Utah

{Warning: Picture Overload}
I love going to Utah. It reminds me of my childhood. When I was a little girl, we would spend at least a week (sometimes more) of our summers at my Grandpa & Grandma Taylor's house. This year my Grandpa turned 80 years old so we were excited to be there, celebrate with him, spend time with family and enjoy the "cooler" weather (even though it was still in the 90s, it was still 20 degrees cooler than we're used to! We'll take it!)

We were able to stay with Justin's cousins, Jared & Allyson since we had so many family members in town for my Grandpa's festivities. We had lots of fun with them! Thanks so much you guys!

One of our first days up there, some of the adults (including Justin & some of my cousins) went on the Mount Timpanagos Hike. I was supposed to go too but Breezy spiked a fever the night before and I didn't want to leave her. She turned out to be fine the next day so we took a drive up the American Fork canyon with all the little kiddos. They loved playing in the stream & throwing rocks into the water. 

Love this boy:

My sis Kristin, her hubby Tim & their daughter Corinne:

Allyson & her son Brigham:


My cute parents:


Gunn showing me his "Guns"


Here's the gang:


I have to clarify this next picture. In my family we have a few traditions. One of them is IBC rootbeer. Whenever we go to Grandpa's house, it is known that IBC will be stocked in the fridge. My kids carried on this tradition during this trip and they loved it! So, even though we don't really "drink" it was fun to take a picture of my kids (& their cousin) drinking their "beers!"


Another tradition that I remember as a kid was this tree. As soon as we'd arrive at Grandpa's house we'd rush outside to climb this tree, build ant farms around it or have picnics underneath its shady branches. Gunner wanted to climb it too. I didn't realize how high he got until I backed up to take his picture. Crazy kid!


Good thing he was wearing a red shirt so I could spot him!


One of the nights we spent with Jared & Allyson, they bought a ton of sparklers and the kids had so much fun setting them off & watching them spray colors everywhere. We desert rats don't get too see many sparklers or fireworks so upclose & personal so this was a real treat. Breezy loved the sparklers.


Gunn & Brigham. Cute cousins.


The next day was Grandpa's big celebration of him turning 80. We took a bus tour around American Fork as a walk through memory lane. We visited his house where he grew up, where he worked as a young boy, saw the place where he & my Grandma met, saw the gravestones of his family heritage and also got to hear him read about his life story. He has an amazing memory and I felt so thankful to be apart of such an amazing legacy.

Grandpa & Grandma Taylor:

This was my Grandpa's house he grew up in as a boy. The people that live there now were outside doing yardwork and even invited us in for a tour. So nice!


This was the gravestone of my Great Great Great Great Grandfather. (Mom, Grandpa, Aunt Jill & Aunt Jane)


My fam:


After the bus tour we relaxed a bit before the big party started. There were lots of people that came to celebrate my Grandpa's birthday.


LeeAnn (Mom's cousin's wife) made these cute bows for Breezy's hair. Simply love these!


For the party, my siblings & cousins surprised my Grandpa by singing him a song that he has loved ever since he was very young. It was a nice surprise and even brought tears to his eyes. Aw, sweet. :)



We had a great time being with family & celebrating my Grandpa. He is a great man. Happy 80th Birthday Grandpa! We love you!