Separate Holidays

A few weeks ago Andy was asked to help with E&Y (Ernst & Young) recruiting at BYU. The recruiting event was held on the Thursday night before Labor Day weekend. Andy and I decided that it would be fun for him to make a weekend out of it and take Audrey along. So, Audrey and Andy enjoyed a long weekend with family up in Utah. Audrey was certainly spoiled by her grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins. She's one lucky girl!

The weekend held lots of fun for everyone. Andy flew out Thursday morning with Audrey on his lap. He headed down to BYU that evening and the grandparents were put in charge of Audrey. Audrey loves spending time with her Papa and Grandma Smith. Friday was a good hang-out day for the family, including lunch at Morelias (best authentic Mexican food in SLC) and a picnic at the park in the evening. On Saturday everyone headed up to Provo Canyon. Saturday night the boys went to the BYU game. Sunday was spent with family, including Grandpa and Grandma "Bug" (Mills) and then of course Monday they had to fly home. The weekend flew by too quickly!

Audrey enjoying her papa:

Cousin Chase and Audrey having fun at the park on Friday - they're only 10 weeks apart in age:

Audrey and the mountains - we sure do miss the mountains! Uncle Nate and Audrey. Audrey is still walking around saying "Nate-dog"...

Trying on gifts from Grandma and Papa!

Getting put to work and loving it...

Not sure if the water is warm enough in Provo Canyon (as cold as the North Sea)... Chase and Audrey with Daddy and Aunt Natalie:
Enjoying corn-on-the-cob Sunday night:

When we decided that Andy and Audrey were going to take this little trip, I mentioned it to Rachel and asked her how it would make her feel. With tears in her eyes, she told me it would make her sad. So, then I asked her if she'd like to go with me to visit Papa and Grandma Michaelson that weekend. Big smiles... My parents say they'll be the consolation prize anytime!

So, after school on Thursday we drove up to my parents and spent the weekend with him. Lots of fun was had! We went to Dairy Queen for ice creams, Rachel loved playing with the play tool set, we made beaded necklaces, we took naps, Papa taught Rachel how to lay brick, we went to Chuck E. Cheese, the girls went shopping, Grandma and Rachel had fun playing doctor, we went on a boat ride (and Grandma joined us for her very first boat ride!), and had fun just chatting the evenings away.

Laying brick with Papa:

So excited about her new "squishy" Woody that Grandma bought for her:

Playing doctor (Misty trying to play too, she loves Rachel so much and Rachel's still not too sure of Misty):
Rachel LOVED playing with this ace bandage:

That last night we were there Rachel had discovered this blow-up sleeping bag. So, she insisted on blowing it up and sleeping in it on top of her bed that night. Silly girl!

Out on our boat ride - it was a beautiful Monday morning with somewhat cooler temperatures:

We drove home Monday afternoon and beat Audrey and Andy home by about 45 minutes. Even though separate holidays aren't exactly ideal, this one turned out great. It was only for a few days and the girls loved the one-on-one attention they received. Rachel was very concerned the whole weekend about Audrey. When she chose a prize at Chuck E. Cheese, when she picked out her Woody doll, and when she made some jewelry; she always mentioned Audrey and how we had to get/do something for her. So sweet! Audrey and Rachel are such lucky girls to have so many family members who love them so much. We feel very blessed!