Utah with Steph

I had been pretty eager to take a trip to Utah and visit our old hometown, Provo, pretty much ever since we moved two years ago. It was a little hard trying to get over there when we were living in Michigan with a newborn baby. But once we moved to Vegas I was hopeful we would be making the trip soon. Steph currently has a few friends in Provo and the two of us often talked about taking a road trip together. Finally an opportunity arose! Jay would be traveling for work, and it was spring break which meant Steph could get time off from her nanny job. 

Steph drove to Vegas on Saturday night. We had a fun weekend together and then headed up to Utah first thing Monday morning. We did the five hour drive without any stops. I had been nervous about doing this drive with a baby because traveling with a baby is never convenient, but our road trip was made possible by Steph and her willing hands. She is such an amazing sister, auntie, and one of my best friends.

As I previously mentioned, I had been missing our old hometown. I spent some time in Michigan longing for this place- longing for old memories, friends, and familiar buildings and scenery. During this recent visit I had a powerful realization: I had progressed and was moving forward with my life. Not that Provo held me back at all, but there were other things in store for me and my family and we just weren't meant to be there forever. The idea of Provo no longer being our home was OK. More than OK. I am forever grateful for the time I had in this town as a young cosmetology student, and the four years of memories with Jay as a newly married couple. But I am also grateful for the time that has passed and the opportunities me, Jay, and Evelyn have received since moving two years ago. During this recent trip I basically felt a sense of closure, which I think is really what I had been longing for. Nonetheless, there will always be a very tender spot in my heart for Provo.

The trip was one lovely walk down memory lane. I visited so many old and dear friends, and finally got to introduce them to my Evelyn. We enjoyed the breathtaking Utah spring colors, the new Provo City Center temple which was under construction when we moved, we visited some favorite spots and restaurants, and even got to stay in our old basement apartment.  

Provo City Center Temple

Squaw Peak Overlook

Picnic in Sandy with Shae and Braelee, and Quincey and Eden. These sweet baby girls were all born within three months of each other. It still kind of kills me that we don't live closer, but we hope to reunite frequently.

Dinner at Damon and Summer's

Lehi with Kristin, Aly, and Jess

Salt Lake City Creek Mall with Ashley and Aly

The babies: Hailey, Maddy, Evan, Evelyn, and Bennett

Evan insisted on pushing Evelyn throughout the mall all afternoon. We love that sweet little boy!

Lunch with Harvey, Erin, and Emili Goodman

I ate at Chick-fil-A four times during our five day visit. Two of the times Steph and I went specifically for their cookies 'n' creme shake.

Such a treat to be down in our old apartment. I honestly didn't think I would ever get a chance to step foot in our old home. Tiff and Nate are in the process of moving, but we got there in time to get one more visit.

I don't even want to know how many hours of Baby Einstein Evelyn ended up watching by the end of the trip but because of it, she was an amazing little traveler and I am relieved!

We made it back to Vegas on Friday morning and got to spend a little more time with Steph before she headed back home to San Diego on Saturday.