We started our trip off at Wade and Kati's house. As always, we loved hanging out with you guys. I can't think of anyone else we'd rather stay up with until 2:00 am talking, just to be woken up by our kids at 6 am! Oh, well, might as well start the day off early for more chatting time! Thanks for some yummy meals, guys.
We also went and visited Bella's birthfamily. (Not pictured). They are an amazing group of people and it is so awesome to see her getting to know her "extended family."
After Roosevelt, we headed to Mapelton to visit with Blaine's sister, Shalynn.
Bella and Michael had fun catching butterflies.
Jessica and Ez hanging out together. I loved how social Jess was being...reaching out to touch Ez, giggling, and playing with her toys. She has a powerful spirit.
Then, we were off to The Pie Pizzeria. (Last time I mentioned The Pie on my blog, they actually commented...let's see what happens this time...)
We met Raul, Blaine's good friend from high school, his wife, Nicky, and their adorable little girl, Olivia, for some grub pizza.
My good friend and old roommate, Kristi, also met us there. It was great to catch up. Kristi and I met at the Jerusalem Center and she and I backpacked through Turkey, Greece, and Bulgaria together on our way home from our semester abroad. We had some CRAZY experiences together getting into a bus accident in Bulgaria, hitchhiking back to Greece, dodging flashers in Athens, and I could go on and on. Oh, to be young and adventurous (or stupid?) again!
Well, this is where it all began...right here at the Pie, a little pizza joint near the U of U campus. Just about 8 years ago, Blaine and I met at the Pie for a blind date, set up by our good friends, Jon and Jami. Just look what they started!
Still there...Our names penned in white out on the Pie's wall. Graffiti, dark lighting, and loud music...all part of the Pie's charm.
The next day, we finally made it to IKEA. Now that is a whole other post to be written at a later date. Suffice it to say that I am a fan...
Then, we met Jen and her little girl, Grace, at Cafe Rio (yum) and then on to Gateway where they have a great children's Discovery area to play in. If Grace would have sat still for more than half a second, I could have caught a better picture, but alas, she had things to do and places to be and no time for trivial things such as pictures! Grace is a real cutie and keeps Jen, who is prego again, running. And, since our kids were pulling us in different directions, Jen and I didn't get any pictures together. Just like Kristi, I met Jen at the Jersualem Center 12 years ago and we were also roommates for a few years after our missions. Nutella on the Sea of Galilea brought us together and roommates at BYU and the U of U, missions to Spanish speaking countries, MSW programs, and a great friendship has kept us together.
That evening, we went to Ezra's birthfather's parent's home for a BBQ and to meet the whole family. (Not pictured). We felt so comfortable with them all, just like visiting with old friends. Once again, we feel so blessed to have WONDERFUL birthfamilies and to know that our children have so many people who love them and want the best for them.
Before driving home Wednesday evening, we fit in a boating trip with Naomi and her husband and her two adorable boys. Naomi was one of my very best friends in high school. I love how no matter how much time passes with out us seeing or talking to each other, we just pick right up where we last left off. I have the best memories of cruising around in a VW bus, hanging out with her in her room all of the time because she was always grounded, chasing after boys, EFY, and embarrassing and unfortunate moments involving serious wardrobe malfunctions. Love ya, Naomi!
Blaine busting a move.
We wish we had more time to visit longer and to see some of you that we missed. Maybe next year...
8 comments:
Ez is soooo cute. I think kids grow up even faster in blogs than in real life.
Hey we were in Utah too. There is always so much to do and so many people to see. Invariably someone gets missed. Looks like you had a great time.
I've loved all your new pictures. I hope you guys had tons of fun. I never visit half the people I'd like to when I go visit. Mostly I just stick to family...there is too much. I too have heard some pretty good things about Bella's birth family...well actually just about one aunt...very good and amazing things.
So though I loved all the pictures, mostly you just made me hungry for pizza.
Thanks for that :)
It was so great to see you, although only for a short time. Hey, I will take what I get. Hopefully it won't be too long between visits. It was fun to see your kiddos (and finally meet your little man -- he is darling). Gracie hasn't stopped talking about her new friends Bella, Ez and Tirsa (sorry Blaine, for some reason your name just didn't stick). Take care, and I'm glad you made it home safe.
(Aaron posting) You went to IKEA and didn't drive the extra 2 miles west to see us?!?!?! I see how it is. (J/K!)
Very cool to see pics of Wade and Kati, along with Raul. I haven't seen any of them for years. Glad to know they're all alive and well.
The PIE rocks! We ate at the one by the U on Christmas Eve with my family. It was a lot of fun. They have one in South Jordan now, so we don't have to drive as far. They compare with Santino's and Pizza Chief from back home in VTA. Good eats!
Hope to see you guys on your next trip to UT!
I cant believe how old Ez is looking all of a sudden!! Looks like you guys had lots of fun! I love reading stories of your past!
Oh...how I miss the Pie.
I have never been to the PIE but that is super cool that your names are still there!! Looks like a fun trip.
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