Utah, Here I Come!

Our trip to Utah, especially the plane ride, had been a much-talked about topic for Aaron. He had told us over and over again how HE would be piloting the plane, "Utah, here I come!" he planned to shout from the cockpit. The trip was a huge success. Aaron did an amazing job on the plane both ways. This was his third trip via plane, but surely his first memorable one. In the Portland airport he pioneered every escalator and moving walkway. He rolled the carry-on bag most of the way until he finally proclaimed, "I'm tired of this!" and we had to take over. Our first couple of days were spent getting settled and visiting Heidi, Matt, and Mia while Leland was out with Andrew, Allen and Dave. We also went to Liberty Park and lunch with Grandma Loretta. Aaron went down every slide. Even the very tall ones that made me nervous.

Mia and Aaron were delightful together. After 2 and a 1/2 play dates it was clear these two should really live in the same state. Time to move, Heidi and Matt!! :)

Sunday evening we headed to Uncle Kevin and Aunt Beth's house in Hooper. We saw Anna and her new baby brother, Charlie.

Grandma May was there.

And Grandpa Bob.

We met Uncle Allen's daughter, Cousin Brylee.

And Uncle Andrew's daughter, Cousin Ashlynn.

Somehow Kevin, Beth and Charlie managed to escape photos. Hmmm...

On Monday the three of us went to Discovery Gateway, a children's museum that is new to the area since we left Utah. Aaron was in his element for sure. He turned knobs and cranked levers.

Mowed.

Vaccuumed.

Rode a horse. Okay---this isn't his element I suppose. But he did it. :)

One of Aaron's favorite things about Utah is that you can pump your own gas. He knew exactly what to do.

He did a bit of shopping---but mostly just for apples, which he is always wanting me to buy MORE of at the store. I'm constantly having to convince him that we have ENOUGH apples. As it turned out "enough" when Aaron is in charge of the cart is precisely one cart-full.

The Life Flight helicopter on the terrace was a big hit.

He even tried to play with the big boys upstairs.

But what he loved most, I would guess, was the water play area. He pumped the pump no less than 100 times.

Later that day we headed to Aunt Jennifer and Uncle Cody's house in Clearfield. There were a lot of people, but Aaron made fast friends with Cousin Ryan (who he insisted upon calling Uncle Ryan---at this point everyone was an Uncle, male or female) over some chips.

Aunt Jennifer came through with the refill.

We saw Grandpa Lee and Uncle Allen and Cousin Brylee.

There's Uncle Cody!

GREAT Uncle Eric and GREAT Aunt Lisa were there with Cousin Jessica.

Uncle Andrew was there too.

Cousin Ryan gave Aaron a model motorcycle to take home, which made his night. And his morning. And his trip!

We also saw Zach, Angela, Desiree, Anne, and Erica, but they escaped my camera. :)

On Tuesday we headed home. Both airports had convenient play spaces we used while waiting to board.

By this point Aaron was an old pro at the flying thing. So much so that he fell asleep during landing and slept through the airport, through baggage claim, and all the way home to Independence.

On Thursday we found out he had double ear infections. We appreciate him conveniently saving that problem until after we were home. Good work, Aaron!

Thank you Utah friends and family for making time to see us. We enjoyed visiting you all.