The Adventures of the Johnson Clan: ~Week 3 of Utah Trip~

In the past few days the boys have each said to me how they feel ready to go home.

At the same time they've said how much fun they're having, so not to take it that they're not enjoying

themselves, or not having a good time; I completely understand, boys.

And it makes me happy to know they've been so happy here,

but that they also love their home so much.

This past week was another busy one,

but it was full of family time,

and the weather was

just perfect!

Roger's Reunion/Wray Family Day:

My mom was in charge of her family reunion, and she did a wonderful job.

She put together a family history scavenger hunt, along with a questionnaire at the end;

it was entertaining, informative, and really gave me great practice using the family history app.

The boys really just enjoyed the water balloon fight with the cousins.

Afterward we drove down south to the small town of Torrey, Utah; population, roughly 200 people. Not many people have every heard of this town, but it's where I spent my summers as a child, helping on my grandma's farm, and getting to run around the red rock mounts of Capital Reef Park,

so it's a very special place to me.

We enjoyed a beautiful hike to a waterfall, gorgeous views as we biked around, a campfire, a short storm/rainbow that followed, watching a deer roam right next to us, and my favorite part: staying up LATE with the boys, snuggled on a hammock, just staring at the stars. I absolutely loved this trip, even when Addie went banshie crazy on our final hike, resulting in her being strapped to me in Avery's carrier, while she thrashed around. And I believe Nala's favorite part was having endless property and another 10yr old pup to run around with, and be porch puppies with.

Grandpa recently had a stroke, so we were grateful to visit
and get a picture with most of his grand/great grand babies

This was the drive home; I had one girl holding one hand, and the

other holding my other hand :)

Grandpa Jeff & Grandma Wendy Day:

Travis was able to sneak in a quick biking trip on a local trail before we met up with my dad, Wendy, and Gma Janet. We played at the newly remodeled Discovery park, then took the girls to nap while they took the boys to see Toy Story 4, bowl, and play in the arcade; spoiled much??

After naps we all made it to the pool then back to the condo for pizza and late night games.

Project Johnson:

We had the opportunity to do some work on the backyard at Travis's parent's house. The kids were able to help in digging/pick axing down the weeds. They helped Travis purchase all the sandbags and pavers. Then they even said goodbye to Grandpa's Chitty Chitty Truck Truck that has served as a hornet filled playground for the boys each time they roll into town!

It was a great experience for us as a family.

Also, because they worked so well, they were rewarded with a trip to the Splash Pads in Provo with my friends: Steffany, Mackenzie, and Marie (w/ their littles).

Then we ended the night with dinner at our cousin's home, and the highlight was DEFINITELY while the kids made posters and performed the "Shark Bro Show" concert! They rocked the house apart!

The next morning we took a family bike ride and then worked on the yard some more before Travis had a long awaited meeting with a Dr. about taking over his practice once our time in Iowa is finished... it has sparked an interesting whirl wind of future thoughts that we now need to consider.

the before and middle pics

Friends!

We were able to have some of our friends up to the condo to swim in the pool, eat pizza, watch a movie, and then play down on the playground before staying up extra late and staring up at the stars; we have been quite into space as of late.

Another day we were able to meet up with our friends from Iowa, who recently moved to Idaho. The moment Addie saw them coming she took off yelling, "Miewee!" (Millie). And Millie and Aspen came running right over to give her BIG hugs. And when it was time to leave, Addie clung to them and cried her little heart out as we drove away!

Then another night we met with them for dinner at Olive Garden and returned the trailer to them. Now it's official. We'll never see them again.

Lol, jk, just had to tease them, if they read this. But it is a little sad to wonder when we might see them again.

Some More Gpa Jeff/Wendy Time:

The boys were once again spoiled with some bowling and arcade time. After naps for the girls we went over for dinner, Aaron's birthday cupcakes (that he insisted he make and decorate this year), and as a surprise my sister's boyfriend brought a delicious ice-cream cake w/ Aaron's name on top; delicious food and wonderful company made for a memorable night!

And then to finish, my sister dropped by after I had the kids in bed, to see the dog, and we all chatted until late.

That night the boys stayed at my dad's and the next morning we dropped the girls off and they had a full day of EXTREME spoilage!! They went to a park where they got to ride a train all over the park; this was Addie's favorite.

Then they went to a baseball themed park and played all around there; Aaron loved this.

Maddix was able to play minecraft during the girls' nap; definitely his favorite.

And Gma Wendy read books to them durning quiet times.

That night they picked up pizza, brought the kids back to the Condo so the girls could go to bed, and when Trav and I returned we found them eating popcorn and snuggled on their laps, watching Snow Buddies... lets' just say they got to bed VERY late the past few nights, but they LOVED every minute of it!

Meanwhile, Travis and I ate lunch, like actually sat in the restaurant, and ate some Cafe Rio. We then took our bikes and rode all over Heber. We just enjoyed riding through neighborhoods we could see ourselves moving to in the future. Our biking adventure ended down at Granny's for a Utah famous Raspberry Shake.

When then cleaned out the trailer, and drove to Murray where we had that dinner and dropped off the trailer to our friends. It was so nice to spend a full day with just Travis.

And it was a bonus to spend it out in the beautiful weather!

Temple Time:

I was able to visit the Provo City Center temple with my Grandmother. We were able to take names for my cousin and I enjoyed getting to spend some time with my Grandma in such a special place.

And today, we made it to Temple square today. The Salt Lake Temple is going to be closed for four years as it undergoes construction, so we took the opportunity to go for a visit!

I was so impressed with Maddix's comprehension, knowledge, and interest

in all the church information as we walked around.

My favorite part was sitting in front of statue of Christ, with all the galaxies painted around Him; the spirit was immensely present in the that moment.