Onion Days in Payson

This month has totally gotten away from me! It is nearly the end of September and I have not even posted once this month. It was in May that we had last traveled to Utah and I was missing my family. I had just seen my Mom because she was nice enough to come up and babysit while Nathan and I went to Jackson for his birthday, but I had not seen the rest of my family in a long time. Sunday morning when I was getting ready for the day, I suggested to Nathan that we drive to Utah after church. Nathan was on board and loves a good surprise. He insisted that I didn't tell anyone we were coming. So, we made an impromptu trip to Utah for my Dad's and Candice's birthdays and for the Onion Day Celebration. My Mom and Dad were both surprised and excited to see us when we showed up on their door step later that evening.
Labor Day was so much fun. We went to the parade at the park, let Alex ride some things at the carnival with her cousin Josilyn, and we had a barbecue at my Mom and Dad's. A lot of my extended family was there too. It was so great to see everyone.

My Uncle Mike had his video camera viewfinder turned around so Izzie could see herself in it. She thought it was so funny.

Before the barbecue, I was shopping in Smith's for some groceries and guess who I ran into? Yup, my brother. It was so funny. Of course he had no idea we were coming down, so when I said his name he just stared at me. It took a minute to register that yes, that was his sister, but what in the world was she doing here??! The past couple of trips we made down to Utah, Craig was on hunting expeditions so we didn't get to see him. He hadn't seen Izzie since Christmas and could not get over how much she has changed and what a little personality she has.

I had the chance to debut my new book to my family. Did you know I am an author? Okay, it is really a blog book, but I spent many months of blood, sweat, and tears on that thing. I am relieved it is finished (the first four years anyway), and also so happy to have all of those memories preserved in a book. I think my Grandma must have read the entire thing. It was great to be able to share it with her since she doesn't ever get the chance to see the blog on the computer.

Izzie was in heaven with her Aunt Amy and her blankey.

Alex and Josilyn had so much fun together at the carnival. It made me even more excited for our trip to Disneyland!! Alex and Isabelle have no idea what they are in for.