go west baby girl!

So, here was our trip...in a big nutshell!!


Let's pack our bags for Utah....how exciting!!



This is how most of Miss M's flight was spent...in the sling...sleeping...what a great girl! She was an amazing traveller! On every flight everyone was impressed and entertained by her...we are so blessed!!



She also did so well being driven all around the state to see all of our family and friends! What a champ!



Matilda just loved Aunt Grace...they were hair twins!



Aunt Grace (D's paternal aunt), Matilda, and Grandpa Mike (D's paternal gpa)



Matilda playing her spoons for Aunt Linda (she also loved shaking her hand!)...



...and entertaining Grandpa Wes (D's maternal gpa)!!



First tractor ride at Grandpa Wes'...this was all Dad's idea...farming runs in the family!





First pony ride...Grandma has 4 pony's and 2 horses and Matilda thought they were great and really funny! She really wished her cousins could have been there...they would have loved it! Maybe next time!!



We went to visit Aunt Amelia for Memorial Day. It was such a beautiful day full of memories.





Grandma got out the retro playpen and all the throw-back toys for Matilda to play with...she loved it all!!



Daddy tried to throw her to the crab's at McGrath's...



...but luckily Grandma saved her and they had fun playing together for hours every day!





And most every day we would wisk her off to some corner of Utah to visit friends...



..like Carter...



...and Elsa (and Jade)...some of our greatest friends from London.



We got to check in on the Romero's, our friends from NJ, and make sure they were settled in Utah, and convince Linda and Richie (two of my early morning Seminary kids from NJ...so awesome!!) to go to a YSA ward...so fun!!



And catch up with my Pocket Crew from Utah State!! It is so fun to be together as old roomies and friends and enjoy each other just as much as we did back then! Also...nifty camera action from Caleb, who is 3, a future photo guy!!



Plus, you always have to visit your Mom when you go home...well, Utah Mom, that is!! Karen is so amazing and loves us so much! We take joy in seeing her each time we touch down in SLC!!



And last, but not least...we managed to squeeze in a trip to Temple Square!

It was such a beautiful sun-shiny day. The Assembly Hall, SLC Temple, and the grounds were so beautiful...and such a warm peaceful feeling is always present as you walk around...I love it!! I am so thankful for our faith and for my family!


Assembly Hall



Salt Lake City Temple



Dad and Matilda enjoying the flowers.



Mum and Matilda enjoying the day.



A family forever!



We did it...who can believe we completed our first airplane trip!! I think we need a treat!! Vanilla Frozen Yogurt was on my list! We found a yummy place in the Chicago Airport during our layover, and boy...



...did she love it!!



I think I may have created a MONSTER!! Plus, we even treated ourselves to Fiji water...so yummy...my fave!



And all of this ellicited the very first words!! UH-OH!! Who can believe it??? She totally said it when she dropped the bottle of water she was playing with. A woman who was sitting across from us even commented on how she couldn't believe that Miss M could talk already...who knew??? I just had to take this pic of her to document how cute she was after saying her first words...and meaning them!!



All in all...a wonderful trip! We loved it all and can't wait to see everyone again! But, don't let that stop you from visiting anytime!!

and a big PS....Matilda won't stop talking now....UH-OH!!!