Utah...now!

Well, we did it.  We drove to Utah, had a blast and drove back.  This is our trip in no particular order.

The salt flats of Utah.  What a beautiful site and great place for the kids to explore and run around on.  The whole time we were in Utah I just kept thinking, "man this place is so different from California."  I think that every time I visit Utah.
 

 

 

 

The Wedding!  Kirstin and Blake Risenmay were married in the Salt Lake Temple.  It's absolutely magnificent to visit.  It's a vintage temple for sure.  I love the spirit that is felt just walking around on the temple grounds.
 

Kirstin and Blake, Kirstin's mom, dad, sisters and brother.  Her three sisters, Allison, Cassy and Katie are on the right.
 

I love this picture so much!  This is my sister in law and dear friend, Kerri with her younger brother Kraig.  This was taken just after the temple ceremony.
 

Kirstin's sisters and brother.  From the left, Allison, Curtis, Katie and Cassy.  I think my daughters look like these girls.  Lyle is the dad to these kids and I think Lyle and my husband Kirk look the most alike, as brothers.  I think Georgia is a lighter version of Allison, Summer looks like Katie and I think Gwyneth is going to look like Cassy.

 

Kirk's wonderful father, Ken Klippel.


The only brother missing was Kevin Klippel and the brother in law missing was Ken Decker.  Otherwise these are the brothers and brother in laws.
 

My sister in laws who I love so much.  From the left, Kerri, Shauna, Doreen, Susan and Carolyn, mother of the bride. My sister in law Karen Decker was not able to make it.
 

Great shot of the gentlemen.
 

I just wanted a nice reverent picture at the temple, but my husband felt like getting frisky.  :)
 

This is Kirk's parents posterity trying to fit into a picture.  It's not going to happen, especially considering a bunch of family members are missing.
 

On this trip Kirk's niece Amy was so generous to let us stay with their sweet family.  She has four kids of her own, so it was a full house.  We slept in her basement which was perfect.  They have a love bird named Peachy.  She fell in love with Kirk because he's tall.  And he fell in love with her.  Tonight after scriptures he told us he's getting a bird....hahahahaha.  I was cracking up.  But, seriously this bird is awesome.  At night when she's tired she goes up the stairs by herself and gets into her cage and puts herself to sleep.  So cute.  We love Peachy.  And we love Amy and family for having us.  You've got to be brave to house a family of nine. :)
 

The day after we got to Utah we took our four oldest children into downtown Salt Lake where Temple Square is located.   This is the Tabernacle building where conference use to be held.  It's so small compared to the new conference center below.  I can't believe they use to hold conference in the Tabernacle!
 

Here is the new conference center, which is huge and beautiful.  At this point we took Kalen to do baptisms in the Salt Lake Temple.  Kirk's dad took the younger kids on the tour of Temple Square.
 

Grandma Klippel got to play with grand kids other than mine.  This is Summer and Benjamin, Amy's son.
 

Visiting Friends!  These are my dear friends from San Jose.  When I met Kirk and his mom helped me to get a job at a law office, I met and worked with Sandy.  Julie is her daughter and we went to the singles ward together.  Julie is the same!  Yes, you are- still so funny and gracious.  She married Matt Johnson.  Julie's sister Becky was one of my bridesmaids and we missed her on this visit!

I love this family so much.  The best thing about them is the love that they have for one another and the support that they are to each other.  Sandy is one of the most genuine people I've ever met and she is an incredible mother and grandmother.  Thank you for having us over for dinner.  We love you all so much.
 

Julie's daughter Lola.  She is the cutest ever!  And her name is the cutest ever too. :)
 

Sandy's husband BBQ'd hamburgers and hot dogs.  And they made a Texis Sheet Cake and we roasted S'mores.  Yes, everyone needs a variety of desserts.  There is no other way.
 

This pictures is the cutest ever.  They have a big backyard with a fire pit right in the middle of it.  It was great for the kids.

Julie's son Sam in the black shirt, his little sister Lola next to him and my kids. 

More friends!!!  One of the last evenings we were in Utah we made a visit to Andy and Megan Strong's home.  Andy and Kirk grew up together and have stayed great friends.  They have two kids.  One of which is a boy named Finn.  He's below on the right with Will.  Thank you for loving us and havning us over for dinner!  We love you!

The Strong's and my family.  Gwyneth was missing because she got to go watch her cousin Katie do gymnastics.  

Everyday it was go, go, go in Utah.  We drove up and down Utah's one freeway the 15 so many times I lost count.  There was not one minute wasted on this trip.  I feel like we did everything!!! I'm so thankful for Kirk's family.  They are wonderful people and we all had such a great time.  

So long for now Utah!