Family Visit to Utah

My entire family came out to Utah for the first time together and for some the first time ever. We always find it a real treat when people to us, it's fun to show off where you live and see people so dear as family. Everyone made it for Eden's baptism on Sunday August 9th, which was super special to us.

Baptism at New Song PCA

I know there are plenty of mixed thoughts and opinions about infant baptism out there. But I love that it is our acknowledgement of our own sins and need of Jesus' sacrifice on the cross and a promise to teach Eden of this, for she too needs Jesus. I also love that it's our church family publicly promising to help us raise her in fear and love of God. My prayer for Eden is that she may never know a day apart from God's love. It's super scary being a parent. So many ways it seems you could "ruin" your child or  set them up for failure. I am thankful Eden ultimately belongs to Lord of all creation who loves her more than we ever could and will be her song and salvation. When I remember this, it eases my fears and anxieties. God is always bigger than our failures. Even our parenting failures.

The whole family after church
We are really THE WORST at remembering to take pictures. Someone really needs to get on that.

I will need to put Eden back in the dress her Susu (Davis's mom) provided for her baptism. In all the hullabaloo, we failed to get a good one of her in the dress and us as a family.

Aunt SaySay with the cousins

Eden has a cousin that is four months older. Isabel lives in Virginia, with the rest of my siblings, but they are going to be best friends growing up. It's exciting to have girl cousins so close in age.

Wild Utah babe already a ski expert

Daniel shredding it after taking a
few tips from Eden

Family hike to Lake Solitude

Grizz with his grandbabies.
Isabel is done and Eden is trying
to comfort.

sweet husband and baby in a hat

We rented a condo in Park City for a few days since our house is a tad small for everyone. We had a nice time just relaxing, hiking, eating, and checking out a few sites around Park City. Two wee ones made getting out a little more tricky.

 

 

 

Guardsmans Pass- beautiful Utah scenery

Us and the moose behind us at Cecret Lake

Grammie and Aunt Saysay (off to the side checking out the moose)

Ingrid got some love too

My brothers and their families had to head out early but my parents and sister stayed the whole week. We continued our hiking, eating, and hanging out. It was really great having them here. I really wish Virginia was a lot closer. Hopefully it won't be too long before we see them again!

there are things that have happened

I dropped my mom off at the airport yesterday. It was so sad to see her go. I had someone to explore and enjoy the new place with while Davis worked. Having mom around was just good for the soul too. It's been a week and there are things that have happened! This will probably be long but I'll try to include pictures galore.

We spent a lot of time walking around the part of SLC near our house. Ingrid enjoyed mom's visit because she got a lot of time to explore and sniff. I love walking and exploring and this probably came from my mom.

We checked out Liberty Park, which became a favorite. We returned several other times. The old Brigham Young farm house and barn are still on the premise. His house is quite nice with a huge porch, fairly southern looking if you ask me.

The pond at the park.

central walk way. it will be very lovely with leaves!

During the weekend, we took Davis down to the park minus Ingrid. We explored the Tracy Aviary, a bird zoo essentially. I can't wait to take my sister there. She loves birds. Just kidding. She is terrified of them :)

Birds! I think these were from Argentina...

Davis and I at the pond, very fitting a bird would be in the picture this day.

Mom and I also made the trek out to Antelope Island in the Salt Lake. We hiked a bit in rocky terrain, saw a few buffaloes/birds/jack rabbits, and were eaten by tiny black flies. It was barren and beautiful. But we would like to know when the flies are gone for going back!

mom on the island :)

views are lovely from the island. it was just a tad hazy that day.

beautiful landscape. flies, you sure were a downer.

Our backyard has three little garden beds. This feature was very important to Davis and me. While mom was visiting, we turned the soil, added a little compost, and planted the cold crops. It was quite warm and sunny this weekend, making it tempting to plant everything. Glad we didn't though, this morning was in the 30s again.

Ingrid intensely studying the art of seed planting.
It looks like this could be a Normal Rockwell painting.

During all the fun, I also went to a job interview. I feel very at peace about the job search, whether I get the job or not. It is nice to not be in a hurry. While I was leaving for the interview, I received a call saying that I was one of their top candidates for the first job and they wanted my references. We shall see!

We visited the Red Butte Botanical Gardens. Most of the plants were yet to be in full bloom but it was still beautiful. The views were amazing! Plus there was this awesome kids area, I wanted to come back and play in it when it's covered with leaves again.

flowers and foothills

enjoying the sunshine... terrible light angle for the picture

Mountains to the west.

There are many trails in the foothills/mountains. Several start from the botanical gardens so you could essentially explore for hours and hours and never see the same thing twice.

We visited a newer museum called The Leonardo. No, there is nothing made by Leonardo but it is all inspired by his love of art and science. Most things there are hands on, great for kids or Davis :) We were hoping to see the mummy exhibit too but another day!

 Davis made some stop animation at the Leonardo

Inside the city public library

park in between the library and the leonardo

The Leonardo is in the old library building. We stopped inside the new one, "library of the year 2006", for coffee. It is a pretty cool building even though I am usually not a fan of modern architecture.

Park City is about a 20-30 minute drive from SLC. Mom wanted to see the Olympic site at Park City. So we made a quick trip into the Wasatch. We had a lot of fun exploring the Ski and Olympic museum.

Giant buffalo head from olympic ceremony

davis did a little skiing.

mom did too.

 They have great form in their matching ski suits!

We still need to get him some sunglasses...

It was super windy outside although not very cold.  We saw were you can pay a lot of money and learn to ski jump. I guess you learn by landing in a pool first.

baby jumps into the pool

mom and I at olympic park

 Also, we took mom to Temple Square and City Creek Mall. The grounds are beautiful with flowers everywhere. On Thursday, you can listen to the Mormon Tabernacle Choir practice. So we stopped in for a bit. Apparently it is a popular activity. Their organ is incredible, one of the best in the world supposedly.

Looks like the inside of an egg with the ceiling.

Over all, it was good for my heart to have my mom here. I did not feel so disconnected from people to have a companion all day. Tonight we are going to a small group, hopefully some friendships in the making. On Sunday, our friends back in Fort Collins welcomed their baby girl into the world. Lucy Jane Angert finally arrived. I may hold a small grudge against her for waiting until we moved to come. I am so happy for Morgan and Lauren but sad to miss this huge occasion. Now we have to plan a trip back!

I suppose I should get to painting. The red room has been primed and now it must be painted!

and those are the happenings!