We are enjoying our time in Utah more than words can express. We have done so many fun things I don't even know where to start! We arrived late Tuesday night of last week after a grueling 24 hour trip from Spain. Jay was a trooper through it all. I can't imagine what he was thinking. After a 6 a.m. wake up call, a 2 1/2 hour train ride, a taxi to the airport, a 2 hour wait for our plane, and an 8 1/2 hour flight we were all extremely exhausted - and we were only in Philadelphia. We had to leave some of Mike's bags with the USO at the airport in Phili so that he could pick them up for his training later. I cannot say enough good about the incredible people who make up the USO.
They are all volunteers supporting the military troops (and consequently Mike since he's working for the military right now). After storing Mike's bags they took us to the USO headquarters in the airport and provided an area to relax as well as drinks, food and
toys for Jay to play with. At that point I broke down and cried. I'm pretty sure my total exhaustion had a lot to do with it but I was just so grateful to them. It just hit me that allowing my husband to leave our family for almost 8 months to serve our country is a huge sacrifice. I was overwhelmed by the gratitude these stranger volunteers offered us. It was something so small but it meant the world to me at that point in time. Thank you USO volunteers! You are amazing!
When we finally reached our destination we were greeted by loving family members who were obviously thrilled to have us with them. It was awesome to sit in the Connelly's family room and realize that the whole family was together for the first time in almost 2 years! Of course Jay was the center of attention and he absolutely loved it. In fact, he's been the star around these parts the whole week.
I don't know what he'll do when it goes back to being just Jay and mom. Or maybe I mean I don't know what I'll do? :) We spent the first 4 days up at the Connelly's
beautiful cabin. It is truly in the perfect place; 35 minutes from home, 10 minutes from the lake, 3 minutes from a golf course and a pond with ducks and fishies, 5 minutes from great restaurants, 10 minutes from the grocery store and smack dab in the middle of a beautiful forest. The cabin itself is gorgeous too.
It has taken blood, sweat and tears to get it built but man was it worth it! (especially for those of us who got to skip the hard part) While up at the cabin we entertained several visitors. Of course the family was there including Melissa, Reed, Rob, Megan, Jill and Lynn but we also had a "few" others. Here's Oni, one of Jay's favorite new people.
She is Melissa and Reed's niece and she's adorable. She and Jay are only about a week apart and they had such a blast together. We kept her up with us an extra day just because they were having too much fun to say goodbye. We also had a day full of friends at the cabin. Mike, Cody, Jimmy, Jeremy and TJ went water skiing and golfing together and later that night we had a huge crowd for dinner at the cabin.
It had been so long since we'd all gotten together and we really enjoyed seeing everyone. The next day our sweet cousin's Jay and Sara Taylor came up to see us with there adorable little boy Lane.
They were amazing enough to drive all the way from Denver to see us. Poor little Lane was sick though so they only stayed for a day. We are so glad they came though. We loved seeing them and letting the boys get to know each other. We love them all so much!
In the middle of our stay up at the cabin Mike and I had a date day while Jay happily stayed with his grandparents and didn't miss us at all.
We went to Macaroni Grill (YUM!) and saw Iron Man at the dollar theater. I loved spending the day with my awesome husband. Unfortunately Mike did have to leave us for his class after being here for way too short a time. Jay and I both miss him so much and want him to know that we love him more than a billion zillion trillion. We're so lucky that he works so hard for us.
So far this week we've been busy, busy, busy. I've been going to Education Week at BYU while Jill watches Jay and it has been such an uplifting experience. I don't know who has enjoyed it more, me or Jill! She has relished every second with our little guy. I have truly enjoyed going to classes. I've been to child development classes, marriage classes, finance classes, gospel classes and even heard Elder Hales speak at the Marriott Center. I love Education Week and encourage anyone who loves to learn to go! It's made me miss being at BYU. I just love going to classes and learning and being on campus. BYU has got to be the most beautiful campus in the world.
Well, it is to me anyway! I must admit, I don't miss tests and assignments and hours of studying though. It's nice to be able to go to lectures without the pressure of a grade :) Anyway, we have had such a wonderful time here and are so grateful to our wonderful, generous, loving family. The rest of this week should be jam-packed with education and play then hopefully next week I'll be able to see and hang out with some more friends. I've been so busy but it has been wonderful. I love Utah!
Yesterday Jay and I met Nikki and Kale Packer for a playdate at the Thanksgiving Point Living Animal Farm. We had such a blast! Kale is so adorable. It was so fun to hang out with him and see what a cute, smart little boy he is. He and Jay are about 4 months apart and they're both pretty tall for their age. They had a good time seeing the animals together. Kale also knows all the animal names in Spanish and he has great pronunciation. Some of our favorite animals to see were the cows, the horses, the ducks, the pigs and the chickens. 
The boys loved feeding the animals corn and hay. Kale was brave enough to have a few animals eat out of his hand! We took a ride on a horse drawn wagon and played in the miniature jail and feed store. 
I think one of Jay and Kale's favorite part of the whole experience was sitting in a big tractor together. They both thought that was so cool. 
What is it with boys and tractors? I'm so glad Nikki suggested going to Thanksgiving Point. Utah is sure a great place to be a mom!
We had Jay's pictures taken by my good friend Mary Clark this week. She did an amazing job. Mary and I have known each other since Freshman year at BYU when we were placed together as suite-mates. She is one of the most beautiful people I know inside and out and I'm so happy that she was able to take Jay's pictures. She is extremely talented. If anyone out there in Utah or just visiting is looking for an amazing photographer (she does kids, families, weddings... you name it!) then go to 
