Utah Trip- (random iPhone pics edition)

It's hard to believe we've been traveling to Utah 2-3 times per year for 10 years. I can look back and say it is undoubtedly easier now than when there were babies, toddlers, or pregnancies. The kids are easy on the drive (even when it's 18 hours like it was this year). They love seeing all their cousins, family and friends. I always feel blessed by the love and relationships we experience when visiting...which overshadows any challenges or stress from the trips.

This year was a little extra challenging. The weeks leading up to the trip were some of the most challenging as I finished up my internship, prepared for Christmas and finished up the last of my huge batch of Christmas sign orders. Then there was traffic, snow and illness. I got really sick Christmas Eve and was in bed for nearly two days. Then Peyton's bronchitis took a turn for the worse and after two nights of no sleep and intense coughing, tucker took her to the ER for a breathing treatment and some steroids. We still managed to have a good time despite these health challenges!

We love being able to stay at Gam & Pa's house. The basement is like having our own apartment. It's a fabulous location. And they make us feel so welcomed and wanted! They put their busy lives on hold for lots of family time, talks and late-night games. We love it and feel so blessed each and every time.

We were able to keep our tradition of New Year's Eve with the Thurstons in Manti! It almost didn't happen because Lexi started throwing up the morning we were loading up to head there, but luckily that was short lived. We know our family friendship with them is a huge blessing and cherish the times we get together. We can laugh and reminisce over 9 years of memories- and plan for many more to come!

Without further ado, here are the cell phone memories. I will gladly copy Jeannine's blog for the other pics because she is so great at capturing the memories!