Trip to Utah

For the last two weeks we have been in Utah, enjoying ourselves thoroughly. It was exactly what we needed. Eric was able to spend time with the kids that he hadn't been able to during the busy semester and was able to forget about dentistry for a little while. Lillie was able to spend time with her favorite person, her daddy, do fun activities for two year olds, and hang out with her cousin and buddy, Emmett. Henry loved seeing his daddy and getting some attention. I was able to spend time in a big house with big windows and a big tub. And I got to see my husbandito and have help with the kids, so I was a happy lady.



WARNING: So many photos, this has been torture to post but I know that some day I will be happy that I kept record of this vacation.

Dinosaurs and Pony Rides

One of the first outings of our vacation was to Thanksgiving Point. We visited the dinosaur museum and the farm. Lillie has been really into dinosaurs lately, she loves watching Land Before Time and we got her some plastic dinosaurs to play with. So this was right up her alley. And with her, you can never go wrong with animals, so it was a really fun day. We toured around their little farm, looking at cows and goats and finally hit up the pony rides. Lillie had a blast, although it was a long wait in a very hot line. That day it got close to 100 degrees.

Children's Museum

Before we went to Utah, I knew that I wanted to visit this children's museum downtown because I had heard good things about it but also because I knew that Lillie would love it, and we wanted this trip to be special for her. Luckily, Eric's sister Lisa wanted to join us with her son, Emmett.

Seriously, I think these two look like they could be brother and sister. Emmett looks more like Lillie than Henry does. Should be interesting to see what Emmett's little sister will look like. :)

Lillie enjoying her asparagus a little too much.

Henry, doing his thing. He slept so much this day. Eric had a sore back by the end of it.

This was one of Lil's favorite parts. She would go find food and throw it all on the conveyor belt and then crank the handle and let it all pile up on the floor.

It was really a fun day. Lillie did not want to leave and I don't blame her. I want to go again.

Temple Square

The spirit was so strong in the visitors center, it almost knocks you off your feet. As soon as you walk in, you feel it. This was a really cool experience for our little family. I loved showing and trying to explain all the paintings of Christ to Lillie. This was my favorite part of the whole trip.

We spent some time watching the brides come out of the temple. Lillie thought that they were princesses coming out of the castle. I told her some day she could marry her prince there. At the end of the day, Lillie told Eric that she wanted to get married in the temple. That's the best thing I've ever heard.

Church History Museum

Across the street from temple square is the Church History Museum. It is an AMAZING museum, there is so much neat stuff to look at, I could be there for hours and not see it all. Upstairs is an area for kids. There are so many great things for kids to do, I loved this. I would visit all the time if I lived close. So wonderful and of course, Lillie loved it.

I love this photo! Maybe this little girl will grow up to be just like her Momma!

Emmett was so funny with the stethoscope. He didn't want to keep it on his ears, so he would use his chin to hold it on.

Lillie holding the iron rod and partaking of the tree of life.

Lillie and Emmett dressing up for the nativity. Not the best picture. Oh well.

Lillie and Emmett were so cute together. They got along really well most of the time. I love how Emmett says her name, should have got that on video. We were really glad to have been able to spend time with them. Makes me really sad that we don't live closer.

The Zoo

Eric's awesome Aunt Kris invited us and Lisa to join her and her granddaughters at the zoo. The weather was amazing and so was the company. Lillie was in heaven!

Poor Henry spent most of this whole vacation in the stroller, usually sleeping. But then, sleeping sounds like the perfect vacation to me.

The oldest elephant in North America. Seriously, these elephants were so cool. Where you at L.A.??

These three girls are Eric's cousin's: Chloe, Brinley and Hadley. They are so fun and Lillie loved to tag along after them.

My favorite part of the zoo was baby elephant, Zuri. She has so playful and uncoordinated!

This is the Place Monument

This monument was across the street from the zoo. It was a nice reminder of the hardships that the early members faced to reach the Utah valley. There was a beautiful view from up there, I wish I'd taken a picture.

Lillie Golfing

Eric's parents live off the 6th green of a golf course (Eric's dream). We had a great time watching the golfers each day in the yard and on the green. Lillie joined Eric for the last three holes that he played one day. She loved it!