Side note he said he really missed us as well!)

That Saturday we spent the rest of the day at Lagoon. My brother KC is amazing was able to get us tickets. It was great to experience Lagoon through Lilly's eyes. She loved everything there but the Merry-go-round was her absolute favorite. Amma (as Lilly calls my mom) had told Lilly all about the merry-go-round all week and that was all Lilly could think of. They called it the up and down and yes Lilly is still talking about it.

Amber and Easton on the merry go round. Easton is so cute and I love his eyes!

Hi Amma!

Even through Amma had pneumonia that did not stop her from coming to Lagoon.

(The doctor said she was no longer contagious.)

Sharing is not always easy for two year olds but I think they had a great time anyway.

On Sunday August 9th Katelyn McAffee and Weston Cash Burns were blessed by their fathers. It was such a day day having all the family together. I was not thinking and never got a picture of Kate in her blessing dress oh well.

Cash and Kate.

My nephew Carter holding the hands of nephew Easton and my brother KC.

Ryan's brother Richy and Grandma Dorthy.

Grandpa Richard, Aunt Marie and Linus.

Grandma Patty and Grandpa Richard

Huey and Aunt Amber

Some of the Burns family

More Burns family, sister Julie and niece Nicole.

The girls all sharing (for the most part.)

Thanks to everyone for coming. It was a great day.

My poor dad had to miss the whole event because he was not feeling well.

On Monday the 10th Ryan took me to breakfast with my parents for my birthday. Then I got to go shopping up at Park City. We had a great time and Lilly had fun with Amma and Papa.

Later that night we headed to the cabin with Richy, Marie and Linus. We had a great couple of days up in the mountains. Sorry I did not take a single picture. Also Marie and I got my favorite thing a pedicure!

Later that week we spent a beautiful day up at Snowbird Ski Resort. We had so much fun riding the alpine slide, zip line, ski lifts and tram.

This was at the top of the tram lift. It was so beautiful!

Linus and Richy

Ryan and Lil

Lilly loved the slide and kept wanting to go faster and faster. Ryan's crazy facial hair is in preparation for the deer hunt.

Mrie and Linus. Rock on!

Lil and Grandma Patty

Grandma Patty was so nice to look after Kater while I got to have a break and lots of fun. Thanks Patty!

Ryan had a grand time deer hunting with my brothers. He got to excited when he had a chance for a buck and missed his opportunity. Maybe next year!

Ryan all dressed up.

Well the rest of our trip was filled with visiting with friends, hanging with the family and enjoying the fabulous weather. We were also able to fit in one more trip to Lagoon.

Kate and Lilly just hanging out.

Papa and Kate had some great talks together. She is such a little talker.

One of my favorite things to do was building a fire at night and roasting marsh mellows. Lilly thought this was grand. There is just something magical about a fire.

On our last night in Utah our family got together for one last BBQ. We had such a great time seeing everyone. Some people can't believe we could spend a whole month in Utah, we only wish we could have stayed longer. I know I always say this but I miss my family.

On our last night my brother Cody gave the girls their first lesson on bugs and creepy crawly things. Madie did much better with the bugs and worms then Lilly did.

Well our last day was BITTER sweet. We knew we needed to get back to Wisconsin. Ryan needing to get back to his studies and my girls do much better under a more normal routine.

We made one last breakfast run to McDonald's. (My dads favorite breakfast spot.)

Thanks to everyone in Utah for making our trip so very memorable!

We love and miss you all!