Utah Dreamin'

I left to Utah on Friday at 11am. I didn't leave early because I didn't start packing until that morning. Thursday was spent hangin' out with Aaron and Dave n' Katie. I surprisingly wasn't sad to leave California. I don't think it hit me that I was leaving. I remember when I left Utah on my way to Texas I thought I would cry the whole way there; but I was just fine. Once in Utah, feeling the 50 degree air, I got very giddy. I think I even whooped and hollered in my car... yeah, I'm pretty sure I did.

It's so scenic.

I wasn't in the mood for any of the cd's I had out for the road and I finally gave up and used my ipod. Apparently one can be ticketed for this but I was confident my long hair was a great cover.

My mom was jumping up and down when I came through the door. She missed me. =) The last time I lived under my mom's roof was for one semester in 2003 and before that, high school. So, it was weird to move my clothes into a dresser I had as a little girl. I'm even sleeping in the same bed I did when I was a little kid.

But I have loved every second of being here. Usually coming back home to Utah gives me anxiety but I've felt peaceful and calm since I've been here. OH, HOW I LOVE IT! I have determined that being laid off was a huge blessing because I would have never made the decision to quit my job and come home otherwise, especially considering the circumstances. I love being around my nieces, siblings, and mom. Saturday night we went to "Wee Witches Weekend" at Gardener Village in West Jordan.

From Left to Right: Mom, Malia (niece), Me,

Whitney (sister-in-law), Chloe (niece), and Christina (sister)

Wee Witch Chloe

Wee Witch Malia

They had a dance stage for the little tikes. Malia went crazy!!!

Sunday we enjoyed conference and a delicious dinner followed by apple crunch. Then the Barricks came and engaged us in a rousing game of Clue afterward. It was Mr. Green, in the Lounge, with Wrench. I didn't figure it out. Tim did.

This afternoon I took Bucky (Ryan's beagle) to hike the Y. I love that hike. Of course I was quite breathless the whole way. I can't believe I used to run this mountain. It won't be long and I'll be back down to 18 minutes up.

I took a picture of Bucky at the top.

Then he took a picture of me. (I had to help him, of course.)

And this is the group shot.

(He wouldn't look at the camera, too impressed by Provo below)

And the best thing about being home, is FHE with my family (and not at a YSA branch). Ryan taught the lesson tonight. And for the activity, I taught him how to patch his pants.

He was very excited to learn.

No surprise, he caught on VERY quickly.

Turns out we have more in common than just ugly thumbs.