It's always fun going home to Utah to catch up with family and friends! This visit was extra special because we got to attend two baby blessings and Temple endowment!

Brad sister Beth and her whole family. Zane, their youngest, then Jenny who just returned from a mission to Arkansas, the proud parents Kaleb, Bailey, Beth's daughter, and their baby that was blessed, Ellie, Beth and her husband Jake, next to them is their oldest Josh and his girlfriend.

Bailey and Kaleb are actually living in Brad's Aunt JaNell (Brad's mom's sister) and Uncle John's basement in Riverton, while Kaleb does a summer internship in the area. Thus, the baby was blessed in Aunt Janell and Uncle John's ward at church.

Brad and me sneaking in for a picture.

After the blessing, Kaleb's parents put on a nice little luncheon for those attending the blessing.

Jake, the proud Grandpa! This is Beth and Jake's first grandchild!

Brad, Beth and kids

The next baby blessing we attended was for Rex & Veronica's grand daughter Isabel. Christina Holt and her husband George just bought a home in Eagle Mountain, which is super close to Brittney and Sean's house in Lehi, so we decided to crash that party as well!

Brad holding Gus while catching up with Christina's brother Austin and his wife Whitney.

Brittney catching up with Veronica's brother Danny.

Veronica, Whitney, and Rex's sister-in-law, preparing lunch for those who attended the blessing.

Rex & Veronica also fly to Utah on a regular basis to see their kids and Veronica's brother, to visit Rex's brother and family, and to drive to Canada to visit the rest of Rex's family.

Finn and Gus enjoying the lunch!

Christina visiting with Finn.

We are so glad we got the opportunity to go to Isabel's blessing! It was so fun seeing Christina again, and seeing her adorable baby in real-life!

The next neat experience was attending my nephew Bode's endowment in the Orem Temple. This is a pic of the Orem Temple and of Mom as she's walking into the Temple.

After the Temple session we met Matt & Brei, Bode, and Tage and his girlfriend Celest, at Chubby's restaurant, a chain which incidentally is owned by Brie's brothers! Mom was also there and we had a very nice visit with everyone.

So back to Brad's side of the family once again, Brad's sister's Becky and Kim, drove all the way from Burley and Preston Idaho to visit Brad and Brittney and fam!

We were so touched that they would make that long journey for an afternoon visit, what awesome sisters Brad has!

I always love getting in some good mountain time and hiking with my friend Deb!

I love Deb! We've been friend since we were little kids, and even though we don't see each other much, it's always fun to catch up when I'm back in town!

A random Christmas tree next to the trail!

So fun to hear all about Deb's eventful life...and boy she's been through it, but she still manages a smile and positive outlook on life!

And of course, my other trail and mountain buddy Sasha! Unfortunately she was on a cruise during our Timp hike, but we still went on some nice trails around her new home in Highland! Sasha always keeps things honest simple, and real, and I sure love her for that!

Beautiful waterfall in Highland Park!

Here we are at her daughter Rachelle's house crashing her and Brittney's little play group!

Little Gwen giving Gus a kiss!

We also invited my friend Diana over for Taco Truck food and a good catch-up thearapy session. Always so fun to see Diana...she's still that sweet kind person I knew in HS, even with all the trials life has thrown at her!

Brad and I spent half of our trip at Mom's house, which is always so nice and comfortable! Mom really is the best hostess!

Small world moment (I just love these!): while Brad, Mom and I were eating dinner one night at Feast Buffet in Orem, we bumped into our good friend Natalie, who used to live in Kentucky years ago! Natalie's twin sister is Nicole Charles, another very good friend of ours who lives in Kentucky!

Speaking of the Feast Buffet, after our lovely dinner there, we topped off the evening with Handel's ice cream!

The last thing on our list was to visit and decorate Dad's gravesite!

It's always nice visiting the Lindon cemetary, and basking in the peacefulness and good memories of it all!