Last week I drove up to Utah to hang out with family for the week. That Friday night Nick's parents flew home from their mission where they served in Kazakhstan. It was so great to see them again! Nick had school that week but flew in just after they did. It was a fun filled weekend with lots of family we haven't seen for a while. I so wish I remembered to get pictures with them! My parents just got their mission call to serve, and will be leaving to Toulouse, France just after Thanksgiving. They are so excited. It's the same area my dad served in when he was young. But that's not it, they are also flying to Singapore tomorrow to pick up my little brother Danny from his mission! I can't wait to see him again! Another trip to Utah is in the works.

Back to this last trip. Since it was just me and the kids for the 6 hour car ride, I broke it up with a stop halfway in Cedar City for lunch and a park break.

I was so excited I heard about this cool park, and found it. It was an amazing fortress to explore. But the best part, for me, was the weather. We went from 100 degrees in the desert city to a cool 78.

The kids loved it!

Before we left, we even spent some time rolling around in the cool green grass. So much green grass. Can you tell we've been deprived? It was heavenly. And the kids were so great the whole drive, that was the only stop we had to make! The new dvd player and dollar store surprises I wrapped up were a big help, too.

My parents live on an acre in Draper, most of which is covered in grass, trees, orchard, garden or chickens. So it is paradise for the little ones. Teslyn couldn't get enough of this swing every single day.

We have lots of pictures of Owen in this swing at the same age, so I had to get some of Teslyn.

Ikea is super close, so of course we made a trip there.

And the kids had to try out all the fun beds.

Silly little girl.

We intended to make a trip up to the Kennecott Copper Mine, but my kids were getting a little fussy and I didn't want to deal with them on the shuttle bus, so we detoured home through Day Break and saw the new Oquirrh Mountain Temple. We stopped to play by the little lake. This is an attempt to get a rare picture with my kids. No cooperation.

That Saturday I got up early to go run in the Draper Days 5k. I was excited about this run. I ran it almost every summer since I was 14 while I lived there. So nostalgic. Since I was alone and didn't have the camera, here is a picture from 2007 when I pushed Owen in the jogging stroller. He used to be my running buddy. We won first place in the stroller division, which doesn't say much.

I do think I am in much better shape now. I was very surprised with my result and the way I pushed myself. I finished in 25:28, which is pretty close to my high school time. 4th place in my age division, which doesn't say much either.

Draper Days has been a fun tradition, and the parade route goes past the end of the street my parents live on. Draper was a great little town to grow up in, that has now grown into quite a city, but has managed to keep a sense of community. Someday we hope to find our own little community to raise our family in. Somewhere Draper-like.

The kids were impressed with the parade. Teslyn especially loved the horses.

I love the loud marching bands, police and fire truck sirens.

Owen got some cool stuff, and pockets full of taffy.

It was a great week and a much needed break from our desert home in the big city.

I let the kids play with some little fireworks one day. The kind where you pull the string and it shoots confetti. Super fun, but a big mess.

Until next time, Utah!! We'll be back soon.