October trip to Utah

I am not lying when I say that September and October are a little bit of a blur for me. Typically fall is one of my favorite times of year with the leaves, the smells, and the crisp (but not cold) air. This year I think I missed it. I am just now noticing that many of my neighbors trees don't have any leaves on them and I'm wondering why I have so much summer clothing in my closet when really I need sweats and knee socks. (Eric would say that is slightly dramatic but he's not the one writing, is he? :))

It's been busy busy multiplied by my not feeling really great and trying to keep up with my students and life. Crazy. But we're making it.

After Mark and Kathy came we made our own trek to Utah. What started as a whim about visiting Eric's grandparents' cabin in the Palisades turned into a chance to see a lot of our Utah people.


We arrived just in time to take Grandma out for her 88th birthday. She was all dolled up and waiting for us to pull up so she could hop in the car. She didn't even want to open her presents--which had a picture of Baby Miller. We made her wait and open her presents first like any normal person would.

As expected, she wanted to go to Carrabba's for her birthday lunch. We were lucky to have Nat and Peter and Hazel go with us. Peter wanted to ride in the truck with Eric so we loaded him into the middle of the front bench. Super fun.

After lunch (which we very sneakily had to pay for behind Grandma's back) we took her home cause we had worn her out. After that we went over to Rex and Nat's to visit and go to Henry's last football game. Lucy and Peter played for us and then we headed to the football field. Everyone is growing up! It's exciting but I hate it all at the same time. 

There's Henry with his fancy footwork.

One thing we discovered while at the football game was that I am going to be a very aggressive/vocal soccer mom. I might have to work on what is appropriate to yell. (Apparently "Pull his flag" and "get him get him get him" delivered in just the right tone of voice can be a little over the top...whoops.)

On Friday we headed down to Salt Lake again for a much needed haircut and an even more needed visit to Brenda, Lorin, and their babies. What darlings they are! It was fun to drive out to Saratoga Springs and see how much things are always changing. After visiting there we met up with some of Eric's friends from the architecture program at the U. When we got back up to Park City, Erin and Grandma and Grandpa Miller had arrived for the weekend.  

Saturday and Sunday were filled with General Conference, good food, and good fun. It amazes me how relaxing and how rejuvenating it is to have a mellow day or two with family. We played cards, painted nails, went over to the outlets, and really just took it easy. I really felt (feel) like a bum because as soon as we told everyone I was expecting all duties were removed from my shoulders. I believe at one point someone offered to carry my purse up the stairs (maybe they noticed that at 6000 feet above sea level I was huffing and puffing)...oh dear. 

Prior to the start of the last session of conference we had to pack up the cars though and go our separate ways. Eager to get home prior to messy traffic, Erin and her carload had to pack it up and head south and we were also packing up to head to the cabin. As we listened to conference in the truck it reminded me of all the times when I was little we went to the cabin in Cedar and listened to the prophets' voices. I loved it. 

The drive was beautiful and it was great to be greeted by Grandma and Grandpa Pedersen. First thing was  tour of the cabin. Grandma was quick to point out all the things her dad built and what had been there for how long. She definitely loves that place. We had dinner and built a roaring fire and then play some high-stakes hand and foot. Of course, the prize being our ultrasound picture, Eric and I won. Go figure. We gave them the prize anyway. 

Monday we leisurely got up, shot some bb guns (I did not shoot....cause I'm a wuss) and headed into Jackson by way of the notorious square ice cream joint. We bummed around Jackson for a while, grabbed some dinner and I believe I crashed. I love love being in the mountains and forget how much I miss them! 

 

Tuesday was closing up day. Since the cabin is not winterized it has to be closed up for the winter which involved boarding up the windows, turning off the water/electricity, covering up the furniture, and locking up. 

Eric's new favorite toy. I think there might be one in our future. 

All boarded up. 

By until next year! We headed home and had then had to think about packing up because we were flying back to Boston the next morning.

Where did all our time go?! It goes so fast. Next time we might have to stay for longer.