Utah 2011

Well, I've been to Utah twice this year. I love it. I find myself wishing I lived there. (And when Jimmer was playing, I really wanted to be there.) If I lived in Utah, I'd be able to have Sunday dinner at Den and Sue's. I could attend Conference, do genealogy at the Family History Library, go on challenging, beautiful walks on canyon paths every day, check out uplifting books at public libraries, find friends with whom I could discuss the gospel, and see mountains constantly. It'd be glorious! Wouldn't it? I know there are things about Utah that I love: temples, mountains, beauty, stores, family...and memories. I remember--and sometimes crave- that season of life: young(er), extremely active, healthy, totally self-focused. (Okay, selfish.) Every day was a new adventure; every semester brought new classes and new aquaintances, every 9 to 12 months a new calling. I worked three or four different jobs. I learned a language. I got married, had a baby, and finished school. I worked football games, taped ankles and knees, and had study partners. I made great friends and saw my Fredette cousins and Den and Sue regularly. And I was accountable to no one but myself and God; I could even hide in my carrell at the library and be reasonably secure in the knowledge that I wouldn't be found. There were beautiful things everywhere: beautiful flowers, trees and gardens on campus...and MOUNTAINS. I miss the moutains! So when I return to Provo I really enjoy my time there.

But enough of the walk down memory lane.

In July I took Kenna and Caleb to Provo so Caleb could attend baseball camp.  My parents were kind and stayed with the younger boys.  Taylor went to volleyball camp at UNC during the same week.

We stayed with Jared's sister, Becky, and her family.  She has two girls, ages 9 and 7.  Kenna and I made a lot of jewelry with them. They were busy with swim lessons, but they joined us at the ballfield a couple of times. (I didn't take any pictures at their house that I liked enough to post. And I absolutely LOVE Becky and Eric--they are really easy to be around and are always really gracious to us--but their condo is much, much, MUCH quieter than our home.  It's relaxing, but very foreign. Unfortunately, I didn't take any really fabulous pictures of us with Becky's family.)

On this trip Caleb decided he wanted to climb the Y. I'd not done that--or thought of doing it--since my sophomore year. Early Monday morning before baseball camp we drove to the trailhead and started the climb. It was tough! I found myself resting a lot and wondering how much arterial blockage will ultimately be revealed at my first cardiac stress test. Caleb took off on his own, while Kenna and I reached the top together. We finished in about 45 minutes. It was exhilarating! For two days afterward every movement hurt, so I gave myself easy exercise days on Tuesday and Wednesday and returned to the Y on Thursday. (I didn't climb the whole thing, though..only a little). It was great!








McKenna and I near the top of the Y. (We were actually on our way down, which is probably why we're genuinely smiling.)







This photo shows University Parkway with BYU's Dinosaur Museum on the north and the track, baseball/softball complex, and Marriot Center in the foreground.  It almost shows the Glenwood Apartments, where Jared and I lived and worked for a year. Even today, five months later, I can feel the breeze blowing as it did while we sat and watched baseball camp.  I can't quite hear the crowd roar in the Marriot Center, although I can hear the words spoken during many firesides and devotionals there.

Here's Kenna, looking a little overheated at the ballfield.  She was nice about watching Caleb play.

                                                                                                                                                              Here's Caleb in "coaching" mode.  (Directing the action in the infield.)

Batting. Every afternoon was game time.  The boys were divided into teams and played on a smaller-than-normal field.  They liked being able to hit lots of home runs.  The games were pretty competetive.

Here's Caleb getting his prize (sunglasses) for winning the fastest bat swing category.  He came in second in two or three other categories.

Other than baseball, Caleb's favorite part of camp was spending time with his counselor, Casey Messick, and his friends James and Jackson.  (He's already contacted Casey to find out how to be in his camp group next year.)  Casey spent a lot of time telling the kids about his mission.  In the evenings the ball players went to Seven Peaks, played games on DT field, and attended a talent show.

Kenna and I spent our mornings shopping at Shopko, Michaels, the BYU  Bookstore, and Deseret Book.  We made lots of bracelets with Ali and Madi, Kenna's cousins.  We also visited my friend Becky Meng and her daughter Melody. We saw the movie Soul Surfer (at Movies 8, my favorite 'cause it's a dollar) and ate mint brownies and panini sandwiches with avacado and salad at Zupa's, one of my favorite restuarants. On Sunday we visited Jared's Uncle Ted and Aunt Liz and went to the Provo Temple (see pictures below).  All in all, it was a great trip and fun to be with Kenna and Caleb. 


 

I already have my next Utah trip planned:  Family History research, Temple Square, Church History Museum, visiting with Den and Sue........