Day 6: Las Vegas Bound

Early this morning, we left our girls in Utah, and began our journey to Las Vegas.  A section of our trip I knew would be an adventure in more ways than one; staying in a high class resort (along the strip); a getaway without a diaper to change or a child to entertain; exploring a city in which I have never been; having my own agenda and plan for each day (or none at all); going out with Cameron and not needing to find a sitter, etc. 

The drive was pretty uneventful, pretty brown, pretty dry, pretty barren....you get the point.  There were a few incredible rock formations, this being one.

 We stopped in St. George to visit the Temple grounds and snap a few pictures.  It is in this temple where my Paternal grandparents, Bob and Jean Burton, were sealed to my Dad. We were making  better time than we had planned so we stopped by Paradise Bakery for a bite to eat.  Once again, another yummy bakery.  I think I am just a sucker for various breads and cheeses.   

Temple Square

Salt Lake Temple

 On our way back "home" from Brigham City we made a quick stop at Temple Square and paid a visit to the Church History Museum to check out a temporary children's exhibit.  Cambri has watched a video online about the exhibit and was just tickled that she was visiting that very place.  The girls and I dressed up in vibrant, Hispanic-style, dresses and learned two dances through video instruction....oh to be a kid again and not have any care in the world.  I sure miss the stress free, happy-go-lucky kind of days!

 

 

 

 

Assembly Hall

Mormon Tabernacle

It'll make you CRAZY!

After a few short days of riding in the car. 

 I can only imagine how it will be by the end of our trip.

Day 5: Temple Open House

Our timing of our trip couldn't have been more perfect.  We were fortunate enough to be in Utah while the Brigham City Temple Open House was going on.  We have been to a few others with our children but this year, with the girls being older, Ella and Cambri had a greater understanding of the significance and sacredness of temples.  They could recognize the spirit that was present and enjoy the breathtaking beauty both inside and out.  It was a wonderful thing to experience with our little family for it is through covenants made in the temple that families can be together forever, becoming an eternal family. 

Following the Open House we stopped at the Old Grist Mill Bakery for lunch.  If you are ever up in that area this is an eatery I would highly recommend.  YUM!

Family Fun

For dinner, on Labor Day, Cameron's siblings and their families joined us for an outdoor BBQ.  Everyone was able to attend which meant our girls had plenty of play buddies. 

Between stomp rockets,

 "wiggle" cars,

and the usual exploring of Grandma and Grandpa's backyard, the kids were entertained for hours. 

In an attempt to remember how quickly all of the children are growing, I tried to snap a picture of each of them.  A few were hard to track down so there are a few faces missing.

CJ

 

 

 

Kaitlyn

Abbie

Maggie (side note: this is not the usual, I asked her to look for a picture and this is what I got :) )

Emelie

Brinley

Cambri

Ashleigh

Keegan

Parker

 We sure LOVED spending time with each of you!  Thanks for the fun memories!

Day 4: Labor Day in Utah

With no definite plans until dinner time we took the opportunity to drive our girls around the Salt Lake and Utah Valleys to visit the temples and to stop by a few of our favorite places in Provo--each requiring the consumption of food.

Jordan River Temple

 

Oquirrh Mountain Temple

We take what we can get!

Draper Temple

Both Cameron and I were snapping photos.  He must have caught the ones with the kids.

Mount Timpanogos Temple

Provo Temple

(Cameron has the picture with kids)

Provo City Center Temple 

(in the making)

We stopped at

  for lunch,  for frozen custard, 

HEATH cyclone is by far our favorite

and the BYU creamery for ice cream (to go).  We decided it would be best to share its goodness with Cameron's family at the Labor Day cook-out.

Day 3: Extended Family

    Sunday was a very relaxing day.  You know, the usual, church, naps, and family time.  In fact our naps were so long that we were unable to visit Temple Square.  We were hoping to squeeze that in before a family get together that evening.
    After we enjoyed a delicious dinner with Cameron's parents and Brittany, the extended Burgon family began to show up for the monthly FHE.  For years the Burgons have had a tradition of meeting each Fast Sunday for a shared FHE with grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, brothers, sisters, etc.  There was quite a turnout.  All of Cameron's siblings along with their families were in attendance as well as Cameron's grandma; two of his aunts and uncles; a cousin; a cousin and her spouse; and a cousin, her spouse, and their 6 kids which include a set of twins AND a set of triplets (all 5 and under).  The weather cooperated so we were able to enjoy being outside for the lesson and refreshments which meant plenty of room for all!  It was a wonderful end to a wonderful day.

Day 2: Boise to Midvale

 By the time we arrived in Boise, it was dark and we were too tired to stop for a picture at the temple so that was where we started off our days journey.

Boise Temple

  From there we continued on to Twin Falls, Idaho where we saw yet another temple.

After we snapped a few shots, we caught a couple going into the temple and asked if they knew of any nearby parks where we could picnic.  I am glad we did because it was BEAUTIFUL.
It was right along side the river,

 

(look closely, those tiny cars are where the park/parking was)

had views of a waterfall and golf course,

 

and had swings....

one for Cambri,

one for Ella,

   

and one for Kaitlyn.

Due to Kaitlyn's swing malfunction she ended up with the best swing partner and the best swing pusher in all of Twin Falls.  What a lucky girl!

 After enjoying a lunch by the river and having a swarm of unexpected guests (flies) we continued on to Utah with one last stop before completing our travels for the day....

the Bountiful Temple

As Cameron and I stood arranging the girls, a passerby, who was just out for a walk, offered to take a picture of all of us.  What a thoughtful woman!  It is pictures like these that are priceless.

 We were now just a short drive away from Cameron's parents.  As we pulled up, Cameron's mother, Sue; sister, Brittany; and niece, Emelie were anxiously awaiting our arrival.  Within about an hour Cameron's other siblings, Cory, MeLynn, and Kristi arrived with their families for a BBQ.  It was wonderful to be reunited with family after a year of being apart.  Family is so precious!