Utah Trip

May 8-12, 2025

I found really inexpensive airline tickets to SLC and booked a trip to see my out of town kiddos. I loved being with them, and we had a great weekend. Some of my favorite things, in no particular order, were: 1. Parker driving 4 hours to spend time with me/us. 2. a hike with Brinley & Derek 3. Shopping. (It's so much easier to find modest clothes in Utah.) 4. Getting to know Derek better 5. Just hanging out all together and laughing at nothing 6. Denise and I actually squeezing in a little one on one time together at Thanksgiving Point.

I flew in on Thursday afternoon and was able to visit with Denise and her grand girls for a bit before I headed to the Hale Center Theatre for the evening performance of Finding Neverland. The Hale's main stage is a theater in the round and their scene changes and actors/actresses are phenomenal. I was even able to use my free ticket, a 2023 Christmas gift from Denise.

Brinley and I were able to get together on Friday for lunch and pedicures. We talked and laughed non- stop. She was also nice to accompany me to the mall on my search to stock up on some new blouses and fancier t-shirts-because I'm fancy like that. I had luck and purchased probably 8 new shirts. Woo hoo!

Parker surprised us while we were at the mall. I loved having a big Mother's Day hug from him. I still can't believe he was willing to drive 4 hours to spend a day and a half together. It made me feel pretty special.

We headed to Walmart because Bri and I wanted to restock their pantries some. Both of our parents used to do that when we were young adults, and it always felt a little like winning the lottery.

Brinley and Derek's apartment was really nice. They started in a studio apartment and were able to move to a two bedroom a few months later. They have done a great job making it look and feel like a home.

I am so grateful my back is in good enough shape now that I could go on a hike. Bryn and Derek took us to Stuart Falls. Parker started with us, but I was relieved when he decided not to continue. He is only 4.5 months out of knee surgery, and he is supposed to wait a year before doing too much physically. Anyway, the hike was so fun. I loved visiting with the newlyweds and being out in nature. It was a awesome way to spend my Saturday morning.

Later that afternoon, Denise and I had an opportunity to get into Thanksgiving Point for free. We met Kyle and Sarah there, and because Sarah's grandparents established the gardens as a way to thank the community, Sarah can bring guests in at no charge. Kyle and Sarah left, and Denise was kind enough to show me some of her favorite parts. 

It was blazing hot, crowded, and expansive (55 acres). I had already hiked that morning, and I wasn't fully hydrated so we didn't stay more than 1.5 hours. I'm glad we went though, and I especially loved having some one-on-one time with Denise. She is an amazing sister-in-law and a great friend.

Check out my fancy new t-shirt (v-neck and tulip sleeves) and new shoes.

The tulip festival had been going for weeks and was past it's prime, but it was still so beautiful.

My favorite areas of Thanksgiving Point were the Tree of Life sculpture gardens. It was amazing to see giant sculptures from Lehi's dream.

This is the great and spacious building. I could really feel the gloom and despair of the people living here. The sculptures had looks of weariness and defeat or defiance etched onto their features.

The iron rod was beautiful. It was 163 feet long and much thicker in diameter than I had imagined when I have read The Book of Mormon. I like the artist's work. It makes sense that the iron rod is thick, sturdy and strong. The rod also had beautiful scriptures etched into the bronze. There was a loud speaker sharing the words of Lehi's dream. I think because of my youth conference Moroni's Quest Moroni's Quest experience a couple of summers ago, this area really captured my attention.

We always stay with Bruce and Denise when we go to Utah. They are so kind and hospitable. Also, it's so fun to see their kids and grandkids too. This is Kyle and his wife Sarah and Megan's daughter Grace.

We are pretty horrible about taking pictures when we are there, but luckily Denise grabbed this one to share with Grandma and Grandpa Gwilliam.

Standing lft-rt: Griffin, Sarah, Kyle and Derek 
Sitting lft-rt: Megan, Emma, Lindsay and Brinley

And back to my very favorite part of this trip...hanging out and laughing with my children. It was the best. These last few pictures are from a Mother's Day dinner from Brinley and Derek. I loved their thoughtful gift. They made a delicious pork dish and fruit pizza for dessert. We feasted!

These pictures are the best...just dying laughing over nothing. I think I asked them to pose for a picture and then asked Parker to move closer to the dessert and help. They were teasing me and then laughing because...well, how were they supposed to both pose while pretending to cut the fruit pizza.

This was our dinner setup (and notice my new shirt!) After this, we headed to a small park area at their complex and played Bocce ball. 

This trip was a fun way to get out of town, celebrate Mother's Day and be with Bryn, Derek, Parker and some of our extended Gwilliam family. I'm so glad I was able to go.