Familycation

We were able to take a week-long trip out to Utah to visit family.

Asher went on his first plane ride. A jar of play dough and a creative dad, was the trick to a calm child on the way out there.

Thursday Rob and his dad worked on installing a fence for Rob's sister Heidi so her son could play outside safely. The two men finished it when we returned to Heidi's house a few days later.

Thursday evening we celebrated Heidi's 30th birthday (gasp!) at a local pizza restaurant. A couple of the cousins (Peter and Jen) were able to show up and celebrate with us (others were sick). Happy Birthday Heidi! I am grateful to have you as my sister-in-law!

Friday we headed out to my Wilkerson (Dad's side) side of the family reunion which is held at the Pinnacles Campground every year.  One thing I love about these reunions is that it's outdoors. We didn't have enough time to go hiking but were able to go on a horseback ride (Asher's first, yeah! (picture coming soon)). Asher enjoyed following and playing with older 2nd cousins. It's interesting to me that age does not matter as much once you are older. I was able to talk with almost everyone, even with cousins 20 years older than me that I never really knew as a kid. We really enjoyed ourselves and hope we can stay longer next time.

After the family reunion we headed to my grandparents (Mom's side) to spend a few days visiting and helping out around the house. Asher enjoyed following Grandpa Jordan around and helped him pick apples. Although you can't tell because Grandpa's hair is now white, he is the grandparent Asher inherited his bright red hair from.

Asher also enjoyed Grandpa's bubble machine.

Sunday I was able to listen to my grandma teach in Relief Society. She has been a Relief Society teacher for 25 or so years and continues to serve, even though she can no longer use notes since she has a very difficult time reading due to near blindness. I loved listening to her. Grandma joined the church in her early 20's and though she was raised an only child, went on to have 7 children and has submitted 1000's of names for temple work. I love visiting my grandparents because I feel like our conversations are a 2-way personal institute class. My grandpa taught institute for 30 years and so he is very knowledgeable as well :). Their home is a little haven for me.

For some reason Asher wanted shorts on his head before church and found it hilarious (probably because he was REALLY tired).

While there, Rob put a huge patch on a cement slab in front of the house. It took him a bit longer than expected. It was a vast improvement over the loose rocks, cracks, and potholes and is no longer a trip hazard. The last picture is before it fully dried so the color is not yet even.

Tuesday we headed back to Heidi's where, as previously mentioned, Rob and his dad finished the fence. Asher continued to enjoy play time with his cousin Jason and pushing a "lawnmower" (as he told me) around for hours.

High fiving each other (and missing)

The "lawnmower" Asher pushed around for hours

The last night there Rob, Heidi, and Mom and Dad were able to meet up with a couple friends  from Toledo, OH (Brandon Jastal and Dan Reyes-Cairo and their spouses) who are transplants to Utah. 

After the busy week a borrowed DVD player helped Asher stay calm on the way home. Miracuously,  there just "happened" to be an empty seat between Rob and I on the second flight back so Asher was able to lay down and take a nap. We had woken him up at 4:30 in the morning to return home so he really needed it, poor kid!

Glad to be home now, but really glad were able to visit! We do wish we had another day to visit other friends that live in the area. Next time? :)

Did I mention that Rob also studied for and took a final while on the trip?