Utah, Part 1

So I am home from my first trip to Utah. The kids and I went up on the 28th of June with my mom and sister. My mom insisted that we go to the south side of the Grand Canyon. Believe it or not I have lived in Arizona all my life and have never been to the Grand Canyon. My mom felt like she failed in some way. It was truly inspiring. What an amazing sight. A little unnerving with a 4-year-old and a fearless 7-year-old boy. But nothing a paranoid grandmother can't deal with. We then drove to Kanab and stayed there for the night. The kids went swimming with Aunt Shell. The next day as we were driving down Parowan Canyon I lost my back breaks. Not a good feeling. Apparently I ride my brakes. Branden was relieved that I was ok, but very irritated at me for not pumping my brakes. Oops. I am grateful for modern day miracles. Once my brakes cooled I was able to ride down the rest of the canyon (my sister took the kids in her car and my mom insisted that she stay with me). It was wonderful to stop in Parowan and see my dad's beautiful resting place. There are few cemeteries that can match the beauty of that one. After that and visiting with my Aunt Margret we headed for Beaver, UT. We have to get our curd and ice cream. The kids got "Superman" ice cream. From there we made it to my brother-in-laws and his wife's house. By-the-time I got there, Branden had already called and the brothers were on alert to check my brakes and the rest of my car. It is nice to have a husband and brothers that know what to do. Thank you Jeff for giving my van a check-up. (He is a diesel mechanic) It got a clean bill of health (if a car can get that). Branden figured it would, he knows me a little to well. The kids were very excited to see their cousins. They have played and played. They have been swimming over at Papa's and grandma Brown's. They have gone to the park and the school playground. We went and saw Toy Story 3. I actually thought it was really cute. We went and saw fireworks at the old Granite High School. Emmy's response to the loud fireworks was "Turn them off." She has never liked loud noises. She is getting better about though. We also did fireworks at the house. And we were under blankets or them. It was chilly. Something that we don't ever have to worry about in AZ. On the 8th Emmy and I headed home with my mom and sister. We went through St. George and visited the temple. Every time I see that temple it takes my breathe away. Emmy loved it. We stayed in another hotel that night and then headed home on Friday. I was glad to be home and glad to see my hubby. I don't regret taking the kids up to UT to be with their cousins, but boy did I miss my hubby. We will be headed back up to get the kids in about a week. I'll be home long enough to do some laundry, clean up and back again. Ahhhh!!!!