Utah or bust!

We headed out on our 2200-mile trek west only two days after returning from North Carolina (a 700 mile trip itself). The trusty Volvo was tuned up and topped off with a cargo unit, and packed full with mtw, mdw, eaw, and the puppies. The road trip out was awesome, save for a few stitches in Laramie, WY.* Eaw is quite the traveler, amusing himself with books, cell phones, music, naps, and snacks. He had about a two hour maximum in the car before needing to stretch his little legs, and the dogs were on the same schedule so it all worked out. He really only got truly frustrated around nap time. We took the northern route out on 1-80, dividing the three days of driving into a 12 hour stint, taking us into Council Bluffs, IA; followed by a 10 hour shift into Laramie, WY, and then a 5 hour ride into the city of Salt. It was awesome to watch the terrain shift and eventually rise. I started sobbing in Wyoming once we saw mountains and red rock. I am aware of how much place and landscape can affect me, and have longed for the mountains.

*Odin got too near to Samantha while feeding them dinner (mdw’s fault) and Samantha let Odin know how she felt about that. Fortunately, our hotel was walking distance to an emergency vet who sewed Odin up right away. Unfortunately, it happened to be Odin’s birthday. All are healing well thanks to the mountain air…

We arrived to my parent’s (who were in Alaska) beautiful home in Emigration Canyon. It was nice to have a few days as our little family, but it was really great when Grandma and Grandpa returned. eaw clearly remembered them, and enjoyed their doting and attention.

We stayed for three weeks in order to spread out the visits and activities, but the time was action packed, and flew by. I was able to participate in a week-long workshop with one of my mentors from graduate school. It was truly amazing, rejuvenating, and a good release for me. The remainder of the time was spent with family, friends, and nature. We were able to celebrate Grandma Durham’s birthday with her, Grandpa Meaders, and the Tolks – which is no small miracle as mom is usually out of town on her birthday. Mfd and I made the banana cake in the shape of a hear, receiving rave reviews for our efforts. Grandpa Durham took some time off from work and shared time with us at the Capitol, Temple Square, the zoo, and Tracey Aviary. We learned that eaw loves loves loves birds, and took him to two free flying bird shows. He was delighted to see the birds flying overhead, and continues to point out birds everywhere. He continues to love trains, and I had a blast taking him on the Hogle Zoo train, although I swear it was a much longer ride when I was a kid:)

Grandpa Meaders broke bread with us often, sharing a meal at Red Lobster, a family meal at the Meaders (where eaw met is cousin Paige - they really hit it off), a meal at the Church Office Building (where you get your ice cream free if you guess it’s correct price by weight), and a meal in Park City (where we met up with our North Carolina friends, the Crumplers).



The Tolks were very busy, but we were able to sneak in some time with them at their house, playing Wii and blowing up water balloons for one of jwdt’s primary activities. We also shared time with the Tolks at their cousin’s house, but unfortunately missed the performance at the end of the evening. eaw and his cousin shared a few laughs and squeals (both of delight and dread) at the water fountains at Gateway.

We also spent time with friends, reconnecting with the Woodruffs, the Sowerbys, and the Erikssons. We went swimming at the Sowerby's pool, amazed at the view and embrace by the mountains; and enjoyed the company of their 5 year old daughter who is so good with eaw. The Sowerby’s later joined us for an overnight at the cabin and we enjoyed ourselves thoroughly, including a walk around mirror lake, an encounter with a family of deer, and a very heated game of Scrabble. We felt much love from and felt much love for our family and friends in Utah. Maybe a future move is possible…

Thanks to mom and dad for the incredible generosity and hospitality in letting us stay with you. We so loved being with family and friends in such a beautiful place. We decided to take the southern route home along I-70 to prolong the stunning scenery. The drive back was uneventful, except for the breathtaking landscape, an amazing lightning storm in Kansas, and the longest final 30 miles ever.

We are safely home in Columbus. Thanks for the memories!