Utah trip

Our family took a trip to Utah at the end of June to go to Joseph's wedding (Allen's youngest brother for those of you who do not know). We had a great trip and did a variety of different things that made for a fun packed adventure! Here are a few of the things we did while in Utah:

We left on a Wednesday morning and headed for Cedar City, where we stayed with Corbin and McKenzie Alred. Allen and Corbin went rock climbing with a few other guys and had a great time. The kids and I stayed back at the house and visited with McKenzie and her sister in law and kids. The kids had fun jumping on their trampoline, playing in the sand box, and playing in their neighborhood park. They were so thankful to be out of the car and moving around. While there we learned that the Allreds are expecting their second child (she's 4 1/2 months along). They are also in the process of buying a brand new condo that they should be all moved into now. Congrats, Corbin and McKenzie!

We then headed for Salt Lake in the morning and got in around noon. We stayed at the Marriott hotel right across the street from the Salt Lake Temple and my cousins Tiffany and Heather came with their kids and my Uncle Bruce to swim at the hotel. We went out to lunch and had a fun, but short visit. It was great to be able to see them for a little bit.

That evening we connected with Allen's family and had a rare visit thatincluded all of Allen's siblings. We had an enjoyable meal and were able to meet Joseph's fiance, Sara, and her family. My kids were so happy to see their Newberry and Woodbury cousins, they just don't have very much time with them and always have a good time when they have a chance to reconnect with them.

After the dinner, we all headed back to Judy's home where Joseph and Sara received blessings to ready themselves for the new challenges that lay ahead of them. I thought it was a great way to start off a marriage and sure brought the spirit into Judy's home.

Friday morning was Joseph and Sara's wedding and it was great to be able to just walk across the street when it was time to head over. Jordan watched my kids in the hotel room, while Allen and I were at the temple. That was my first time in the Salt Lake temple. It was such a beautiful temple and I was so amazed at how the early saints were able to make such an amazing temple with their primitive tools. Each block of granite is so perfectly formed by hand and then lifted into place. How they did that is amazing to me.

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After the ceremony we all helped set up for the reception which was later that evening. We had a good time and the reception was a lot of fun. Allen was the best man, so we got to listen to him toast the new couple. He did a good job! My kids once again paled around with their cousins and later in the evening their eyes were open to the tradition of decorating the newlywed's car. They thought that was great fun!.

The next morning we took advantage of being so close to the temple and our family took a walking tour around temple square. We also visited the Joseph Smith Memorial Building and the beehive house, former home of our prophet Brigham Young.