Utah Bound!

Since we got married, Kevin and I have split holidays between our two sets of families. But this year, to avoid costs, holiday stress and various health concerns (not ours, and in the end nothing to worry about), we decided that we would visit Kevin's family in Utah for his dad's 65th birthday in November, instead of in December for Christmas.

We had a great time, as always. Stellan and Rachelle were super excited to spend time with all their cousins and aunts and uncles and of course their doting grandparents. We got to visit with family and also catch up with some of our transplanted now-Utahn friends (I'm looking at you, Flemings and Nelsons!). The fall was a unique phenomenon to my children, who don't remember snow and have never seen fall leaves.

An added perk of going in November was that I got to see my brother Matt on his birthday. He is at BYU, so a quick drive from West Jordan got us to his dorm room. We met his delightful girlfriend Carolyn (none of his other siblings have met her yet - ha ha ha!) and ate way too much Brazilian barbecue.

Dad's birthday party was super fun, and delicious with homemade enchiladas. Kevin's mom Susan put together a birthday bag of 65 fun things to keep him young. All the kids and grandkids were there and it was an event to remember.

When you read this, Grandma, please know that Stellan says to me, "I wish I was at Grandma's house" at least once a week.