Third Week in Utah

Our third week in Utah started off with a fun night for the Whitehouse/Monsen girls. We decided a couple months before we came that we would have a Favorite Things party with the Sato and Peterson ladies while we were there and I am so glad we did it! Sue hosted at her house and we had such a fun night sharing a few of our favorite things and laughing and laughing and laughing some more!

We enjoyed yummy food and the best company, I love it when friends feel like family!

The next day we made it to the South Towne Expo Center to check out all the floats that would be in the Pioneer Day parade in down town SLC.

These kiddos are pretty lucky that their grandmas are friends because that means we get to double up with grandmas and I can't think of anything much better than that!

We saw our rivalry schools at the beginning...

(Caden is clearly not a loyal fan to either.)

And Grandma Teresa made sure to let Grandma Cindy know how we all feel about the Cougs-

 Ew!

But after that little episode we were all on the same page about how awesome the floats were! 

 And this awesome float was designed by Grandma's (yes, both grandmas) stake, West Jordan Mountain View Stake. Grandpa Kent volunteered to help with it a little bit over the months leading up to the parade and Nolan Gerber from my parent's ward really brought it to life with all the mechanics and woodworking. It was pretty impressive and won both the People's Choice and Children's Choice awards!

It was so fun to see this in person!

After checking out all the awesome floats and listening to the awesome marching band, we stood in line for about 30 minutes so the kids could get their faces painted. It was a little bit annoying at first, but they ended up loving their face paint so it was all worth it. 

 Army dudes

  

 Little Princess

After our fun morning at the expo center we headed to Aunt Brigitte's to meet up with the Dukes. What? The Dukes? Yep! They were visiting in Utah and Kristen needed her hair done, so we spent a fun afternoon in Utah with our favorite Texans!

Those Duke girls sure know how to keep my kids happy! Love them! 

They even came over and checked out my childhood home. This is something I love about Kristen SO MUCH. She wants to know your story. And not just because, but she really wants to know you and understand where people come from and loves experiencing it as much as she can. I love that she made the effort to see me in Utah and see a little more of my story. 

The next couple days were pretty low key hanging with family and I'm pretty sure my girl's night with Haley, Heidi and Kristen was in here somewhere and I totally spaced taking a picture. :( But the boys got to party with Caden for his birthday at Top Golf and had so much fun! Before they went to the party, they enjoyed eating dinner shirtless so they didn't mess up their party attire!

(Of course Miss Eve had to join in on the shirtlessness!)

Cousin time is the best time.

Love that cute 11-year-old!

Thanks for the fun night at Top Golf!

Thursday, July 20 was a BIG day because it was the day Dad got back from Texas, but also Lagoon day!! They boys had been eagerly awaiting this day for several weeks and it was finally here!

This fun day deserves a post of its own, but we had a fun group that made for an awesome day! My boys are still talking about it on the daily!

After our fun Lagoon day, we had a BBQ the next night at Grandma Cindy and Grandpa Kent's park with my extended family. Somehow I only got pictures of the Wilson cousins, but lots more people were there. 

Don and Peggy

Vicki and DeLaun

Sharley, Scott and family

Kelsey, Ricky and family

Grandma Ramona and Grandpa Ralph

We had a wonderful evening enjoying some yummy Cafe Rio style dinner, playing a fun Utah history trivia game and playing at the park. I love these nights reconnecting with family in Utah.

ALL of the Wilson cousins were there! (Even Jayci who skipped out early with Uncle Rob and is not pictured) and they had a BLAST playing with each other. I wish they were all closer! This just warms my heart.

Love these funnies!

On Saturday we headed to central Utah to spend the afternoon with great grandparents. First stop was in Holden to see Great Grandma Monsen. Grandpa Monsen died last year, but you can tell she is doing well and finding her new normal. She was so kind to us and let us stay and play for about an hour and half and fed the kids lunch and ice cream that they loved!

Again, connecting with family roots is so important and enjoyable. I hope my kids remember some of these visits.

Next we headed to Fillmore to visit Great Grandpa Christensen in his long term care facility that he has been in for over 18 months. He is not quite sure who everyone is, but he is still just the sweetest man. He tried to carry on conversation with us and did the best he could. He kept telling us he wanted to go to the house (in Kanosh) and that he wanted to come with us when we left. That amazing man was independent for so long and although he doesn't remember everything, he does remember that he took care of himself and doesn't want anyone to be doing it for him. He let our kids play and had a peaceful look on his face while he watched them and it was just good to spend a couple hours with him. We weren't sure if we were going to make the trip down, but we are so glad we did! He is such a sweet man!

Yes, our kids really stacked these rings on their necks in the hospital to entertain themselves. At least they weren't screaming or crying, I guess. 

When we took him back to his room we loved seeing our names on his calendar and that his days get crossed off. He asks about who is coming and when so it has to be written on his calendar. Love him!

When we got back to SLC that evening we went to Aunt Missy's and Uncle Correy's for a picnic dinner (on their lawn) and a hike up Millcreek Canyon.

Luckily they are pros and we had a really fun night enjoying the Utah mountains. 

This may not have been the smartest activity for Brian two days before his marathon, but it was quite enjoyable anyways! We don't get to see the Seldons nearly enough, so I'm so grateful we got some one on one time with them. They are so patient with our kids and I'm pretty sure Daddy carried Eve half they way down and Uncle Correy the second half. Thanks heavens for strong, caring men!

We were pooped by the end of our third week, but weren't done yet. 

A Sunday nap would have to hold us over for our last few days in our favorite state!