Snowbird UT (Aug 2014)

My parents bought a condo in Snowbird last year and this is our second year we were able to spend the weekend with them.  I am excited that my kids will get memories here and look forward to coming back each year.  It is such a beautiful place!
We started our trip with a SUPER early flight and a layover in Phx.  It has been really difficult to fly from here which is a bit discouraging, so this was one of our first trips out.  It took longer and much more effort to fly.  This may make it happen less.  We enjoyed a beautiful sunrise as we landed.  As we stepped into the airport my first thought was, "were home!!"  This really is our flying home and I loved coming home to it.  Unfortunately it was just a stopping place this time and we flew out to SLC.

We rented a car and visited Michelle and her kids for a while.  It was so nice to be with cousins.  

Finally, (after Jackson bloodied Hallie's nose and Mariah cried the whole way up)  we made it to snowbird with just enough  time to get some hikes in before the storms rolled in.  My mom took the kids swimming and they enjoyed the water for an hour.  Melinda, Dave and I hiked to secret lake and Catherines pass.  It was a perfect temperature and beautiful landscapes.  I loved being in the mountains!!  I could definitely tell the elevation difference though.  

The storm rolled in right as we finished up and the fog and mist were an incredible sight.  

We spent the evening having dinner with my aunt and uncle.  My dad stayed with our sleeping kids while we enjoyed the adult pool, hot tub and sauna.  

In the morning, Mel and I went running straight up a mountain.  We only made it 2 miles in about 40 mins.  The altitude and steepness killed me.  I was glad I was with Melinda to make it endurable.  I missed her so much and am so glad she is home safe and sound.  She is an inspiration in her hard work. 

It actually snowed a little (yep in August) so it was chilly.  I warmed up in the hot tub.  We took the kids 'hiking'.  They loved exploring and seeing.  I wish they had these experiences more often.  But I;m thankful they at least have them!

 We ate lunch at the park and then hit up Oktoberfest for a few games for the kids.  They loved Grandma's present of little beanie babies.  We stopped at the church children's museum for a few minutes before heading to our flight (I finally got Panda express which I had been craving the entire trip).  Luckily, we didn't have to layover anywhere and Jackson was thrilled with flying on American for the first time ever.

Thanks Mom and Dad for allowing us to crash at your condo!  Can't wait to join again next year!