Spring Break

Last week we loaded up the van and went to Salt Lake for Spring Break. It was a long journey, but we had a fun time. Here are a few highlights:

We stopped in Boise on the way and on the way back to reintroduce the kids to their second cousins, my cousin, Stephanie's, kids. Her husband, Ryan, and kids, Davis (12), Parker (9), and Maddie (6) were very wonderful hosts!

We arrived in Salt Lake just in time for Steve and Steven to attend the priesthood session of General Conference.

We stayed 4 nights with our long-time friends, Eric and Minnette, in Saratoga Springs. Our kids had a blast playing with their kids, Lauren (9), Devon (7), Jordan (4) (sorry, no picture),

and Ally (21 months.) Steve and I had so much fun staying up late every night chatting and playing Ticket to Ride (choo-choo!) We were so sad to leave--we love their family!!!

Other highlights were watching Sunday conference and enjoying a yummy brunch at Aunt Joanne and Uncle Rich's house. Later on Sunday we went to my Grandma Lacey's house and treated her to lasagna dinner. Monday, Steve took the boys to Provo and did a little brainwashing--BYU--Go Cougs! (Rachel wasn't feeling well in the morning, so she and I stayed home.) The boys are saving all their pennies now so they can go there--some day! (We are so excited that BYU's coming to play UW--Steve bought our tickets for the big game yesterday!!!)

That night we went to my Aunt Mary Lou and Uncle Joel's house where Mary Lou had made dinner--Grandma Andrew's Tuna Casserole--the ultimate in comfort food! Then Joel was the entertainment of the evening. He works at an industrial diamond manufacturer. The boys were intrigued in the diamond-making process, and he even gave them some of the diamond rejects to take home.

Tuesday we visited our old neighborhood in Sandy. Steven even got to see his best friend, Curtis, while we were there!After lunch, we toured Temple Square including the visitors' centers, Tabernacle, Conference Center, Church History Museum, and Beehive House. That night, Steve and I went out to dinner and to Thanksgiving Point with Eric and Minnette while my sister, Shannon, watched all 8 kids! Thanks Shannon!
Here's a picture of Cutie-pie Shannon who is holding Sophie who is wearing an outfit Shannon sewed. Notice in Sophie's hand is Grandpa Lacey's "Poop Duck!"

Wednesday, we headed back home, stopping in Pocatello, ID to visit Grandma Packer,Heather, Barry, Quinton, Jeni,

Mackayla (8), Johnathon (6), Shari, Josh, and Triston. We only wish we could have stayed to visit longer, but it was so fun to see everyone. We are so grateful to the hospitality of everyone we visited and invite all our family and friends to let us return the favor when you come to Washington!