Our May Visitors

Although Gavin and Liam see my parents often over Skype, it's not quite the same as having them here for cuddles! Christmas 2014 we went down to Mexico, and in February 2015 they were up in Utah for a brief visit, but that was the last time we've been together. Liam was only five months in February, and has sure changed in the 15 months since. So this past May my parents came up to Utah for another visit!  It was great to have them here and to celebrate my Mom's birthday with her.

Gavin's Provo River hike with Grandpa Ducky.

Before my parents arrived Gavin showed my dad all his rocks over Skype and was excited for Grandpa Ducky to come with his magnifying glass to teach him more about all his rocks and what kind they were. Gavin wasted no time! The first day they were here Gavin and my dad went for a hike along the Provo river looking for rocks. Gavin became quite the little photographer while my parents were in town. My dad was more trusting than me, and let Gavin take over his camera. They came back from their hike with all sorts of pictures of rocks, birds, flowers, etc. that Gavin had taken, and put together a family home evening lesson about the creation (with an emphasis on different types of rocks)! One morning my parents volunteered in Gavin's kindergarten class. Mrs. Giese asked Ducky to explain to the kids what he does for work, and Gavin was excited to help explain all about rocks to his class with his Grandpa Ducky.

Afternoon Walk

Luckily I only had to work one day while my parents were in town. So while I was at work Gavin, Liam, Nana, and Grandpa Ducky went for a long walk down to a park with a stop along the way for Slurpees. (It didn't occur to them that giving a one-year-old an entire Slurpee was out of the norm - but what would Grandparents if they couldn't spoil grandkids when they visited!) There was more picture taking from Gavin, shoulder rides, and monte-monte caballo rides at the park!

Provo River BBQ

Later during the week we decided to check out where Gavin and Grandpa Ducky went on their hike. We spent the evening roasting hotdogs, throwing rocks in the river, and enjoying some s'mores!

Mom's 60th Birthday

We celebrated my mom's birthday with strawberry short cake topped with 60 candles! For her birthday my mom had asked close family and friends to write six memories each of her. Allison and I were talking one evening and decided it would be special to compile all the memories from everyone into a book. So we finished the book and had it sent to my house so Mom could open it while she was in town for her birthday. It was fun to work on the book with Allison, and to read the memories that everyone shared. And of course there was also a dinner at Zupas Cafe to celebrate as well!

 

 Duck Pond 

I love the duck pond at the Wasatch State Park near where we live. There are so many ducks and geese there to feed, a park to play at, and beautiful scenery to just sit and take in. Apparently they stock the pond with fish, but we have yet to have gone fishing there. Once again Gavin was Mr. Photographer trying to get the perfect shot of the geese!  

There were also trips for milkshakes, games, a visit with my Great-Great Aunt, 

a trip to the Provo City Center Temple, shopping at the Tanger Outlets, fun at the pool, and bedtime stories and cuddles!