Coast to Coast

Lily and I decided to take a trip out west. We visited my former roommate (Natalie), pictured below with her darling Tera (not pictured are her husband and son who were taking the picture). I miss Natalie's optimism. I don't remember ever hearing her complain about life.

We also ended up going to California (the coast I was talking about in my title) since Jason's grandpa died. It was nice to see Jason in the middle of our trip. Lily also got to meet her cousin Vivi. She was born a month after Lily. It was kind of a rough beginning--Vivi liked grabbing Lily's hair and Lily liked patting Vivi on the face. Jason had to frequently intervene.

Lily with two of Jason's darling cousins (Krista and Nicole) admiring her "crawling up the stairs" skills (and mother (me) there for moral/physical support).

A family photo of Grandma and Grandpa Ard and some of the brothers who came (i.e. Jordan, Travis, and Collin).

Then we flew back to Utah (sans Jason). Lily met some distant cousins, but Ronan didn't care and quickly hugged her as he recognized a little person about his size. Soooo sweet.

We visited some of my old roommates (Holly and Heidi) whose family at one time practically adopted me (I was reading my journal during the vacation and couldn't believe how many family vacations I went on with them. I hope they were truly okay with that...I certainly was!) I told Heidi to please move her legs, but she said she wanted them in the picture. He he he. It's always fun to have friends who have babies close to the same age as yours. Can you spot Lily? Good job, now what about Lillian or Grace or Georgia? There is a set of twins in there, can you guess which ones? I think I didn't have enough time with them...what do you two think?

Lily then got to see her Grandpa Miller! "Hello, Grandpa," she says.

I leave her for three minutes with a certain family member, and this is how she looks upon my return.

The culprit: Uncle Travis.

Blogger seems to be having problems with picture order. Any suggestions? Maybe not post so many pictures. Here is one at Jason's grandpa's house in CA with Grandma Ard. I couldn't believe how beautiful CA was. Sometimes I asked myself why Jason didn't accept a job there.

Back in Utah at my ex-roommate turned wonderful friend's house...her friendship keeps on giving. She sent me home with a Halloween costume for Lily, home grown swiss chard, and recipe for pickles, which she has graciously answered over 20 phone calls as I've been bugging her to make sure I'm doing them correctly back here in CT. Her darling daughters brought out all their stuffed animals to show Lily.

They also put on a musical show.

I stopped at Lily's cousins house. This was their crazy photo. Totally adorable of Brandon, Tyler, and Megan.

And this was so sweet of cousin Tyler (a pinewood derby champion!) under a tree with Lily.

Grandma Miller was always so happy when Lily would crawl straight towards her with a grin, only to find she wanted to suck on her golden pendant. Only the best for Lily:)

Lily and Uncle Ben playing...something:) Visiting Utah wouldn't feel right if I didn't stay awhile with Aunt Gloria and Uncle Ben. They are too gracious to me (I'm not even their granddaughter, just a niece) but I have sweet, sweet memories of both of them and their home/motel/hospital/cafe/garden...it's served many purposes over the years.

Lily found Aunt Gloria's sparkles.

This was Lily's smile in the airport talking to Jason. Soooooooo sweet. Glad I captured it.

Jason took us out to Friendly's to celebrate after picking us up from the airport. He even asked for a balloon for Lily.

(Blogger problems again) Back in Utah visiting another former roommate. Kristy and her two darling sons. (Pictured below is Apollo and Lily playing with paper stars she had made when she was roommates with me). It's because of Kristy that Jason and I are married (Kristy, her mom, and her sister set us up). And, it's because of Jason that Kristy is now married to Apollo (senior, that is). He set them up on a date:)