Utah

We had a wonderful and long awaited trip to Utah a few weeks ago. We had originally planned to go inJanuary, but had cancelled our flights last minute, due to Andrew's surgery the day before we were to leave. We wanted to get out there and see my parents before they left for their mission. So we didn't wait long to reschedule it and we were crossing our fingers nothing would happen the second time around.

Thankfully we made it there safe and sound. I flew out alone with Andrew and was grateful he did so well on the flight. Last time we were in Utah Andrew was on oxygen and had just come home from the hospital. Back then we really didn't let many people see him, let alone hold him. So his grandparents, cousins, aunts and uncles were anxious to see him.

Grandpa & Grandma getting lots of hugs and smiles

My Dad was the best at getting Andrew to smile. Even if he was crying, Andrew would stop and smile when he heard Grandpa's voice.



Andrew was completely spoiled with all the love from counsin, aunts
and uncles.

Everyone getting a turn to hold Andrew

Cousin Lindsey making Andrew laugh

I just love how they're looking at each other. So darling!

My little nieces were so great and loved watching Andrew while my sisters, mom and I went for a little outing one afternoon. One of my sisters ended up taking the day off of work and another took her kids out of school so we could hang out and play. We always have such a great time together. We enjoyed a relaxing afternoon going to lunch, shopping and getting pedicures together. It was very relaxing and much needed get-a-way for everyone. I loved spending the day with my sisters and mom.

Andrew had 5 little girls all taking turns to feed him

I had so much fun showing Andrew to old friends. There were so many people who prayed for him that finally got the chance to meet him. I was lucky enough to steal a few teachers away from school, that I worked with last year. We met up at kneaders for a yummy lunch. It was a lot of fun to catch up and hear all that's going on at school. Then we went back to the school and I convienced Dian to hang out with me and Andrew as we said hello to many other teachers, staff and aides. I even got to see a bunch of my little kiddos that I taught. I loved seeing their darling faces and getting some good hugs. They are the best...although it took them awhile to recoginize me. Do I look that different? My school was so wonderful to me last year when I up and left in the the middle of the year, when the boys were born. It was great to show them how well he is doing. 

Dian and I taught Special Ed together and kept each other from going
insaine. I love this gal she is such an example to me!

Then that night I had a fun evening with some old friends and roommates. These girls are simply amazing. I love and miss them all dearly. We always have a fun time when we get together and could probably talk for hours on end about anything and everything.

Carissa & Jen...I love that Andrew is checking Jen out. ;)



Jacki, Kasey and I enjoying enjoying some delicious Los Hermanos

That night Andrew and I had a sleep over at my sister Allison's house. We used to live about 5 minutes from each other and I taught at the school her girls go to. So needless to say we saw each other all the time. People would sometimes get us mixed up...even our husbands at times. Do we look like sisters or what?  I miss living so close to her and her darling family of six girls.  It was fun to hang out at her house and have a lazy morning in our P.J.'s.

Herewe are changing our babies together. Her youngest always
wanted to do EVERYTHING Andrew was doing... even if it meant changing his diaper.

After a week of playing, Stephen flew in and we wanted to take Andrew back up to Primary Children's Hosptial to see the dr's. Stephen's plane ended up coming in late and by the time we drove up there, the day shift of dr.'s had just left. We were sad to have missed them. But did get to see some nurses and staff who remembered our boys and couldn't believe how big Andrew was. It was a little sureal to make that all too familiar drive up to the hospital. Then walking through those doors, the sights, smells and sounds took me back to the three months we practically lived there.

The timing of our trip actually ended up being better than if we'd come in January. We were able to be there when my parents spoke in church before they left on their mission. Because of this we saw lots of family. My brother flew in for a quick weekend trip from New Jersey to see my parents too. I was so glad we could be there at the same time.

We also saw many of my aunts uncles and cousins who made the drive to hear them speak. Some of which I haven't seen in years. I loved hearing them speak and share their spirit of missionary work. Hearing them always strengthens my own testimony. I'm so pround of them for being willing to serve, learn the German language, leave the comforts of their home and all the grandkids and family. I know they will be blessed with all the sacrifices they will be making the next year and a half. They are going to be amazing missionaries!

My mom and I

Hailey & Jaron waving the flags with Grandpa

We had such a wonderful trip to Utah. It was so great to spend time with family and friends! We wished we could have stayed longer and seen more people.

Just look at that face. Andrew was sad to leave Utah too!