Trek to Utah

About a week and a half ago we started our trek up to Utah. We have done it every summer for quite a while. The kids usually do ok, but this time they were exceptional. Carli was the only one who really complained and got very tired of being strapped in her seat. It was a really great trip on the whole. We stopped at a lookout at Marble Canyon in AZ. We have never ever stopped there before and I don't know why! It is stunning and just so beautiful!

When we got to Cedar City to my parents' house the kids were so happy to be able to run around and not be in the car anymore. Carli explored their gorgeous backyard. She loves to look at all the flowers and yesterday she was even found climbing the apple tree. LOL!

That evening we celebrated my sister Charisse's birthday. We had all the fam over for BBQ and cake. It was a lot of fun. This is one of my favorite things about coming to Cedar City--all the family get-togethers. They get to do it all the time, but it's pretty much a once-a-year thing for us. I treasure them.

Kate and Megan with their 2nd cousin, Addison, making a home for their potato bugs they found.

My dad at the grill. It was pretty yummy!

Charisse getting ready to blow out the candles on her birthday cakes. We had lots of people there so we made 2 cakes and I decided we should spread the candles over both cakes. She didn't appreciate it too much, but it looked pretty cool!

Lovie, the dog.

Here are the babies of the moment in the family. From left to right: my Uncle Paul with his son, Carson (6 mos); my Uncle Bryan with granddaughter, Eliza (5 mos); my cousin Bryan with son, Kyler (1 month).

Close-ups of the babies: Eliza

Kyler

Carson

More pics to come! This is just the beginning of our trip and we've already been gone for 1 1/2 weeks. We are having a great time.