Eric and Libby + 2: Miller Family Reunion 2013

In the days leading up to our trip to Utah I remembered how excited Eric gets before going on a trip--especially when we are visiting family. On Monday he started forwarding me picture of what Kathy and crew were doing without us and on Tuesday I got a call asking what I thought about flying out early. He did a little research and changed our tickets so we arrived in the early afternoon instead of late in the evening. Claire got a taste of how daddy gets when he's excited because he was teasing and razzing her almost to the point of irritation...

She was a dream on the flight and everybody loved her--what would we do if we didn't have a pretty baby? On our first leg we had an empty seat between us so she could lay down, but even on the full flights it was just fine holding her in our laps. Eric was a champ and took care of all diaper changing duties mid-flight (think about those airplane bathrooms + a babe in arms...). I am one lucky lady.

Claire getting ready for our flight while waiting at the gate.

We had hoped to surprise Kathy with our early arrival but somebody spilled the beans...When we got there Grandma and Grandpa Miller had also just arrived so the party had definitely started.

Thursday we headed to Rockport Reservoir. Grandma and Grandpa had brought up the boat and after getting everyone suited up, packing food, chairs, a canopy, kayaks, and who knows what else, we made our way to the lake. I'd never been there before but it had a lovely beach for the non-boaters (aka Claire and her entourage whoever that might be at the time). It was a perfect day. There were any major sunburns and everyone got a turn on the tube.

Bathing Beauties

The camp on the beach

Perfectly content

Everyone heading out.

Eric and Grandma

Ready to go.

I love this! Curtis is one happy boy.

I think Connor is saying "FASTER Grandpa FASTER!"
Or maybe not.

Kya and Monte

Chloe's a doll even when she's covered in mud.

Grandpa didn't get the memo about going to the lake. But then again, he brought the boat...
Maybe he just didn't want to wear a bathing suit?

This was before Mark snapped them around making Michelle fly into the water.
We thought Chloe was hurt but no, she was screaming because thought the sharks were going to get Michelle.

Aren't they good looking kids?

Driving the boat.

Friday was Connor's Birthday! To celebrate we headed down into Salt Lake to have lunch with Erin, who was in the middle of finals--boo, and then go to the new Natural History Museum of Utah (up by Red Butte Garden). We had tried to go there on another trip because Eric wanted to check out the building but going with Connor was awesome. Whoever was in charge of the design did a wonderful job. It is truly a beautiful space. But I was equally impressed the person in charge of layout and the exhibits. It was awesome and I strongly recommend it to anyone who has littles interested in dinosaurs and the like to go.

Claire's first museum.

And then she went to sleep.

There were caves and bones to dig for and spiders and who knows what else.
It was great.

This is the dinosaur Connor and Chloe thought looked most like Eric.

After the museum we took Connor to a toy story to pick out his birthday prize from me, Claire, and Eric. We walked in prepared to pay a pretty penny. First he wanted a steel safe which would have been a pain to fly home with but after much deliberation Connor decided he wanted marbles--yeah, marbles. When the lady at the counter started suggesting other toys because he might "too small for marbles," it only made him want them more and he would not be swayed (does she not have children?). So instead of spending $30+ we spent $2.99. We threw in a really cool lego keychain as well because we felt pretty cheap, but all in all it was a successful trip.

Next came Costco in preparation for Saturday and a few other errands before heading up the hill. Then the real party started: Mutant Ninja Turtle cake with bright blue frosting, presents, and ice cream. I think it was a good day. We love that Connor!

The Birthday Boy -- turning 6

"I L-O-V-E cake!"

The marbles...and Eric is just laughing cause that's what he wanted and we couldn't ruin his birthday by saying "no, you have to pick a better present..."

All the grandkids-minus Claire-playing with Connor's presents--Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle masks and weapons.

Later that night we got Claire ready for her big day by giving her a bath. This is by far her favorite time of the day. She loves to splash and we think she is going to be a swimmer.

These are other random pictures from our trip. We loved spending time in Park City and can't wait to return for Christmas. Next time we come Claire might be crawling (scary) and Eric will be done with school! Let the countdown has begin...