Utah

After our trip to Chile, we were home less than a week before flying to Utah for Merinda's graduation. Once again we had a great time spending time with friends and family, attending Merinda's graduation, helping her get settled into her new life, and seeing our grandson Finley!

It was very hot while we were in Utah, so a pool-day at Melanie's house was the perfect way to get out of the heat, plus it was super fun catching up with my sister's Melanie and Sasha, while watching their girl's Aspen and Ari play in the pool with Abby, Melanie's dog.

The next day my childhood friend Deb invited me for frozen yogurt (just like the good old days) and arranged for another good friend of ours meet us there. It was such a fun surprise! I hadn't seen Becky in years! We all talked for hours, walking down memory lane and catching up on each other's lives.

The surprises didn't end there! We went to a Thai restaurant for dinner where my good friend from high school, Diana, was sitting at a table waiting for us! I had re-connected with Diana my last trip to Utah, and it was so fun to see her again. I felt like I was on that old-time tv show called This is Your Life, it was all so delightfully unexpected! I sure appreciate Deb and Diana arranging dinner, and for all of my besties taking time out of their busy schedules to spend time with me. I sure love all of these ladies, and hope we are friends for another 50 years!

Visiting my Dad's gravesite in the Lindon City cemetery.

During our time in Utah we stayed with Mom, like we usually do, and she was once again the best host ever! Despite her busy work schedule, getting ready to go on a trip with her sister, and dealing with family and car issues, she still made us feel right at home with great meals, and perfect accommodations. Thanks Mom!🩷

We also appreciate my brother Matt, and his wife Brei, taking time out of their very busy schedule to spend time with us. We met them for dinner at a sushi restaurant and then dessert at Handel's ice cream. The food was great but the company even better, it was great catching up with them, and on their exciting lives!

We also stopped in Riverton this time around, to visit Brad's Aunt Janell and Uncle John. We also visited with their daughter Jenny and her husband Jon, who were also visiting. It was good to see that they (and all of their children and grandchildren) are doing great!

The day before we found out Brad's sister Becky and family were in Utah for a wedding so we stopped by their AirB&B in West Jordon. It was fun catching up Becky and Sean, and their daughter Katelyn and husband Jarred.

Brad had fun driving his imaginary motorcycle around with Aiden, son of Becky & Sean's other daughter Blakely (who was at the temple taking pictures with her husband and wedding party).

And last, but not least, we loved spending time with Brittney, Sean, and our grandson Finley! It wasn't easy sneaking in some quality time between work schedules, illnesses, graduation etc. but we were able to spend enough time for Finley to hopefully get to know us again...

Finley trying to find Brad's facial hair since his Dad and other Grandpa have lots of it!

Getting used to Grandpa...

Playing patty-cake...

Mimi (me, cause I'm too young to be a "grandma") feeding Finn his bottle before bed.

Finley getting to know his aunt Merinda!

And more fun with Grandpa playing ball,

Watching Ms. Rachel together,

And playing the jumping game!

And who knew that just watching Finley eat an apricot could be so entertaining!

Some fun milestones were celebrated during our trip, the graduation of our youngest from college, and the 30th birthday of our oldest! Brad and I decorated Brittney's front door the morning of her birthday...

And celebrated with cake & ice cream and card. I wish we could have done more but at least Sean came through, giving her a special gift worthy of turning 30 years old!

All too soon it was time to say goodbye, but I wanted to get one last picture with Finley before we left. Unfortunately it was nap time, so this is the best we could do...

Idaho

Speaking of old friends, Brad and I were able to visit with another of my life-long friend's Pam! We enjoyed eating lunch with her (on her lunch break) in Idaho Falls, and catching up on her life. It's always a great time when talking with Pam!

Grandpa Manwaring stayed with us in our AirB&B, and the first night we ate dinner at one of Merinda's favorite restaurant's in Rexburg, Cupbop.

For dessert we grabbed some frozen yogurt at Kiwi Loco...

And officially met Merinda's friend's Parker, Nathaniel, and Parker

The next day, before Merinda's graduation, we ate lunch at The Hickory (one of our favorite restaurants in Rexburg). Merinda's had many cousins, on the Manwaring side, attend BYU-I with her, and these are the ones that were staying until school starts up again in the Fall. From right to left it's Grandpa Manwaring, Merinda, me, Eva, Brad, Braxton, Braxton's wife Jesselynn, Bailey and Bailey's fiancé Kaleb. It was fun to see them all again and meet their significant others.

After lunch we took pictures of Merinda around campus...

Merinda with a couple of her classmates

The graduates and staff

Merinda on the big screen

Merinda receiving her diploma,

And alumni pin

It was a nice graduation, my only complaint was how badly they pronounced Merinda's name, especially her last name, which I would think would be a no-brainer when the student center (Manwaring Center) shares the same name! We are so proud of Merinda, and excited for her to start this next wonderful chapter in her life!