New Years Trip to Utah

2013 already?

My goodness how time flies!

This year we planned on going to Utah for your great grandpa Smith's birthday party (I believe it was the big 8-0).  With the timing of his party, we decided to make a nice long vacation out of it for New Years.  The drive takes about 12 hours... I think.  Since you and I get a little uncomfortable in the car if we sit too long, we decided to take the trip in a two day stretch.  This was great because we got to stop in Moab, Utah the first night and enjoy it's awesome hiking opportunities.  Plus, you got to play in the snow for the first time and you were just thrilled.  Although... We had to fight with you to get your jacket on!  I don't know what you have against winter clothes but you wanted NOTHING to do with them.

When we finally got moving we had a great time treking through the snow and seeing the sights...

 

 

On the second day, we made it to Kaysville where we stayed with your great grandparents for a few days.  It was a pretty packed house with all the visitors but it was a good way to say "hello" to everyone.  We spent some time out in the snow, doing some sledding.  Then there was the birthday party which was AMAZING!  I so enjoyed getting to know Grandpa Allen's family.  They're geat people.  We were fortunate to receive a picture book that told the story of Great Grandpa's life.  It's a book that I can tell you will cherish forever.

Once the party had ended and everyone was parting, we decided to visit temple square in Salt Lake City.  We went with Grandpa Allen, Grandma Julie and some of your Aunts and Uncles.  We also got to meet your soon-to-be Aunt Amber (Uncle Will's girl).

I love temple square!  And I so appreciated the Christmas scenery they had up.  The spirit was certainly on the grounds that we walked on and I felt inspired in so many ways. 

After walking around temple square, the three of us stayed in a beautiful hotel.  You and Daddy got to play in the indoor, heated pool... which was something that you definitely miss about Florida.  It brought back great memories.  When we woke up the next morning, we opened our windows only to see giant snowflakes falling down around the city.  It was gorgeous. 

But we were ready to go home!

 

I only wish that you had been in better spirits yourself.  For some reason, this trip was really hard on you.  It made me sad and, of course, frustrated because you seemed unusually whiney and tearful.  You are normally such a happy and sweet girl.  The trip ended with me feeling like an epic failure as a mom and like everyone thought I couldn't control you.  I feel like no one got to see the real, wonderful you.

The trip was bittersweet.

I have so many great memories from the tip but man, parenthood is hard!

Despite it's difficulty, I love you!  And I'm sorry that you had a hard time on the trip... but I know you had fun, too.

Love you,

Mom