For Matt's third break, we decided to go West and visit family in Utah and Elko. It turned out to be very exciting timing: Utah right after my brother Thomas received his mission call to Russia (and the day that his best friend Nathan opened his call, also to Russia!) and Elko during their Cowboy Poetry gathering. Albeit ambitious with an infant and plentiful snowstorms, we travelled safely and had a wonderful time!
After arriving in Salt Lake, we enjoyed some quality time with Matt's parents in their condo.
Then braved a fierce snowstorm to travel down to Springville and enjoy a large gathering of the Alleman clan.
Eliza meeting her great-grandparents Alleman
Four generations of Alleman men: Glenn, Matt, John, and Kurt
On Monday, the boys hit the slopes to shred some perfect, fresh powder.
And Grandma treated us to The Living Planet Aquarium
John, who is now in a full-fledged animal phase, led the way
Tuesday, Matt and I ventured to a beautiful new temple, Oquirrh Mountain
Then we all drove to Elko, where John couldn't wait to enjoy the snow
(Frequent request: "My be polar bears with Daddy?")
Grandma and Grandpa had a warm bunting ready to go for Miss Eliza
So she stayed warm and happy during all our snow fun
And we sure had fun!
(We have so many snow fun snow pictures, here is a web album with more)
Tuesday and Wednesday night, Matt and I were treated to two date nights, watching different Cowboy Poetry events. On Tuesday, we saw a less formal show featuring a few of the mainstays of the gathering (two poet/comedians and two musicians), who tried out new songs and new poems in a very enjoyable and intimate setting. We loved witnessing their creative process and noting their deep respect for nature, language, and music. On Wednesday, we saw The Quebe sisters (three fun, harmonizing Texas sisters who fiddle and sing so well) and Los Texmaniacs (accordion plus mariachi plus garage band). It was so nice to go out just the two of us and to get to see some fun performances!
Thursday, we drove back through Salt Lake, visited my Uncle Alan's family, and then met up with my brother and sister at my grandparents' Park City condo.
They are so fun and sweet to John and Eliza
And we are SO excited for Thomas to be immersed in Russian culture! So proud of him as he is preparing to be a truly fantastic missionary. Matt couldn't contain his enthusiasm and was eagerly sharing his advice, thoughts, and love of Russia.
We strolled down the street to watch a big boarding competition and saw Shaun White compete!
Naturally, John was more interested in snow angels and snowmen.
Grandpa Farrell came up to meet Eliza and catch up with everyone, so now Eliza has met all of her living great-grandparents!
Saturday, we met up with my cousin Mauri and Sarah's families at Cafe Rio and enjoyed that delicious food and a fun gathering with cousins. John loved being part of the big kid club; he held his cousins' hands, eagerly shared his animal crackers and quizzed any kind listener about animal names, and was all smiles with this fun crew.
Then it was back to the airport and back to Connecticut for us.
Thank heavens for iPads.
And for happy travelers!
Such a great trip! Tiring and wonderful. Again, here is the web album.
