Westward, Ho!

Thomas and I had the fun opportunity to go out to visit our families out in Utah for 2 weeks.  The trip was jam packed with fun adventures for this little boy and he loved every minute of it!

First stop: Grammy Joey's birthday party at Jungle Jim's. What kind of grandma throws herself a birthday party at a kids play place? Only the most fun grammy in the world! This was actually the day we came into town, so imagine a little boy already having the excitement of traveling on an airplane and then getting to play at the arcades! Overload! Well he got used to it and adapted to this new party animal lifestyle. Now I am doing damage control back in Ohio trying to get him a bit more structured :)

This little boy was born to be wild!

Next up, a visit to the Allred's farm.  Every night Thomas likes to hear the story of Papa Allred taking him to feed the cows and ride the tractors, so he was really excited to come to the Allred's. He and his Grandpa Ned are like two kindred spirits. They always have the best time together.  I think this trip in particular, Thomas warmed up to all of his grandparents really quickly. He really loved getting to spend time with each of them!  Here he is peeking out the window looking at the neighbors Tractor. Sadly, grandpa Ned's tractor was in the repair shop.

Thomas did get to feed the cows though. He was a bit nervous about this at first, but very interested. He  was such a good little farm hand to Grandpa Ned.
While at the Allred's Thomas also got to visit with his cousins, as well as some other extended family members. We are so grateful to have so many people who make such an effort when we come to town. Thomas loved all the attention, and especially loved getting into mischief with his cousin Amelia.
Grandpa and Grandma Allred also recently bought a camper trailer and Thomas was excited to see this. I didn't get any pictures of it though! Thomas called the camper the "Big Rig"

This boy is pretty spoiled to have a farmer grandpa and a grandpa with trucks and diggers! What a dream come true for a little boy! Why even bother going to disney land when you can take the little man to Grandpa's shop to see all the equipment.  I think my dad's name right now according to Thomas is "Papa Mackay-Big-Dump-Truck-Big-Diggers" because he always says the whole thing when referring to my dad.

Thomas got to ride in this little mini excavator with Grandpa Mackay. He was a bit nervous, but also very seriously interested. He had his little hands clenched pretty tightly the entire time. When he got out, we had to pry his hands open, only to find one skittle in each hand all melted and smeared all over the place.

Thomas had so much fun with Grandpa Mackay. We rode in his red car and Thomas called it a race car and kept saying Weeee! everytime my dad accelerated. He also called his house a castle. Ha ha! I'm pretty sure Papa-Mackay-Big-Dump-Truck-Big-Digger's ego liked all that :)  Oh and he also now refers to Mack Trucks as Mackay Trucks :)

Next up: The Tulip Festival at Thanksgiving point with his cousins and aunts. I have never been to the tulip festival, but it was so lovely. I forgot to bring Thomas' stroller so he hitched a ride with Johnny. The picture on the left was 2 years ago when Thomas made his first trip out to Utah.  Both the boys have grown so much, but still look like bigger versions of their baby selves! This trip Thomas and Johnny really became good friends. It was so cute to see them play together. They really got along very well and just laughed and ran and got into mischief but had a grand old time. I am so glad to see them become such good friends.

I made Clint a promise before our trip that I would take Thomas to the mountains, so I did. We went on a short little hike up cottonwood canyon with my sister Emily. Thomas really loves the outdoors so he had  a great time. He loved walking in the snow too!

Of course the little boy spent the majority of his time throwing rocks in the water.

After our trip to the mountains Emily wanted to show Thomas this train that is at a cafe by her house. He thought that was pretty cool! I thought it was pretty impressive that when Clint asked thomas about his trip to the mountains a week afterwards he said, "Thomas, Mama, Emmy see Choo Choo!" I couldn't believe he remembered and associated the two events together. He is really smart!

My mom had a little Cinco De Mayo Fiesta. Here is thomas saying Ole! He looked pretty cute in his little sombrero.

And here is the littlest Amigo, baby Grant, just as cute as can be.

One too many tequilas

Thomas and his little best buddy playing with the noise makers.

I thought it was so funny when Thomas tried to ride the piñata!

Here he is having a good go at it! Pete was the one to break it open, but Thomas had a fun time giving it a try.

On my birthday, my mom took off work and the three of us took the trax downtown to the children's museum.  Thomas had the time of his life! This little boy was pretty mesmerized by the train. And of course he could have played at this crane at the museum for hours. That night in his prayer Thomas said,"thank you choo choo, thank you present, thank you museum, thank you train ride grammy..." repeat. I think its safe to say thomas enjoyed my birthday festivities that all revolved around him :)

It was sad to say goodbye, we had such a great time. I am so thankful that we were able to come out. I know this trip will make a big difference in Thomas starting to feel connected with his family in Utah, and that is so important to me. I only wish we were closer by so he could see them all the time and not have so much condensed fun :)  Also thanks to my mom for baby sitting Thomas a few times so I could go out with some girl friends. I don't get much time to myself so it was quite a luxury. We miss Utah terribly already!