Just the kids and me

In April, Jason went to Chicago to attend the ASCRS meeting. So, it was just the kids and me. I always pack these weekends full of fun (and rather lengthy) projects to eat up the time. I am not (as my friend Heidi once explained about herself) a stay-at-home, stay-at-home mom (if you catch my drift). I love getting out and about with the kids. So, this weekend, we worked on planting flowers, going to the petting zoo, working on our new home (more on that to come), and going shopping. Yes, my kids actually love to go shopping. Maybe it's because I've forced them to love it by making them go with me so many times. On this particular outing to Macy's ( the store with the red star as Jackson likes to refer to it), Jackson got bored because I had a rather lengthy return to do (can you explain why I would receive a men's shirt from Maryland when I ordered new dishes?!?). Anyway, he decided to make his own fun by making a "hat" out of the mailing package we received. Funny kid. It gave me a good laugh and reminded me how much I love spending time with my children.

Brinton Reunion: Hilton Head, South Carolina

The Brinton family held a fun family reunion in South Carolina this year prior to Greg and Sally heading off to Russia in June. Hilton Head is a great place to vacation. We'd never been there but I'd love to go back. We stayed right on the beach which allowed for lots of biking in the sand, swimming, and building (or in Jackson's case, wrecking) sand castles. It was a nice time to be able to get to know Jason's siblings and their children better for the kids and for me. I have only spent about one year living near them so even after five years I still feel like I'm getting to know them. I loved my shopping expedition with Sally. We're always up for the outlet malls :). And, I enjoyed getting to know my sisters-in-law better through the many kids activities we tried to orchestrate. I learned that week, as I already knew, that I married into a wonderful family. So grateful to be a Brinton.

Grandma and Grandpa Godfrey

I love my grandparents. They have always been such a significant part of my life. While in Utah, I was able to spend the day with my grandma shopping and going to lunch. She hasn't changed a bit. She's still the fun, feisty, say-what-she-means sort of a lady and I love her for that. The kids and I were also able to take them to a special event my mom's company was hosting. It was fun for them to get to interact with my kids and vice versa. I especially enjoyed the rare chance to really talk with my grandfather (he's 91 years old) and get some insight into what he's loved most in life. So thankful for this precious time with my grandparents and my kids.

Friends

I love being able to reconnect with such dear friends (and family) when I go to Utah. In March, I was able to have lunch with Viola. She was my traveling companion when I was Miss Utah. It was so nice to catch up with her though it was difficult to learn of her mother's health condition. I loved having her meet my children as we spent many nights talking about the family I'd like to have some day and the man I hoped to marry. She has always had such a great listening ear. We were also able to have Mindy and her cute girls Brielle and Chloe over for lunch. Jackson loves Chloe and they were able to have fun digging through Nana's toy closet. I can't believe how quickly these girls have grown up and hope that they get to move to Kansas City next year (fingers crossed!). My best friend Melissa and her sweet girl Whitnee also came over for lunch. Melissa and I have been friends for life. She is always so much fun to be around and is consistently kind and happy. I love that about her. I feel totally at ease around her. The kids and I also drove to Riverdale where I met my two best friends from college: Maika and Holly. These girls amaze me with all they are doing with their families, in addition to winning marathons and triathalons all over the U.S. They inspire me by their determination and goodness. I'm so grateful I was able to spend time with these wonderful friends while in Utah (though there are many others that I'd love to be able to see when we go out their next). I feel richly blessed to have such good people in my life.

Park Valley

I grew up in a small ranching community in northwestern Utah. I had a wonderful childhood complete with a loving family, great friends, and endless amounts of fun on my grandmother's farm and exploring the country. I loved being able to take Jackson and Kate to Park Valley to show them my old house, where I went to school, where I played, etc. It was such a fun day and reminded me of those precious growing up years when your life is shaped by your surroundings. The country will always have a special place in my heart. I loved it then and I love it now.

Updates (from March): Salt Lake Temple

During our Utah trip in March, we loved visiting Temple Square. Jackson started singing "I Love to See the Temple." He and Kate also enjoyed touching the temple. When Jackson first saw the doors to the temple he ran up to them and started trying to open them. I explained he could not go inside until he was a little older and could understand the sacred nature of temples. He was not happy. He cried and tried shaking the doors open. It was one of those moments you realize that they get what you've been trying to teach them and as embarrassed you are that he's causing a scene you're also filled with a little bit of pride about why he's so upset. We loved the statues, the flowers, the food at the Nauvoo bakery and everything about that special place.