Monday, March 09, 2009

Our Weekend



































































This was a fun weekend for us. We headed up Friday morning to Draper for the open house at the temple. We met up with my sister Julia and my mom and dad. It was neat to be able to share the inside of the temple with the boys - Gabe especially (since he understands more). The boys were a bit cranky, but I'm still glad we made the effort to go. Then we went and visited with Grandma Marilyn - the girls did anyway, the boys stayed at the hotel and swam at the pool.
Saturday we swam at the hotel pool to start the day. Then we visited with grandparents some more - heading to see my Grandma and Grandpa Whisler and visiting for a while. I love making connections - like when Grandma got out a pack of goldfish crackers to share with the boys. When I was a little girl (their ages) I'd always have fish crackers at their house (which by the way - they have lived in that house since the year I was born - which Gabe wanted to know). Fun to see my boys enjoying some of the same toys and now the same treats.

After time there we headed to lunch at Paradise Bakery (YUM!) and on to visit with Grandma Marilyn. I love to see the boys with her. Both of them were great at sharing their loves with her - Hunter especially - he seemed to connect with her even more than normal. He kept trying to get up on her lap and things - very cute.

When we finished up at Grandma's we were off for our "surprise" - which didn't end up being much of a surprise to the boys (later Gabe said, "I know what we're doing - we're going to Grandma Tammy's and we're going to see my cousins, Grandma, Grandpa, and Uncle Coby. I know that's what we're doing because Papa already told me!"). It was my mother-in-law's birthday on Sunday and so we headed up to Logan to spend a few hours with her and some other family. Ashley, Spencer and their kids had already surprised them the night before (from Washington) - and Grandma wasn't planning on us coming. It was so fun to surprise her!

Every trip we spend with our families (for such short amounts of times) - I wish we could live closer to family. I hate how short our trips are, and that our family members never get to just see US - in the way that we are in 'real-life'. They see us after hours in the car, living out of a suitcase, no naps, not eating on a regular schedule - they always see us grumpier and more high-strung than we usually are. I wish they'd get to see us on a normal afternoon, after naps, lunch, and clean laundry.

We love you all, and loved seeing those that we got to see. If we didn't get to see you - we're sorry about that, we love you. Our trips are always totally rushed and jam packed.

8 comments:

MaryRuth said...

I'm glad you had such a fun trip! I understand your pain! I hate living so far from family... and the trips are always too short!

Brian & Charlotte Carper said...

Thanks for the great encouraging card. I needed it today. I loved Gabe's writing. I can so clearly see his "G". Reminds me so much of Blake.

Sounds like you had a great weekend. Exhausting, but great to see everyone. LOVE YOU, Charlotte

Anonymous said...

Thanks so much for sharing your terrific family with me.Its such a joy to interact with them. Loved the way Hunter snuggled and hugged me more and Gabe was so adorable and huggable too. Thanks I loved the treats and locked them up. Ha! Ha!I have a room mate that shares everything I get. One thing the whole family agrees on we wish we could share more time with each other.Let us all be thankful for the good times we do get to share!!!!Love Grandma Marilyn

Sandra said...

Joanna, Thanks so much for posting the photos, and for doing it so quickly. It really means a lot to see pix of my folks in between being able to go to SLC myself. . .

Love you much, Sandra

Ashley Mullen said...

Joanna, it was fun seeing you guys thise weekend, even though it was a quick trip. Family is so precious, and we will take whatever time we get. I will tell you again, don't be so hard on yourself. You guys were so much fun this weekend. WE love you guys.

Laura said...

Looks like you had so much fun, We miss you tons,
L

Kim and Tammy said...

All I can say is that you guys are all so amazing! Loved the pictures and everyone's effort. I hope the kids all had fun. Love you!

Rachel Clare said...

Cute pictures! YOu look great!