Utah Weekend

Tawnya called me up one day and told me she and her family would be driving up from Arizona to Utah, for a friend's wedding in September. She asked if I thought it would be a good idea to gather mom, sisters, cousins and aunts to have a GIRL'S WEEKEND. I thought it was an AWESOME idea!

She made arrangements for us to stay at her in-laws and worked out the details for lunch and dinner.

Mom, Amber, Daisylyn and I, drove down to Orem, Friday before school got out. We got in late and spent the night at Josh's parent's house.

The next morning, Josh and Tawnya got up early to run a 6K race, while the rest of us got ready for the day and played with the kids.

I hadn't seen Maliah, since they moved in January. She had grown up so much. She now RUNS and is starting to talk up a storm. She will repeat almost anything you say. Be careful. :)
She is also very friendly and happy. She gave me a BIG hug and kisses, as we arrived the evening before.
Daisylyn and Maliah liked sitting on the fireplace together.

At one point, Maliah patted a spot next to her and yelled, "Ky! Ky! &%#@*". Interpreted, I think that meant, "Kyrick, come sit by me, RIGHT HERE!" He did just as he was instructed.

Cute.

As I was trying to take pictures of Maliah and Daisylyn, Kyrick kept jumping in front of me and saying, "Take a picture of me doing ____. Take a picture of me and ____." He couldn't get enough of the camera.

Here he is with his Grandma and Grandpa Clawson's dog, Cloe.

Next up, IKEA.

I was an IKEA virgin, never having been before. Too bad I didn't have money to spend.... lots of fun stuff in there. I think the kid's section was my favorite, but maybe I need to go back, just to make sure.

We met cousins; Emma, Rachel and Megan there.

Cute ice cube trays.... had to take a photo with Brinton in mind.

Of course my Mom found some puppets that HAD TO be adopted and come home with her.

Mom, Daisylyn, Amber & cousins; Emma, Rachel & Megan.

For lunch, we met at Mimi's Restaurant.

Aunt Angela and her friend Brenda (from England) came to have lunch with us too.

My grilled cheese sandwich & fries were ok, but if I ever go back I'll be having the Quiche Lorraine, with fresh fruit and bran muffin. It looked SO good.

Daisylyn enjoyed her Cheerios, Saltines and Goldfish crackers, along with some of her mom's fruit and bran muffin.

The remainder of our visit, we spent at Rachel's house.

We had fun talking and hanging out, but also wrote Grandma Memories for Grandma Ison to have and read..... over and over.

Rachel made 2 types of soup for dinner; a salmon chowder and an Italian pasta soup (can't remember the name). I had the salmon chowder. It was soooo yummy!

Aunt Jana, Uncle Kevin, Chanel and Arielle joined us for talk and dinner.

After dinner, we broke out the snacks.... and most importantly CHOCOLATE! We toasted our chocolate to Martha, because she couldn't be there with us. :)

"To Martha!"

I had brought down some "conversation starter" questions. After dinner, we started the questions around the table and had lots of fun answering getting to know one another better.

We wrapped up in blankets and headed out to Rachel's back patio, as questions and chatting continued late into the night. :)

Around midnight, the party broke up and people headed home. Mom, Amber, Daisylyn & I stayed at Rachel's for the night.

Thanks for letting us sleep in your cozy beds Bryton, Nathon and Katie! And thanks to Rachel and Todd for being such gracious hosts.

It was a relaxing, satisfying, wonderful weekend.

I LOVE my family!