Hot Roddy's: A special trip to Utah (July 23-Aug. 11)

Even though summer is the best time to be in Seattle, we still can't help ourselves from taking off to enjoy a few weeks in UT at my parents house for some guaranteed hot and sunny weather and time with the family. This was a particularly special trip because the boys decided they wanted to be baptized in Utah so that more family could be a part of the day. Their special day took place on Pioneer day, July 24th, which is also my brother Paul's birthday so it will indeed be an easy date to remember and one that will always be special to us! In addition to having lots of family in town, we were thrilled to be surrounded by close friends who were able to join us. Thanks to the Merrill's, Cox's, Howard's, Hamblin's, and Horning's for joining us. Also special thanks to the Moore's who were traveling out from Chicago and barely missed the baptism but were at least able to make the luncheon afterwards. It was a great day and one that will never be forgotten.

My three handsome boys:

A darling shot of the boys with their cousin Teagen:

Here is a group shot of everyone in attendance. We may have been small in numbers due to being away from our home ward, but we were large in spirit. What a wonderful group of people we were surrounded by on this day...

We were fortunate to have every uncle in attendance, including both James and Steve who had traveled from both coasts!

What would we do without our gracious hosts, Grandma and Grandpa who so kindly turn over their home to us for a few weeks each summer not to mention cooking, cleaning, and babysitting for us! We could never repay them for all they do for us...

The visits to UT wouldn't be the same for the boys if it wasn't for Afton. Afton is the grand daughter of the Hamblin's who live next door to my parents. They are a wonderful family and my boys absolutely adore Afton. Whenever we are in UT, she is at the top of the list of "must see" people! Here she is with the boys on their special day!

The boys and Sage with cousins Boston and Preston:

A family shot on the big day!

After all the work they went through to try to make it to the baptism, we couldn't write this post without including a photo of our dear friends the Moore's. We included them in this family shot. We've known them since our first week arriving in NYC for grad school.

We also have to include a photo of Eydie with her daughter Deena and granddaughter Emery. Eydie is one of my mom's best friends and has always been so good to us and our kids.

In honor of Paul's birthday, later in the afternoon, Jack took all the uncles up to Sundance to do the digglers. After that it was Cafe Rio and a birthday celebration. Sage wasn't going to let Paul's birthday go by without her birthday hug to one of her favorite uncles...

After an eventful Saturday, we relaxed Sunday going to church and heading up the canyon. Then it was off to do some boating on Monday. One of the highlights of the trip to Utah is spending a day on Deer Creek. As you can see, it's a fun day...

Here is Sage heading out on the raft for the first time. She was surprisingly anxious to get on the first time but that attitude changed as the day went on and she saw everyone getting thrown off. You'll also notice evidence of me riding on the raft...even if it is only with the "safe" crowd...

When you put Sean or Paul at the wheel of the boat, there is no telling what can happen...

Next it was Grandpa's turn. And what a trooper he was considering he got submarined at the end...

Here are Steven and Paul getting a turn while Jack and the boys enjoy a calm ride in tandem. I had to laugh as I downloaded all the photos from this day because Ty was in just about every photo on the raft. I think there were only a couple rides that didn't include him on it. After dropping off Connor, Ty and Jack decide to play musical chairs...

Here's Ty testing out the knee board for the first time. He nailed it staying up the longest of anyone...

Here are Boston and Preston taking their turns. The rides didn't start off pretty but by the end they were starting to enjoy themselves...

Here are some of the other highlights of the trip:

Sean and I took the kids to hike the 'Y'. We were all so proud of Teagen for making it up the whole way by himself...

Swimming, swimming and more swimming...

The boys were so excited when they arrived at the BYU All Sports camp to find their best bud Harrison had come up from Vegas to do it with them. They were also very excited because they had their first ever friend sleepover with Harrison during the week. All I heard about was how awesome it was...Thanks Kristen!!!

Bridal Veil Falls:

A trip to Mirror Lake:

Hiking the Timp Caves: This was a great time. Ty had memorized the video we watched before entering the caves so each time our guide would ask a question, Ty would raise his hand with the answer. She asked Ty to be her assistant during the tour so he's use her flash light to show the group special things in the caves. At the end she said the day wouldn't be complete without a photo with Ty wearing her ranger hat...