Westward Ho!

About a month ago our family got the opportunity to go back West to visit family (and Bill went to Portland for a conference for work).  We spent a week each in Idaho and Utah and had a fabulous time.  Some of the highlights - in my opinion - included:

-Celebrating our 9th wedding anniversary in the same city we were married in.  It was so wonderful to do sealings at the Idaho Falls temple and then have lunch at Johnny Carino's, where we had our wedding luncheon. 
-Seeing TONS of family members, most of whom had not met yet. 
-Going to Yellowstone National Park for a day, which is one of the places we went on our honeymoon.
-Spending quality time with my younger sister watching movies, taking the kids on excursions, and eating more than I should have.
-Laughing and reminiscing with old friends.
-Laughing with Bill as we searched for a specific store in Idaho that sells square ice cream that we were determined to try.
-Unexpectedly making friends with fellow tourists at Old Faithful while Kayla throws a tantrum and attempts to escape.
-Spending an hour alone driving in the car with Bill after picking him up from his conference.

We did tons of other fun things that would take me forever to list.  Needless to say it was a wonderful vacation, despite the long drive and occasionally cranky children (and parents sometimes).  A big thank you to Bill's parents and my mom and sister for letting us stay with them, to grandparents and great-grandparents for babysitting our children numerous times, and all the other wonderful people who made our trip memorable.  We hope to be back soon!

Now for the picture overload :)

Will and Kayla at the beginning of our 2 day car ride

Kids on the observation deck of a fossil museum.  Rest stops were frequent on this trip.

Bill was very happy to be home

Square ice cream.  So good!

Yellowstone pictures

Where Mommy and Sarah spent the majority of the trip.

FINALLY learning to ride a two-wheeler.  He picked it up super fast.

Kayla and Aunt Jill

The lighting is horrible on this, but if you can see on his tie, Bill earned the recent Thomas S. Monson scouting award while we were visiting his parents.

July 10, 2013 - Happy Anniversary Honey!

Grandma Melodie reading a bedtime story

Hanging out at Grandma Melodie's house

Sisters

Will, Kayla and Ella enjoying at picnic at Grandma Phyllis's house

Hogle Zoo pictures

 Hanging out at the splash pad with Auntie Erika