What I love about Utah {Part Two}

We recently got back from an entire month long stay in Utah. 

You can read about the first part of our vacation here.  The first part of the month we spent at my parents home, and then we moved over to Jonathan’s parents house for the second half of the month.  I think it is important that the kids get an opportunity to stay with both sets of grandparents.  While we were staying with Jonathan’s parents, Jonathan was able to do a little research about his future practice.  He was very busy with interviews, golfing with friends, and taking me to our favorite Utah restaurants.(Utah food is the best)

At the end of our stay, we got together with Jonathan’s entire family.  Jonathan has four sisters.  That makes for a total of 19 grandkids. 

They are not all pictured here.  We went to one of my favorite places in the whole state.  It is a little town up Provo canyon, not far from Park City.  Heber, is one of those towns that automatically makes you feel at home.

We rented a home there for two nights, and enjoyed being together; all 32 of us.  Let’s just say it was a really big house.

The grandkids didn’t waste any time getting reacquainted.  I loved seeing the smile on our kids faces as they ran around together. 

They also had fun making anything they could think of out of tinfoil and pipe cleaners. This was a very creative idea.  I am definitely going to do this with my kids again.  Their works of art were even judged and awarded.  Local art judges; grandma and grandpa.

The following day was spent out on Deer Creek Reservoir.  Our brother in law was able to bring his boat out.  The kids took turns going out, and riding on the gigantic tube.  I was so proud of our older two for trying it out.

 

I was even more proud when Jex decided to knee board.  He did awesome.  It was one of those moments that I wish I had my camera.  It didn’t take me long to be grateful that I didn’t.  Really expensive camera and open water, equals panic attack for me.  Even thinking about it made me sick to my stomach.  So you will just have to picture my awesome nine year old knee boarding behind the boat; grinning from ear to ear.

The day spent out on the water just happened to be Stella’s birthday.  We had a big family celebration that evening.  I have lots of great pictures.  I will share more about it in my next post. 

It was so nice to just hang out as a family.  I enjoy it so much because I feel like I get to know all those awesome kids a little bit more.  We are the only family that lives away so we have missed parts of them growing up.  This little get together was a really special one.  It has been several years since we have all been together. 

This year the oldest grandson will go on a mission for our church.  Nic will serve for two years.  The next grandson will be gone on his mission before Nic gets home.  It may be a long time before we are all together again.  Times are changing for the Swenson family.  I am sure this was a very special weekend for Jonathan’s parents.  How wonderful it is to have your whole family under one roof. 

My mother in law has this scripture hanging on her wall in her home: 

“I have no greater joy then to hear that my children walk in truth.” 3 John 1:4. 

All five of their children are wonderful people.  They married good people, and have great kids.  What a blessing, and a testament to the kind of parents they are.

The last day of our stay in Utah, Jex was able to go on a four wheeler excursion with his Grandpa Jerald.  Jex enjoyed every minute of his time with his grandpa.

I love the smile on Jerald’s face.  You can tell he is so excited to spend the day with his grandson.

Thanks Swenson family for planning the reunion around our stay.  We are really grateful we could be there.  It was wonderful to spend time with all of you.

Stay tuned for Stella’s birthday post.