Utah Part 1

We weren't planning on coming to Utah until November for Thanksgiving this year. But then Eric's best friend Adam got engaged so of course he had to go for that! After some saving, we decided to all go together. What we thought would be a short trip (which is was for Eric) turned into a month long trip for Ellie and me! We had so much fun seeing family and friends. It made me miss living in Utah a lot. But I missed Eric even more once he left. 

I took SO many pictures while we were there so I figured I would probably have to do some separate posts for the trip. These are from the first couple of weeks we were there! 

We got to the airport nice and early for our flight to SLC. Eric and I bought our tickets for separate flights because it ended up being the cheapest option. Since I'd flown with Ellie by myself a bunch of times, Eric decided to give me a break and let me have my flight all to myself! It ended up being pretty boring.. haha

He's so hot.

Our first full day in Utah was jam packed with fun. The girls were reunited  (in no time they turned into frenemies... hahaha) and played all morning. Then we went to the Handcart Days fair and parade in Bountiful. For those non Utahn's out there, this is the best time of the year for us. It is so much fun! 

 

I missed this little Chloe so so much

It's become a tradition in my family to have a backyard campout the weekend of the 24th. My brother is an amazing cook and does most of the meals, we play games, have a water fight, watch a movie on the side of the garage and hang out. It's a blast and I'm SO so so happy we could be there for it this year.

That weekend we were able to go to Adam's wedding. Eric and him were companions on their LDS missions in Philadelphia. They instantly clicked and have been best friends ever since. He's become like a part of our family and we were SO happy for him when he found a great girl that made him happier than we've ever seen him. 

She just looked so pretty and grown up on that chair! I was dying to have my camera, but my phone shot had to do.

I cannot say it enough. The family I married into is amazing. Although most of them are California natives, a lot of the Payne family is moving to Utah! Which is amazing news for us when we visit. We got to see so many of them, but I didn't take enough pictures! Our awesome cousins had us over for dinner before Eric left. We want to be just like them when we grow up. 

 

Because Eric is a grown up and has to work, he had to leave after only a few days. Saying goodbye to my man for 3 weeks was so insanely difficult. But I knew I'd have my family surrounding me and he'd be busy with work and golf :) 

After Eric left, I was busy with swimming, shopping, and hanging out with friends and family. We had such a great time! 

One day it was pouring rain so we had an indoor campout. S'mores on the stove. That's what I'm talkin bout.

She has this new fascination of laying down in small places...

           

This incredible woman took me out to breakfast. She was there for me during some of the most difficult points in my life. My love and admiration for her is insane. 

After all this crazy fun, Ellie and I headed to California for more fun! Stay tuned for the next post!