Spokane/Utah/Spokane/Seattle/Spokane Week

It doesn't feel like summer until we've had a road trip!

And yes, I do hate packing. Packing for vacations that is. I don't know why, but I hay hay hate it. I procrastinate, I eat junk food to avoid it, I just don't like packing. The only way I get through it is that I know it is TOTALLY worth it in the end! Because I love to travel. I really really do. No obligations, no phone calls, no worries. Just fun and family, the beauty of the Earth and living in the moment.

Our trip to Utah started out the same way our last vacation did...with a trip to the ER. 3 trips in one day actually. I thought Chad had a bug bite, but it kept getting worse. Finally I took him in at 1 am, the doctor said it was cellulitis (an infection and the doctor has no idea how it started). Instead of admitting him they had us come back for several rounds of IV antibiotics. And because it was a Sunday in Utah AND 4th of July, he could only go to the ER for his treatments. I am afraid of the bill to come! But the miracle of his healing is just a huge blessing. His entire foot, ankle, and halfway up his calf were grotesquely swollen. As a nurse I took care of some of these patients, so I knew it could be life threatening. However, I didn't tell anyone that because I was hoping the drugs would wipe it out first. Which they did.

I really loved that time with my son. Sitting in the ER with no other distractions,

just stillness and love.

It was beautiful. I loved that it made us all slow down.

And he got to ride around stores in this!


Scored free tickets from our generous hosts, Mom and Dad Fotheringham... to The Stadium of Fire. Dream come true.

View from my seat.Loved it. Sarah was just on CLOUD 9!

Carrie Underwood was amazing, but the fireworks totally stole the show.

Sunday was our family reunion and I have no pictures!??? What is up with that?! Never see everyone enough. Just love them all. I really think that Russ' family has a lot to do with why I fell in love with him. They are the ones that pushed me over the edge and then I was just too smitten to ever turn back. Forever.

Russ' brother Rob's new dog, Lola, totally stole all of our hearts...and I am totally not a huge dog person. Now I am! This little Shih Poo is just too lovable. It looks like the Snuggle teddy bear, is so tiny, soft and cuddly, rings a bell to go to the bathroom, doesn't bark at doorbells, doesn't shed, lets everyone and little kids cuddle with her for hours, plays so cute, and brings so much joy to everyone. They even had a spiritual experience before they got her and have really enjoyed her more than you could imagine. We can't stop talking about her. We want her. My friend said there is never a good time to get a dog, so you just have to do it. We are seriously looking. Now I want a Shih Poo but what I really want is a Lola!

Monday was a beautiful hike to Tarzan Falls in American Fork.

I could hike the rest of my days.

Nothing is cuter than missing all of your front teeth!

Later I took 6 kids to the pool and swam for 4 hours so Russ could have brother and gun time.

That night was girls' night out. The last thing I want to do on vacation is relax. I really try to pack it all in every time. And oh how I love my college roomies! My besties forever and ever. We laughed and cried all night long. Mainly laughed. Pure unconditional love.

Tuesday was spent with Sarah visiting Alice Lane Home (only in my dreams kind of stuff...but my kind of stuff!), milking a goat, and other fun activities. I try to milk something on most vacations!

And after 3 quick days in Utah, we headed home, did some laundry, and headed straight to Seattle (that's another post). 5 days in the car in one week. Loved ones make it all worth it.