Tuesday, July 08, 2008

4th of July Weekend

Our family took a four day weekend and headed to SLC for some fun and relaxation. Our main reason for going was Tom's Mission reunion. He served in Salt Lake City 8 years ago, for those who might not know. We actually stayed with a family (The Wilkin's) who were Ward Mission Leaders during Tom's mission. He's kept in touch with them over the years and they were kind enough to let us stay there!

On the 4th of July we had a BBQ, let off fireworks, and then talked over a bonfire in the Wilkin's backyard and listened to and watched fireworks going off around the neighborhood.



Evan with a sparkler.

Lincon (The Wilkin's grandson) with fireworks. Lamar (the dad) being "patriotic".
Jordyn enjoying the fireworks.

Aubrey (the Wilkin's grandaughter) pushing Jordyn. She was so cute with Jordyn.

Evan and Aubrey riding in a toy jeep. Evan loved it!

Tom sitting by the bonfire.

Aneesa (The Wilkin's daughter) sitting by the bonfire.

On the 4th as we were sitting by the bonfire we heard lots of sirens and figured someone started a fire with some fireworks. Then we could see a plume of smoke and an orange glow only a few miles away. It looked pretty bad. So, a few of us hopped in the car and drove to see what was going on. Sure enough, right off the interstate there was a really bad fire that started from the city fireworks show in Magna. We were literally driving right along side the fire... it was crazy. This was the best picture I got of it. There were telephone polls on fire too. Some parts were worse then others, but I would say it had to have been a mile long! If you want to literally see what we saw, click here... someone got some video footage of it. The people on the video had the same reaction we did!

Saturday we took off to see my brother Dave and his wife Mel in Sandy. We went to a really cool waterpark with an awesome area for kids. Evan went down this one kid waterslide about a million times... he loved it.

Mel with her neice and Carter.


After swimming, Dave and Mel watched Jordyn and Evan for us (thanks again guys!) and Tom, Carter, and I went to Tom's mission reunion. They had it at a church building in Lehi. When we walked in Tom's mission president said,"There's my cowboy!" We ate some food and just visited for a few hours. It was good to meet some of the people Tom is always talking about and telling stories about from his mission. I think everyone had a good time catching up! I didn't take any pictures at the mission reunion so I dug up some photos from Tom's mission.
Tom and the Mission President and his wife.

I had to put this picture of Tom and The Wilkin's from his mission. They were actually talking about when they went to a soccer game, so I was surprised to find this picture! From left to right: Jason Wilkin, Tom, Tom's mission companion Raja (he was at the reunion but actually lives about 20 min. away from us!), Julie Wilkin, Lamar Wilkin, and Eric Wilkin.

Sunday morning we stopped to say goodbye to Dave and Mel again before they went to church. We decided to check out IKEA before we left. Very cool store. I got a bunch of little things and we were there for 2.5 hours! I can see myself stopping at that store every chance I get. Then we attempted to stop and eat at Cafe Rio. We keep hearing people talk about how great it is... but sadly it was closed! So we ate somewhere else and then headed for home. Tom took the picture of me below. He said he need to document me ACTUALLY driving on a trip! I'll admit he drives most of the time, but on the way home I drove 75% of the way because Tom was too sleepy, poor baby!
We had a great time and it was fun to see family and friends. I said on the way home that we really need to take more weekend trips. It was fun!

4 people who like me:

Jenny said...

Looks like so much fun!! I didn't know you guys were going to SLC. I'm so jealous!

Susan said...

Um, Em, didn't you learn in driver's education that BOTH hands should be on the wheel in the 10 and 2 position. I am appalled!

Looks like so much fun. (I drool over IKEA things, I'm jealous)

Topher said...

You went to IKEA on a Sunday...I'm tellin'!!

We've never eaten at Cafe Rio, but some friends in our ward are from Arizona and her mom got the receipe from the owners. They invited us for dinner a few weeks ago and made it for us and IT'S AWESOME! It's what I asked Jenny to make for my Father's Day meal. We'll have to make it when we're in MT for everyone to try.

Holly said...

that footage of the fire was CraZy! Cafe Rio IS awesome. I have the recipe for the salad, which is the best. you want it? It's a lot of work, but so worth it. It really tastes exactly like the famous cafe rio salad.