A Whirlwind Weekend

Ty's youngest brother, Chase, got married the end of October in Salt Lake City.  We were grateful we could go to share in such a special day with him.  We headed to Utah on Friday and enjoyed a little time with my oldest brother, Travis, and his family in Lehi.  It was so good to see them - our visits are never long enough.  We then headed back up to SL to check into our hotel and spend the night out on the town. :)

 

 

That night we ate out at the Cheesecake Factory with Ty's family.  I had never eaten there before - it was yummy and their cheesecake (which is my favorite dessert) is to die for - mmm.  Afterwards, we took the kids to an inside playgym to burn off some of their energy.  They were having so much fun playing with their cousins.  This was the first they'd all been together in more than two years I think.

Vanna and Sicaly were connected at the hip that night.  She was delighted with her new little playmate.

Ty and his older brother Trevor - in charge of the babies. :)

We also took a walk through Salt Lake's outdoor mall.  Ooo, it's a good thing we didn't have a lot of time or I'm sure I could have found a way to spend some serious money at all those lovely stores!  Throughout the mall there's fountains and water displays with fish in them - the kids couldn't get enough!

 

 

The next day was Chase's big day - October 27th.  We all got ready and headed over to the temple to enjoy Chase and Brooke's wedding ceremony.  The sealer did a beautiful job and gave them such wonderful advice for a happy marriage.  It was a good reminder of what's important and the things we should hold dear and work on in our marriages to make them a success.  And as I was sitting there listening to his wisdom, I looked around and made a mental note not to never forget that moment because I imagine that heaven will be much like it was there in that room that day.  The Spirit was very strong, Ty's parents and grandma and each of Ty's siblings and spouses were in attendance, along with many of their relatives.  And I thought: it isn't everyone's blessing to have their whole family be worthy and able to attend your wedding.  I'm sure it meant a lot to Chase and Brooke that so many could share in such a special day for them.

 

After the ceremony, we took the kids outside to wait for the newlyweds to exit the temple.  On their own they all starting playing Ring Around The Rosie.  It was absolutely darling seeing all these little girls and boys, all dressed up, twirling around in a big circle.

 

 It was a beautiful day, not only because of the occasion but the weather was unusally perfect.  This time of year, you never know what you might run into in SL but it was warm and sunny with no wind - the beautiful couple couldn't have asked for a more perfect day.

A picture of our side of the family!

 

Later that night there was a reception in Salem where Brooke is from.  It was decorated uniquely and beautifully. 

 

We were fortunate not to have to stand in line so we all sat together and simply enjoyed catching up with one another.  The kids simply enjoyed playing with one another.  Well...all except for this one...

 

Cash got a hold of his Uncle Zak's cell phone and played Angry Birds and didn't move from this spot until the phone died (about 2 hours).  We don't have cell phones or Angry Birds so apparently the kid is deprived and would rather play it than play with all his cousins.  Crazy!  It sure made keeping track of him easy though.

This is what the girls found.  They were just in heaven - big fancy dresses, new pretty hairbows, magical wands, and a beautiful carriage to play in - not to mention all the cookies and sweets they devoured at the reception. 

After a long and full day, we made our way back to SL to catch some zzzz.  The following day, we made our way to Temple Square to walk through the Visitor's Center and for a tour of the Conference Center.
 

 

 

It was a whirlwind trip (a lot piled into three days) but a beautiful and wonderful one as well.  We look forward to all getting together again soon as we'll be spending Thanksgiving with Ty's family as well.