our trip to Utah

The main reason I wanted to take my kids to Utah is because I wanted them to see and experience all the great memories I have from my childhood. I got concerned when my Grandma H. said a few months ago that she was going to sell her land to developers. She lives on about 5 acres and they have horses, etc. My stomach sunk at the idea that my children wouldn't get a chance to really know that place. To love it like I did as a child. I wanted to document it photographically as well as show the kids all the things I love about it. My granparents and their homes are filled with memories for me. The horses, the knick knacks, the cousins, the mountains. Utah is a beautiful place in the summertime!


I wanted to put lots of picts up for my grandparents and extended family to all see...and so it begins the beginning of my travel log. I've resorted to collages to make it easier for me, and thus have the trip also ready to print as a scrapbook page.

We begin with airplane shots and the kids acting crazy all crammed together in our rental car. They were so excited to go to Utah to see the mountains and whatever else was in store. I wanted to take them to a place that I visited every summer growing up. I love Utah in the summertime. I lived in the state for 2 years of college and thats it. I don't think I'd want to live there with my family, but I do love to visit. My grandparents are all there as well as most of my extended family. We had a very packed full week, and had so much fun together as a little family of 5.

This first collage depicts the kids rolling in the soft Utah grass. I told them it was a must and I walked barefoot when the opportunity presented itself. The grass is SO soft there. One memory of my childhood.

My little brother, Kirk also finished his two year mission in Boise Idaho. We decided to surprise him when we met him and my parents up at my grandparents home. He had never met Alyssa--he left a few weeks before she was born. It was so much fun to see him again and have the boys play.



We've never been to a cemetary on Memorial Day. We've never been near one with anyone we knew on Memorial Day. In Utah, it is tradition. It was nice to go and see all the flags and flowers. Two loved ones are in this cemetary. I've visited the cemetary various other times. My dad's dad is there. And my older sister. Grandpa died a few years ago. Ruth Rebecca died as a newborn before I was born. It was a great experience to talk to Tyler and Matthew about cemetaries and about our loved ones. They are very receptive to sacred things.