August 6-10, 2018: Salt Lake City UT trip with Jessica's and her kids!

August 7th: Mike and I invited Jessica and her family to join us on a road trip to Salt Lake City to visit Jared and his family before school would be back in session--as well as seminary. We used Jessica's awesome van and headed out on Monday morning, arriving in Salt Lake in the evening. It was so fun to see Jared and Jenny and Mario and Milo and to see their newly purchased home. And it was great to stay in their home during our visit!

Jess got up before the rest of us and walked across the street to the beautiful old LDS church building

  

She took baby Sofie with her and checked out the amazing grounds and the creek behind the building

Many wedding receptions are held on these grounds, and we witnessed a handful during our short visit 

Birthday boy Hudson (8) with his little brother Beau

And here comes little sister Hannah

These cute siblings and cousins had a wonderful time together 

Jessica and Sofie hanging out together

Grandma with Jared, Jenny, and Hannah

Later that day, we went to a cool bird sanctuary not far from Jared and Jenny's home. It was hot in Salt Lake, but we got out and did something fun everyday. Check out this unusual bird.

These flamingoes had the cutest, fluffiest babies tucked under their wings!

Getting ready to watch a bird show

My sweet little Hannah

Audience participation included Milo Hobbs!

Pretty Vulture

And even prettier Macaw

It was exciting when both Jared AND Jessica were called up! Look how happy Jessica looks!

Wow, a Toucan very up close!

Ooh, check this interesting bird out!

Mike and I loved the color of these cranes

Boys will be birds

Beautiful Jenny getting out of the heat

Back at the house, it was time to celebrate Hudson's 8th birthday! He got Nerf guns and Laser Tag sets

And a very long message in his card from Grandma and Grandpa!

We went to the This Is The Place Heritage Park to enjoy a little pioneer history and to let the kids run around. There was a food truck on site that made and sold "Brigham's Donuts" which were really delicious. We returned to the park the following day to visit historical homes. 

There was a small old carnival nearby that the kids really enjoyed. It was so hot out!

We were happy to squeeze in time to visit Temple Square and to see the beautiful temple

August 8th: Back to the This Is The Place Heritage Park, the kids enjoyed panning for gold; climbing onto a small ship; digging in the sand for pretty rocks; petting farm animals; riding ponies; visiting old pioneer homes; and eating ice cream in the village.

We had a wonderful time with Jared and Jenny and the boys! And Jessica and her children also had a great time with them! We enjoyed walks in their beautiful neighborhood in the evenings, played games at their dining table before bed, had delicious meals and snacks together, and loved the cold basement to escape from the summer heat! 

Jared and Jenny are loving hosts, and we are so grateful that we were able to see them and to stay in their lovely new home. We look forward to our next visit in December!