Mom's

It took quite a while and was very frustrating but we finally found a time to go to Utah that would work for most people (4 out of 6 families would be available). Tickets were purchased. I started to set up an account, spelt my name wrong and I had to call back two times to fix it. I decided to wait until my mom in law had Rebekah so I could concentrate better, and by the time I got back to it (same day mind you) tickets went up $100 a ticket resulting in the loss of one day of Utah time. I was NOT happy. But they were purchased. We were definitely going. 

Then there was the waiting. And waiting. Rebekah is not good at waiting. But we finally got to the ticket date and we were on our way. We left our house at 4 am. Rebekah did quite well. (Thought this was a good picture of her excitement but then I realized there was an unfortunate stalker looking guy in the background....)

We flew through Minnesota. They have indoor play areas. We had a long layover. It was perfect. We finally got to Utah but had to stop for a picture.

It was about here Rebekah realized we wouldn't be seeing her cousins right away but would be heading up to my mother's. It was a long drive. Rebekah was doing quite well with all the traveling but about Evanston she was done. She wanted out of the car and the traveling to be done. Don found a park.

She played for a little bit and then we got her back in the car (wasn't easy) and went to mom's. We arrived just before 5. If you do the math and consider the time change that's about 15 hours of traveling. Rebekah did remarkably well.

When we got there mom introduced Chester to Don and Rebekah (Chester doesn't like strangers and can be "protective" of mom).

Then, while dinner finished cooking, mom and Rebekah made a surprise treat.

Licking the beaters: a much loved tradition.

Back to the cooking.

Then, while it baked we had time to play in mom's hot tub.

Not sure how the events that night went: I know we ate a fabulous dinner, just not sure if that was before or after the hot tub. I do know we went to be relatively early for Utah time. Rebekah assured me she couldn't sleep in a new place but we read our books and got all ready for bed. I then excused myself to use the restroom, promising to return right away. When I returned she was out. It was crazy! That has never happened before! Apparently I just need to get Rebekah up at 4 am and keep her up for 19 hours of hard traveling and she will go to bed by herself. Good to know.

The next day she woke up at 4:45 am. Which is 6:45 am our time. Right on schedule. I was very sad. So, I pulled out the iPad and let her play until mom woke up. 

We had a great breakfast and then mom and Rebekah explored.

Oh, and Chester came too.

Love coloring time.

We planned the trip to mom's around swim. Mom swims a lot and I felt they could bond over flippers.

However, it looks like they bonded over watering cans.

Then Don wanted to swim laps. That far away black dot is him, the closer one is mom.

Rebekah sat with me and cheered him on. 

I suppose I should mention here that I did not bring my suit. Apparently I can only remember to bring things for Rebekah and for Don. Ironically the swim suit wasn't the most important thing I forgot to pack for me. I noticed the lack of my coat very quickly - even before the snow came.

But back to Rebekah. She was much inspired with Don's lap swim and swam out to meet him. It was a long way and she did quite well. The white dot is her, and you can see Don walking towards her.

Swimming was nice and all but apparently the watering can was the best. Love this picture.

Then we had to get going. We came back to mom's, gave Rebekah a much needed bath, had a wonderful lunch, and got back on the road. Not before I took this picture though.