My trip to Utah

I was able to spend a couple of days with Kim and Alanna on my recent visit to Utah. It was fun to spend individual time with each of them as well as the time we spent together. Kim and I were able to go shopping at the outlets in Park City. We visited, played games together and went to lunch. She took me to Alanna's where we stopped at Tai Pan to look around a bit before Kim had to head back home for work the next morning. I went into Alanna's class on Fri. morning and helped correct papers before I headed to the airport to get Karen. That afternoon Craig & Sue, Shonie and her children and Kim met us at the motel. It was the beginning of our annual Race for the Cure event. RACE FOR THE CURE Craig and Sue brought pink hats for everyone to wear. Our pink attire is growing and growing. It was fun riding Trax into Salt Lake and getting there early enough to take advantage of all the freebes. We were asked to pose for photographs by the news and the event people. We were asked if we were a team and if so what was our name, that got us thinking that next year we will register as a group and our group name will be "Team MandM. (M and M standing for Momma and Mary) In Mom's memory. We plan on handing out little packages of MandMs with a note that say's thanks for walking. They also asked why we walked. As I thought about that, my answer would have been for my Mom, my sisters, my 3 daughters, daughter-in-law, and 3 granddaughters and all the women in my life. I hope this is a tradition that I can participate in for many years. My biggest hope is that some day there will be a cure for this diease. Later that day we all headed to the park where we could just relax and visit. Susie and her family came to visit. It was fun seeing everyone. Some of us made fools of ourselves as we played "curses". Then we all went to Texas Roadhouse for a great dinner. Thanks Alanna and Eric for buying my dinner for Mother's Day. (yes, I had the roadkill, since Alanna said it looks like me:) MOTHER'S DAY: I was able to go to church with Alanna and listen to the wonderful lesson she gave the YW on honoring their Mother's and other women in their lives. We then got Karen and Kim and headed to Smithfield. This was the first time I have been there since Mom's funeral. It was hard for me to go but knew it would be much easier with Karen, Kim and Alanna with me. We enjoyed the drive there, (thanks Alanna for taking us) as we noticed the many changes in Logan since we had last been there. Sue has been so special at keeping Mom and Dad's grave decorated so nicely. It was such a beautiful day with a bright blue sky. It was so peaceful being there and remembering Mom on Mother's Day. I miss her and Dad so much and was surprised at how close I felt to them while we were there. Afterward we drove past the house and was very pleased to see it in such good condition. The new owner is taking good care of it. It did seem strange to just drive by and not get out. I pictured Mom being in the kitchen baking bread waiting for us to arrive. I could see Dad sitting under the tree enjoying the cool breeze and sunshine with Skipper by his side. Thank goodness for memories and for the knowledge we have of seeing them again. CITY CREEK MALL: Alanna took Karen and I to the City Creek Mall that is just across the street from Temple Square. It is a beautiful upscale mall with water fountains, creek and a small waterfall. The fountains are beautiful as they spray to music. It was so peaceful and calm as we watched the fountains and walked along the creek. It was so neat to walk out of the mall and see the temple across the street. I'm sure that Chrismas time will be magical with the decorations I'm sure they'll have, along with the decorations at Temple Square. It was a fabulous week and it went way to fast. I cherish the time I have to spend with my children. I love the girls week as we like to call it. Jen, you were missed tremendously. I look forward to the time we can all live closer so it is practical for all to attend. It was hard to say goodbye and head on back home. But the memories and the hope for next year makes it possible.