a journey to Utah

We took off to Utah to see my nephew be baptised and my other nephew be ordained a deacon.  My sister flew in from South Carolina to drive with me.  We traveled in my Ford Explorer with two adults, five kids and a bird.  It was a little squished but we had a great time. This post has TONS of pictures mostly for my parents who are in North Carolina serving a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.  They miss there grand kids.  I have to say that I have THE cutest little nieces and nephews ever.   This blog post will prove it.  They are adorable.    

 We spent a day pulling weeds in Grammy and Grandad's yard.

 We filled up on some pizza.

 everyone got in on the action.  I could take pictures of this little boy ALL day long.

 We needed to cool off

 and have some down time.

 buddies

 bigger buddies

 cute little girls

 water gun fights

 I told you he is adorable.

 The man behind the grill

 My sister in law always lays out an unbelievable spread.

 I love these little people

 how many Bayles' can you fit on a trampoline

 wild animal number one

 wild animal number two

 All the grand kids except the oldest who was playing the piano for this musical number.

 We are missing the two Daves.

 Since before my parents left I have looked forward to planting them a garden for when they get home.

 We are all so excited for the to get home.

 This boy did some serious damage with the sidewalk chalk.  We tried to leave some of the evidence behind for my parents.

 orphans

 Thanks to my sister in laws family we were all able to cool off in the pool after a hard days work.

 Even the big boys got to relax.  At least for a little while until...

 They started doing this.  They did this for ever.  I am so thankful for my "little" brothers who have endless amounts of energy to throw my kids around the pool.

 We had a contest to see who could make the biggest splash.

 and then more of this...

my turn..my turn...my turn...my turn...my turn...

 
 One of our favorite things to do in Utah is go to the Utah Hogle Zoo

 A nephew rescuing a niece's flip flop.  Her name begins with a B and ends with an E (for my parents to figure out)

 Monkeys

 Every time we go to the zoo my nephew pulls all the little kids around in a wagon.  He never complains and actually does this willingly.  He gives them commentary just like a tour guide the WHOLE time.  I love this little (OK not so little anymore) boy.  He is adorable.

 It was super hot and by the end of the day he was dripping wet but when I offered to help him he refused.

 Cameron's favorite part of the zoo was the bird show.  We watched it twice.

 we were able to take a picture with a bald eagle

 and with a golden eagle.

The last night everyone got together for a special activity that must remain a secret.  (wink wink)  We are super proud of Grammy and Grandad for serving a mission but we are feeling giddy with excitement for them to come home.  The next time I go to Utah they will be on their way home.  Just like when they left I can hardly talk about it without crying so don't ask.  ONE MORE MONTH!!!!!