One of the first stops we made was at 4 corners. I was the only one who had been there, but that was close to 25 years ago. Not much had changed over that time, except there was a decent line to get your picture at the marker. We had to wait about a half an hour for our turn; however, the kids didn't mind the opportunity to get out and stretch their legs.
Although it took a little bit, we finally got out picture
On our adventure to Utah, we also took some fun backroads. Like this particular road went up the side of a mesa. Pretty impressive since most of it was a gravel road.
After 16 hours of driving, we finally made it to our first stop, the bustling metropolis of Boulder, UT.
We were all so happy to finally be out of the car and explore around Grandma and Grandpa's backyard.
The exploration continued into the next day as we joined Grandma and Grandpa and my Aunt and Uncle for the Boulder ward's monthly potluck lunch. While we were waiting to start, Joseph discovered very quickly the joys of running down a grassy hill.
Once Joseph started, it didn't take very long for Maile to join in the fun. She very much wants to be like her her big brother.
Very much wants to be like her big brother...
One of the fun activities we got to do at G&G house was a boat race.
Grandpa supplied the boat and Joseph was very eager to launch in in the creek. He would throw it in the water at the bridge and then yell, "Follow that boat."
We also got to be Grandma's special helper and pick up some items from the "store".
Joseph and Maile also got to discover the deliciousness chocolate covered cinnamon bears.
Joseph also got to take a couple rides on the "motorcycle".
I did mention that Maile wants to be just like her brother, right?
Maile and Grandma had a lot fun together too.
When we first got to Boulder, Joseph started pleading to go fishing. So, we decided to head out to Grandpa Bob's special fishin' hole- Garkane Reservoir.
Joseph was so excited to go fishing; he even helped with putting the worm on the hook.
And whenever Joseph is excited, Maile is bound to be nearby.
In total, we were there for less than 40 minutes and we caught 2 fish. We almost had 2 more, but they spit out the hook before we could reel them in.
Maile even had some fun accessorizing with Grandpa's reel cover.
All in all, we had a very fun visit and made some great memories.
Unfortunately, we had to say our good-byes.
So, time for one last walk with Grandma...
A few more hugs...
One more visit to the creek with Grandpa...
We can't wait to come and visit again.
Our next stop on our road trip took us north to Provo. While we were there, we decided to go visit one of Joseph's favorite museums- The Museum of Ancient Life at Thanksgiving Point. It has dinosaurs...
Sharks...
This place has his name written all over it.
The big highlights of our trip to northern Utah was the visit to Grandma and Grandpa Maxwell. We were able to meet up with them several times- Joseph really enjoyed their grandfather clock. He would count the chimes and thought it was the coolest thing.
The kids also had a lot of fun going to the park with Grandpa Maxwell. Seriously, how of do you get to swing with your great-grandpa.
Another fun part of northern Utah was the visit from Jodie's brother and his family. They decided to drive up from Vegas and spend the weekend hanging out.
We had a lot of fun playing with our cousins.
Just peas in a pod.
We tried to take a family picture. It turned out fairly well, only Maile wasn't look.
A siblings picture was much easier to manage.
When she wakes up, this little girl's hair is too funny. It can get crazy wild.
Can you tell these two boys are related?
The boys also had a pretty cool squirt gun fight with Uncle Shaun.
Joseph also got some time to hang out in the sun with Uncle Chad.
We also had a fun surprise visit from Auntie Tina and Uncle Brian; our paths just barely crossed for a couple days.
On our way out of town, we got to stop off at Uncle Chad's latest project. He's overseeing the landscaping at the new Provo City Center Temple.
The last stop on our trip was to visit Grandpa and Grandma at Lake Powell.
Maile got to show off her accessorizing skills even more.
We also got to spend some time exploring Antelope Canyon. It was amazing walking down the slot canyon.
We also got to take another cousin picture. In one trip, Joseph and Maile got to see all their cousin's on both sides of their family.
Sadly, our little adventure had to come to an end. All in all, we had a great time visiting family and friends. The biggest downside of being in Texas is being so far away from everyone; we can't wait to see y'all again soon.
These last few pictures some of the random ones from the rest of our summer. Maile just recently turned 18 months and her personality is shinning brightly. She has some really good fashion too.
She loves to wear mommy's necklaces too.
She has even managed to convince Joseph to help her put on the necklaces too.
Joseph has even found some unique ways to accessorize too.
Maile decided to be my helper last week while I mowed the lawn. She refused to help me until I gave her my hat. Then she was perfectly content to help me.
Maile's desire to be like her brother has now spread to wanting to wear his clothes. So, she found some of his sock in the laundry and a pair of shorts and started to get dressed. We'll see how much longer this lasts...
