Utah Reunion

I went on a last-minute trip to Utah this weekend. It was so much fun! We had a Ricks Chicks Reunion with all my aunts & cousins on the Ricks side. It has been planned for a year, and I wasn't planning on going because I didn't know when I'd have the baby and if I'd feel up to going. But when the time came, I decided to go! We got standby tickets and flew to Utah on Friday and came home on Tuesday. 

Here's Brielle on her first plane ride at one month old! I was nervous taking her through the airport, wondering how I'd handle my luggage, breastfeeding and how she'd do on the plane. It all went pretty smooth...thanks to help from my mom and Claire!

 

We spent the weekend in a rental home in Salt Lake City...it was like one huge slumber party! We had a great time catching up with everyone and I had fun showing off my new cutie pie. We spent time talking about our wonderful Grandma Ricks, memories with her and stories. She was greatly missed, but I'm sure she was there in spirit with all of us girls! We ate great food, and made some cute Halloween crafts. One morning we taught each other a helpful tip that we prepared beforehand. This was so fun! I learned all sorts of helpful things....applying eye makeup, folding fitted sheets, budgeting tips, dental hygiene tips, etc. It was so fun to get to know each other a little better.  I wish I would have gotten a picture of everyone! It was great that so many girls could come together. We stayed up late talking each night...which was fine, because I was already up with Brielle! But it was an exhausting weekend for me, as fun as it was.

The reunion was expertly planned by cousin Katie...she did such a great job! Thanks Katie!

I left the reunion Saturday afternoon to visit with 2 grandmas! :) Grandma Tolsma and Jeff's mom, Lori...a new grandma to Brielle! We had so much fun talking and admiring the new baby. We look forward to having Lori come visit us in 2 weeks.

Funny picture...Brielle really did like Grandma Tolsma, even if you can't tell that by this picture. :)

 Brielle was passed around between all the women at the reunion....who can resist holding a newborn?  But a favorite had to be Lindy...she wanted to hold her more than anyone else! She was so cute with her.

 I need to get a better camera to take better "action" shots of a baby! But she still looks cute in this Sunday dress and little shoes! 

 Claire was a big helper with Brielle. She's got "the touch"...Brielle falls asleep in her arms so easily. Claire's baby pictures look just like Brielle, it's amazing!

 Sunday evening we visited Grandma & Grandpa Bates. It was so exciting to be with them and let them see Brielle! I've waited a long time for that moment, and it was wonderful. I'm glad we got to enjoy it together. Brielle was very calm and happy in their loving arms.

 Monday we went to Provo and visited Marie's apartment and work. She works at the new museum on campus called Education in Zion. It was amazing! It was fun to see what she had contributed as a curator and she gave us a tour....(which I happened to miss because of a blow-out diaper! Ah, motherhood.) But we didn't miss getting a picture with our future BYU cougar and Brigham Young! :)

 

 We went to the Creamery and got ice cream and french fries. We love the BYU Creamery! I sat in the same booth Jeff and I sat in on our first date. I had to get a picture....

That night we had some fun girl time...making yarn wreaths together, eating Brick Oven pizza and laughing at all the fun things from the weekend.

Aunt Marie is so good with Brielle:

 

What a fun trip. I'm so glad I was able to go! I'm so grateful for such a wonderful family and the chance to see so many family members! What a joy...