Whirlwind trip to San Fran

San Francisco has become my favorite vacation destination because part of my heart really does live there now. Here is a brief rundown of our last trip.
1. Took a 13 hour drive through the dessert , with children of various bladder sizes. Saw the huge metal utah tree(Sorry it's sideways). Stopped at a rest-stop with signs "beware of snakes and scorpians (what must have happened there?). Was 100 degrees when we left Utah. Hotter over the desert.
2. Was happy to get to Lance and Melissa's house by the golden gate bridge. Was freezing cold...could see our breath during the day. Was happier to spend the next day holding Adelle while Lane and the kids went to the beach and walked the bridge.
3. Went to fisherman's wharf...saw the bushman...saw michael Jackson in wax...emily got a present on her head from a seagull...ate at ghiradelli square...Aubrey kissed a pirate...matthew did not kiss the pirate...had clam chowder and sourdough bread...Brynna ate a squid...froze to death. Went down Lombard street with all the kids screaming in terror in the back seats.
4. Held Adelle again and watched Evelyn dance and eat licorice. Lance got his white coat at a "white coat ceremony" (congrats to him).
5. Lance's great family and ours went out to dinner at cheescake factory (which was delicious) and then we went to Muir Woods to see redwoods...Lane's tree obsessions dream come true.
5. Went to Lance and Melissa's church (which was very nice and welcoming) and got to be present for Adelle's baby blessing. Lance gave a beautiful blessing. Adelle and melissa and evelyn looked beautiful. I looked tired. I think I always look tired (maybe it's the getting old bit).
6. Had to leave much too soon to get back to Utah for work on Monday. Saw a lot of the country in passing due to too much construction on the way back.
7. Wishing we could have stayed longer...but bought gum today to send to Evelyn for her potty training adventures.

Smokey the Bear in the Sky

I think patriotism is like charity -- it begins at home.
Henry James

Lane's family started going to the balloon festival when our kids were just babies. I always loved the pictures. We miss Melissa and the gang this year (all the kids remembered how Evelyn threw up last year). We went for the matching shirts this year. We continue to enjoy the tradition...although we don't know what happened to the rest of Lane's family. Katie and Grandma and Grandpa Nuttall went with us. I think Katie feels the red,white and blue, backdrop highlights her red hair nicely. It is pretty low-key and Aubrey spent the majority of time sprawled out on a blanket. We did meet some good friends there who, well at least one member, provided some amazing dancing prowess. Even Grandma joined in to the festivities. The music just made you want to dance. The dancing could also be attributed to the fact that the balloons never did return to complete the competition so there was a lot of waiting.

In the spirit of patriotism don't forget the below blog and "vote"

Vote for Aubrey :)

http://music.mormontimes.com/contest.php?id=757&nocache=1

Aubs has one more month in this contest. I just thought it was a good reason to publish this cute picture one more time. Also check out melissa's blog for the cutest video of Adelle smiling.

A call for pictures

We are planning a fun trip to san francisco to see Adelle blessed, but we are starving for pictures of the newest Keyes baby, also of Evelyn and Melissa and Lance. We know they are so very very busy with the new addition, but we love them and wish to see them sooner. We hope they come out and stay the summer? Not to be pushy but we respectfully request additional neice/grand-daughter sightings. Love the taylor family

vacation pictures