Wednesday, July 18th- This morning we drove up to Sandy and met Kim and her beautiful girls at the aquarium.
It felt fantastic to see all of them again. The aquarium is a very cool place and just got otters!
After the aquarium the kids and I drove to Smithfield to see Grandma and Grandpa Damstedt! When we were getting close to their house Bruce stared counting down from 10-1, he was so excited. We found them out in the back yard and the kids were SUPER excited to see them, tell them everything at once, and show them everything at once- whew good thing I told them we were staying a few days so they could slow down.
Thursday- We spent the day hanging out at playgrounds, splashing in the river,
playing games and watching movies. I love vacation! Bruce and Jane also learned how to play "Killer Bunnies."
playing games and watching movies. I love vacation! Bruce and Jane also learned how to play "Killer Bunnies."
The kids were also happy to continue their bedtime tradition of eating vanilla ice cream with chocolate sprinkles.
Friday- Bruce loves games and we played a lot of them. I'm not sure how many rounds of Harry Potter Uno & Killer Bunnies we all played, but it was a lot.
Grandpa was teaching everyone how to cast a fishing pole.
We played outside, sat in the swing, read books, and relaxes in the sun- it was great. I went running for the first time in Utah this morning and I forgot how my lungs have to adapt to the elevation. It was great to run and look at the mountains again.
(This is how I found Bruce when I got back from running.)
We left around 4:00 so we could drive to Highland for my niece "Bubs" birthday party. The party was at Kim's sister's home and my kids were in heaven with her tennis court, trampoline, lego sets, and American Girl Doll room. James got bit by a wasp and didn't like that too much- it was a fun fun party. That night we slept at D & T's again (Maddy was nice to come to the party with us too.)
Saturday- In Utah on the 24th of July they celebrate Pioneer Day.
Since the day was soon approaching I thought it would be fun to take the kids to "This is the Place Monument" in Salt Lake City. 
It was really fun. They had a train that took you to different stops all over the village. We rode horses, did crafts, panned for gold, pet pigs, watched Native American dancing, toured homes and cabins, and even saw a cannon be shot off. It was a lot better than I remembered.
Sunday- We went to church with D&T. My sister Melissa had flown in with her sweet family the night before and so she met us at church too. I loved giving her a BIG hug. (I'm getting a little teary) I miss my sisters. I talk to them a lot every week, but I only get to see them and hug them once a year. We try to spend as much time together while we have it during the summer. This was the only day when most of my family could be together. We had a delicious dinner and took pictures.
My parents and silly grand kids
My siblings:
Me 
My sister Joanna and my dad
Maddy, Emma, and Andy playing "Vegetable."
One picture of BBQ..
Melissa and I
My brother Derik and his beautiful girl.
We took pictures of the cousins in years they were born: 2003-
2005-
2007-
2009-
We also got to take the RV on lots of rides:
I had all the kids write their names on this postcard to send to the 2 cousins who weren't there:
Monday- Grandma and Grandpa Damstedt drove down to NSL to pick up Jane and Bruce and take them to "Grandma Camp!" They were going to go with 2 cousins that flew in from Washington, and 1 that flew in from California. It was going to be an awesome week.
Kate, James, and I drove down to my parents home again to be with them for a week.
Tuesday- At Grandma Camp the kids went hiking, fishing, and swimming. In Provo my sisters and I played and played :)
My sister loves it when Kate does her nails. Melissa has 3 boys and often told Kate she was going to take her home with her. It made Kate a little nervous..
Week 3 & 4 still to come...
