Speedy Utah trip

Eric's brother is going on a mission! To Russia! We went to Utah to see him off:

Yes, that's a wheelchair. The poor guy broke his leg just days before his departure date. But he gets around okay, always with a smile: 

Yes, we're all wearing coordinating clothes. Because what's a family reunion without a family picture?  

Over the weekend we were able to visit the temple, hear Sam talk in church, meet with relatives, and relax. (Eric's Father's Day request was that he would get to sleep in guilt-free! Even a plate of crispy bacon did little to arouse him.)

 

The kids, on the other hand, barely slept for the excitement of being with their cousins. They swam, played Wii, crafted, and played. One day they discovered a treasure trove of a dress-up box in the grandparents' basement:

Michael ("Mikhail") and Zachary ("Pasha") even learned some Russian phrases to go with their Russian-esque outfits: 

We ended our trip with a picturesque day at Wheeler Farm with my grandmother, aunt and cousin, and brother and sister. We didn't wear matching clothes for our picture, although Eric did purchase a pink John Deere hat for baby Max. So I guess that he and I matched somewhat.

You should never visit a place you love on a weekend with gorgeous weather! What a day for some picnicking,

calf-watching,

and grassy wrestling!

Oh Utah, I adore you. Your mountains, your sunshine, your Cafe Rios! You're just the place. I met my dear one in Utah almost ten years ago. And isn't it magical to be in the place where you fell in love?

P.S. Eric and I had different flights home, with connections in different cities. Eric took our nearly-two-year-old, and I took the other four kids. Who do you think got the better end of the deal? Honestly, I think it's a toss-up. Jerry Seinfeld: "A two-year-old is kind of like having a blender, but you don't have a top for it." Yes.