Utah Trip 2009

It seems like vacations are much too short and go by way too quickly, at least that's how we felt about our recent trip to Utah to visit our families. The preparations in regards to Parker's care were daunting and we almost gave up a few times, but we finally worked everything out and we were all able to go--something we honestly didn't think would be possible for Parker. We are so grateful it all fell into place and we were able to enjoy some time away from our normal life and visit with our families, some of whom we haven't seen for over 3 years!

We stayed the first half of our trip with Grandma and Grandpa Romney. While we were with them we were able to attend the Oquirrh Mountain Temple open house, which was a very neat experience--it is a beautiful temple. Later that day, we rode Trax downtown and walked around Temple Square a little bit and then had dinner with all of Jason's sisters, their spouses, Nanny, and Grandma and Grandpa Romney--the WHOLE family together for a little more than an hour! On Thursday morning, we went to the Children's Museum at the Gateway which the kids loved and then that night we were able to see Nanny play her harmonica. On Friday, we spent the day at Amy and Joe's house where we played the Wii, went to Cabbella's, and had a BBQ. On Saturday, we spent the day at Mindy and Chris' house in bountiful. We ate more delicious food and then Kelsey and Connor went swimming with Carrie, Mindy, and Chris. Jason spent the majority of his time fixing the televisions and sound systems at each house we went to. The kids loved playing with Lizzy and Xander (dogs), and I loved being able to take a break from most of my regular responsibilities!!!

We stayed with Grandma and Grandpa Wardle for the second half of our trip. While we were with them we went to the Living Planet Aquarium. It was very cool--the octopus, jelly fish and sharks were our favorite things to watch. On Tuesday we met Brad's family at the bowling alley. Kelsey got the highest score of the kids. Then we all went swimming at the pool in Grandma and Grandpa's neighborhood. Kelsey, Connor, and Parker really enjoyed spending time with some of their cousins. Later that night, Jason and I got to go on a date (the first in several months...) to see Harry Potter. On Wednesday night we had a family party. It was wonderful to see and visit with everyone! On Thursday Grandma and Grandpa took Kelsey and Connor fishing (they didn't catch anything) and then we went swimming again. After that, Jason and I were able to go to the temple, a rare opportunity for us. That night (our last evening in Utah) we had dinner with both of our parents. On Friday, after packing up to go home, we went to lunch with Grandma and Grandpa Wardle, Grandma Romney, Nanny, and Aunt Wendy. Once again, Jason spent most of his time fixing Grandpa's television and sound system--I think he actually enjoyed doing all that technical stuff. The kids loved running around and playing with their cousins, and we all enjoyed playing "Corn Hole" in Grandma and Grandpa's basement, a game they learned and brought back from Ohio.

Parker amazed us all--he tolerated the trip just fine and only needed oxygen a little bit during the day and on the airplane. Although it was A LOT of work to organize everything to meet his medical needs, it was worth it. 

Above all, our favorite part of our trip was spending so much time with our families! It is so hard to live so far away--spending this time with all of them was wonderful. We love you all so much and miss you already! We are so grateful we were able to visit and sincerely hope it's not another 4 years before we head back again...