Walkers & Off to Utah

A busy week!

Christian came to visit and we walked through Boyd State Park together. The Walkers visited while Gary was working here and we fit in Spring Canyon, floating the river in Windsor, Ben working his magic on the Blackstone, lots of Flip 7, and just having fun with cousins around.

The morning they left we loaded up our car and headed to Utah for some Miner family time. Jaren was receiving his endowment in the temple and the family was able to all be together for that and spend a few days just having fun. We did some splash pads, parks, cookie bake offs, talent shows, family pictures done by our our childhood friend Mindy, a BYU visit, and enjoyed spending time with Jaren during this special big transition.

Our road trips are getting a little easier. Family time is a little more family time and less diapers and crying. Nephews are growing up and getting mission calls, and no more newborns are on the way. This transition feels bittersweet in the big picture but the days really are just sweet.

Walking around Boyd Lake -- not sure how we haven't been here before!

We're lucky that Christian's brother lives in Boulder and we get to catch up with him sometimes!
Here he is showing the boys a snake he saw on his run.

Plus In & Out. Christian is the best.

Camden is a karate man now, too!

This picture cracks me up. 
Michael tried to take a picture of Asher cuddling me while we were both fast asleep,
but the flash woke me up and this is the flattering shot we were left with.
At least it does still capture Asher's cuteness :)

Basement is ready for Walker cousins to come stay!

A trip to Bucc-ee's for Ben.
Asher really wanted this big stuffed beaver but had to settle for a hug.

Snacking on our Bucc-ee's finds.

We floated the river in Windsor with the Walkers and it was really great.
We need to do it next year when the water is a little higher.

My river buddy.

A new door! 
This sliding glass door is going to be so much better than the old double doors.

My view from the Little America bathroom.
Someday I think I'll miss this view,
but road trip stops are a special kind of chaos :)
At least we don't have nursing or potty training added in anymore -- that's a less special kind of chaos.

Snacks in before the final leg to Ali's house!

Rolled into town on 7/11 so we had to get free Slurpees with the cousins.
Slurpees are disgusting.

"Look, that's mom and that's dad!"
His first picture. So cute.

A visit to BYU campus always makes me so happy.

Some new photogenic letters.

Lunch at the Creamery.
Fun, but really only feels right if Jaclyn and Emily are there.

The whole crew for a cousin talent show in Ali and Matthias's beautiful new basement.
So fun to see all their hard work!

The cookie taste test, a batch of chocolate chip from each family.
We love a good taste test. We also love cookies and milk. We also love treats on Sunday.
We also just love being together.