Vacation--Utah week 1

This is how we started our trip--STUFFED! Then on top of this, all nine of us got to pile in. The kids were great sports and it was a pretty easy drive. This is the first time we have gone to Utah without a baby or young toddler. I must say it was a little quieter--but the teenagers seem to make up for it. (try not to notice the diet mountain dew!)

We decided to go to Utah because my nephew was going to be coming home from his mission in Italy. We made the plans and put deposits down and then my nephew decided to extend. We couldn't change our plans so we decided to go anyways. We had a great time and loved loved the weather. The first week we rented a house and just visited the usual sites we love. We went and visited the Roberts and their new lovely pet! Notice I am not anywhere close to their newest addition!
Russ had to try out their scooter and give the girls rides.

We were also able to go to the open house for the Oquirrh Temple. It was a great experience for our family. We went at night and the view from the temple over-looking the city was incredible.

They had beautiful pictures in the reception area. We were so glad Bryant, Jacob and Pam were able to come with us!

Our favorite zoo is the Hogle Utah Zoo! It is so people friendly (the animals are up close and personal!) They took away the polar bears but they still had the penguins!

Notice the modesty of this gorilla!

Great weather--Great day!

We went to Temple Square and did the Conference Center tour. We have gone on it a couple times but learn new things each visit.

We pretended we were statues!

Then--the older kids were able to do baptisms for the dead in the Salt Lake Temple and the little girls and I headed to the Lion House for some great desserts! It was such a great experience for our teenagers! Russ and I were able to go back and meet our good friends and attend a live session. It was the first time for both of us and it was beautiful. I am always amazed at the things the early pioneers were able to accomplish. The temple was so detailed and exquisite--I hope I can go back soon!

Next--off to Seven Peaks Water Park. There was only one sunny day the whole week and we were so excited to go-- (it was still a little chilly!)

This is Russ going down what we like to refer to as the wedgie machine. We finally figured out--you can prevent that nice feeling by simply crossing your legs--you do lose some speed though so you have to make a choice!