Utah Trip [Part 1-Flight then Ephraim and Cedar City]

Well, we were able to make a trip back to Utah as a family and couldn't have been more thrilled.  We have been in Maryland for nearly a year now and have definitely had a lot of fun adventures, but have missed our family back home.  

On our way to the airport, we got a glimpse of these beautiful cherry blossoms around the tidal basin. (Thanks Emily for the actual picture!) One of these years we will make it downtown for the Cherry Blossom Festival!  

Well, traveling with children is a WHOLE different experience.  Thank goodness Preston was there.  I honestly don't know how I would have done it by myself.  Carl loved the plane ride, mostly because he was able to wear his own headphones and watch a movie!  Preston took him to go watch some of the planes taking off.  They even got one of the pilots to wave to them as they were backing out.  Ü  James actually did quite well! He had one little scream fest for about 10 minutes on our layover in Denver, but was good the rest of the way.  (Thank goodness!)

 We arrived in Utah quite late and my dad was there to pick us up.  Carl was exhausted and could hardly wake up enough to walk.  After we picked up our bags, we walked outside where it was cold and dark.  My dad was there to pick us up and the moment Carl saw him, he ran straight to him!  So fun to see that he remembered his Grandma and Grandpa even though we have been gone for so long.

 The next morning, we drove down to Ephraim to go see Jon & Ellie's new home!  What a beautiful place.  I couldn't be more excited for them. Going back there brought back so many fond memories.  I remember riding my bike up and down those streets, my elementary school, sledding behind my dad's car... I absolutely LOVED growing up there.  Even more fun was to see our old house which was about a block away from Jon & Ellie's home.   

Jon and Ellie were so gracious and kind.  They both came home from work so that we could have lunch with them and catch up. Carl LOVED playing "phone" with Uncle Jon.

On our way down to Cedar City from there, we were able to drive past the the Manti temple were Preston and I were married.  What incredible memories I have of that wonderful day.  

This whole trip brought us so many memories.  We drove down next to Cedar City to be with Preston's family.  Carl was SO excited to be with his Grandma and Grandpa Wankier and Marissa and Hannah!

 Carl had a blast playing just about every sport with Hannah. 

 James got to get some one on one time with everyone there!  Marissa seems to have the touch.  He just fell asleep in her arms.

 While we were there, Preston and I also had to hit up some old memories from Cedar.  I went to college in Cedar and this is where we dated. So our first trip down memory lane was "Hermies."  Mmm...

 To any of you lucky folks that still live close to Cedar need to make a trip to this All American diner and order their navajo tacos.  They were absolutely divine... and filling!  We could have split one for sure.

We also had to go to this favorite.  We were able to take Marissa out from school and take her to lunch.  As a little "pre-graduation" gift. We are so excited for her to be going to college at SUU next year!  Woot woot!

Then we took a few trips down Main... just like the old days!  Ha ha!  As we were driving around, we came upon these new memorials that neither of us had seen.  It felt like a mini DC!

 Vietnam Memorial

 World War II Memorial

 Korean War Memorial 

 Iraq and Afghanistan War Memorial

 and the WWI Memorial!  What a wonderful contribution to those who have fought for our freedoms.

 We also drove up the canyon.  I loved this area with all of it's red rock and beautiful scenery.  I would often go running on this trail.  Now look, there's my little boy running around the same area.  Who would have thought?

  Then of course, we had to stop by my alma mater!  What a wonderful college experience I had at Southern Utah University.

 Once everyone got home from work and school, we had lots of time to play outside.  Carl especially like to draw with the sidewalk chalk with Marissa!

 He also fell in love with this marble set!  I have the feeling that this may be a new favorite toy of his to pull out when he visits his G&G Wankier.  

 And before you know it, it was time to go!

 Thank you to the Wankiers for a wonderful and fun time while we were there!  We feel so fortunate to be a part of their family.  Especially to know that our children have such wonderful influences to love and support them as they grow up.  We will definitely have to make another trip soon! 

We love you all!