{Utah Trip - Part One}

We are so lucky because Mike's squadron is headquartered in Utah- that means for the annual we get to come home for an extended family visit!  

So we squeezed Calvin in the car filled with strollers and bottles and diapers and wipes and started our road trip up here!  Cal did great in the car... although in Beaver when I put him back in his car seat after a little break this was the face he gave me - 

He is so expressive and it's pretty easy to tell how he is feeling even though the can't talk.

Quincy and Collin were eager to meet their new cousin, so that evening after unpacking we went up to Jana's house.  They loved seeing Cal...  I will never forget Collin feeling Cal's hands and describing them as "puppy-ish."  I don't even know what that means, but they sure were cute with him!

Saturday was the Mississippi St. vs Alabama football game, which Mike was rather excited for!  We decided to watch the game with my nephews and Greg so we headed up to the Christopherson's once more.  We enjoyed cheering the Crimson Tide on to victory and stuffed crust pizza!

Those eyes though!

That evening we were able to enjoy a yummy dinner with Dan & Krystal at Black Bear Diner in Sandy.  It was so fun to visit them - Krystal is so cute and so pregnant - can't wait until we get to meet Saffron sometime around Thanksgiving!

Calvin passed his two month mark on November 16th!  We celebrated by bringing out Daddy's baby blanket from 1982 and taking some fun pictures.  He is so responsive now - he will make eye contact with you, and if you impress him enough he will give you the sweetest smile in the world!  

Here is some special after church love he was giving us.  This boy takes cuteness to a Hole 'Nutha Level!

Sunday afternoon we had a fun visit with the Colvin's to watch some football!  Calvin enjoyed being doted on by his cousins, of course!

Monday was time for Mike to get to work and start doing his annual training at Hill Air Force Base.  That night was a special awards dinner that spouses were invited to attend. 

It was our first date night leaving the baby behind!  

They had these pink cups set up on the table because the commander has breast cancer.  She came in (after a chemo treatment) to give a little speech - it was really cool.

The F flight (Mike's flight) won a lot of awards!  Mike wasn't up for any this year since he is new, but it will be fun to see what happens next year.  

Tuesday afternoon I had the awesome opportunity to go to the temple and watch my sweet cousin Michelle receive her endowments!  It was awesome to go through the new Ogden Temple - it is so beautiful.  I was able to take a name on my Dad's side and do family work, which made it even more special.  This is my new favorite temple.

Uncle Bob & Aunt Leota after the session.

Wednesday I got to catch up with Emilie!  We went to Kneaders (probably the best place to eat during a cold winter day... or any day actually).  She was enjoying holding Calvin when he had the most massive blowout and poo went everywhere.  I was wearing a white shirt so I was football carrying him to the bathroom and he was loudly expressing his discomfort as we went in there with everyone curiously staring.  He screamed as if I was torturing him as I attempted to wipe down every crevice of his body that had poop in it - I am sure the whole restaurant thought I was beating him.  It was quite the ordeal, thank heavens I had a spare outfit and lots of wipes!  The entire time as he was screaming I just couldn't help but laugh at the situation... which is good, considering this probably won't be the only inconvenient blowout I'll have to deal with.  Emilie was a good sport, but he really pushed the limits when I handed him back to her after he was all clean and he immediately spit up on her.  That. kid.  

Friday night we went out for a special dinner with Mom & Dad at Ruby River.  Afterwards we met up with the Colvin's to go bowling - simple times spent with family are just the best!

Calvin enjoyed Grandma even though the bowling ally was a little too loud for him!

Saturday morning we went and saw Carter (who turns into "Cart-man" when he wrestles) compete at a wrestling competition at Weber High.  He was such a good sport and it was fun to watch him get into the games!

Isaac and I hung out while we waited for Carter's matches... that kid is getting so big!

Saturday afternoon I was spoiled by Emilie doing my hair - we went to Jana's house and had a girl's day - it was just what I needed!  So fun to catch up with the girls.  That night Emilie & Landon joined us in the adventure of taking Cal to his first movie - 'Big Hero 6.'  We loved it & Calvin slept through the entire thing which was fantastic!

Sunday evening we went down to Midvale and Calvin met his Reynolds grandparents for the first time!  At first he was overwhelmed, but Grandpa Jim quickly won him over!  

He enjoyed having conversations with Grandma & Grandpa & loved them very much!!

 It has been wonderful to stay with Mom & Dad and we have been enjoying home cooked meals (particularly home made bread).  We love our sweet boy and we are so grateful to spend Thanksgiving with family this year!