Utah Road Trip

My baby sister, Lillie, was graduating from BYU Utah and because she was getting married a week later, we couldn't afford plane tickets for both events, so we chose the latter event. I was at my parent's house for a visit and was reading her graduation letter from BYU and spoke out loud, "I want to see her graduate!" Then my mom said, "You should come with us". I thought they were flying, but she told me they were driving instead. We asked our husbands and they agreed to allow me and the kids tag along for a road trip to Utah. We also made it clear to keep it a secret from Lillie so she could be surprised. We left at 5:45am on a Friday and as we were pulling out of the driveway, Isaac started screaming. We all thought we were in for a long, horrible trip. But he fell asleep within minutes, and didn't scream like that again. Aleena and Isaac did really well on the long drive. I packed books, snacks, food, ipod and toys. They loved having me and Tutu sitting back there entertaining them. We stopped quite a few times on the way there which got us to Provo in 12 HOURS!! The trip back had two stops and we made it back in 10 hours. At one of our stops to Provo, my dad kind of spilled the beans and was trying to cover up his mistake while he was on the phone with Lillie. It worked, and she was as confused as ever, but extremely surprised to see the kids and me. We got to attend her endowment session (the kids and I supporting from outside the temple, I needed a babysitter), her Open House, and her graduation. In between we got to visit with relatives and a childhood friend. We had a great time. Thanks to mom and dad and everyone else who put up with me and my two crazy kids.

Our second stop, St. George, UT gas station. Aleena got a treat for being so good, M&M's and in the back seat she said, "Candy is my best friend." We laughed so hard.



Isaac playing in the tunnel at Cousin Bill's house.

Kaylee and Shirsten Jones listening to "grandpa" tell stories. They called him grandpa. It was so cute. They'd ask, "Where's grandpa?" when my dad would sneak off to find a quiet room, which was never for long.

Kael Jones. He could eat a whole dozen of cookies. No wonder, because his dad makes awesome chocolate chip cookies too!

Spending the day with my dear friend, Adri Reeve, and her three little boys. We went Salt Lake City to the Planetarium and then across the street to The Children's Discovery Center. They are the most well behaved little guys ever!! So cute and fun! Adri's an amazing mom and so inspirational.

All kids but one passed out on the drive home.

Trying to get a group shot with our crew.

My cousin Bill and his family with my family.

Salt Lake temple. I love this temple. It's so magnificent.

Aleena loved watching as each bride came out of the temple for pictures. There were at least six brides that we saw!

Another bride. She thought they looked like princesses and she wanted to get married there.

A group shot after Lillie came out.

Lillie and Long dressed up and waiting to go to the graduation ceremony.

Aleena fixing Papa's hair before the ceremony.

The kids and I dressed up for Lillie's graduation.

Lillie receiving her diploma. She finished a B.S. degree in mathematics within three years!! Amazing.