Utah or bust

We have been to Utah 3 times in one year.  That's alot of driving with 2 kids, but this trip was packed full of great memories, family and advendture.  The main reason we went was to see my parents getting set apart for their mission (found in the next post...).  But before and after that happened provided a few picture-worthy moments.

First stop: Moab

We dragged Amber and Dallin's family with us to the 110 degree heat of the arches.  I guess I didn't realize that Utah is still a desert.  The arches were sooo cool.  We even met Katie and her kids there for a quick tin foil dinner.

After my parents left for the Philippines, Will and I left for Zion National Park!  Linda was able to watch our boys for us, allowing us to pack in several more miles and dangerous climbs.  We did Angel's Landing, Emerald Pools, Observation Point, the Narrows and Weeping Rock.  Maybe 22 miles in a day and a half.

  

When we got back to Provo, our kids were happy Aunt Linda was tired, I'm sure.  I did think it was funny that Grant ran out in his PJ's (it was late afternoon:)  What a cool aunt.

Grant told us that the highlight of his vacation was "driving a boat" and he said, "Brody tried to drive it, too, but I was faster..."  It was in this same lake I did my first open-water swim a few days before we left for Zion.  That water is thick. And gross. 

 We ended our trip with the Magelby family reunion.  We went to Heber and stayed in cabins for some pretty comfortable camping.  Grant loved the marshmellow guns.  Thanks, Liz! 

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Oh, and on the way home, we had to stop in Zion's again with the boys.  We knew Grant would love the Narrows and hiking through ice cold water.

Who knows?  Maybe we'll be back in Utah one more time this year. 
We wouldn't mind going to Zion again...

Owen's First Birthday!!

  Was my "little" Owen really tucked in my belly 1 year ago? 

I remember thinking he would never come and I would always have a watermelon up front... then he came and we loved him to bits!  He has been the most laid-back, easy-going, happy baby I know.  He is full of smiles, giggles, "cheeses," and funny faces.   

And great hair, I must add.

Owen turned 1 on June 29th, while we were at the Magleby family reunion.  We started the morning with fishing... and a nap.  Then we played with cousins and Aunts and Uncles.

Will and I borrowed a few pans and supplies from Grandma Magleby and came up with this fun train set.

 Obviously, he loved it!!

He ate a few chocolate whoppers and a cookie wheel... Grant ate the rest.

 

 Gifts were simple: a few balls, which he LOVES, a pale and shovel and some cute toys from Grandma Dorothy and several hugs from family. 

Owen's stats are about where Grant's were at this age.  He's 24.5 pounds, 31 inches tall and has a huge head.  He is not walking or crawling or even rolling over!  It's like he doesn't want to.  He scoots instead and though we have been accustomed to his mode of transportation for the past few months, it makes quite the scene in public.  We love it and think it adds to his personality of making others smile.