Our original plans to go to Idaho got changed slightly because of Caleb's hospital stay. But we still made it, just a day late.
Kids were pretty awesome little travelers, as they usually are.
And the first thing they wanted to do when we finally got to Idaho on Saturday?
Throw rocks in the pond, obviously.
Always.
While we missed the official family reunion, we still got there in time to spend lots of time with my mom, dad, sister, and Grandma,
As well as attend the Wild West Shoot Out.
Craig, in particular, thought it was
hilarious.
Sunday we headed to church, where Calista and Craig were both able to experience the same thing I did growing up: in each of their primary classes, there was at least one Butikofer, some grandchild of one of my dad's cousins. Ah, church in Coltman, Idaho.
After some resting, we decided to head to the cemetery. We did drop by my dad's cousin's house, where the kids were given cupcakes to eat.
I think they enjoyed them.
Walking through the cemetery and seeing, in particular, all the graves of small children, made me so grateful for the society we live in today. Modern medicine (antibiotics, vaccines, etc) is nothing short of miraculous.
Most likely Caleb's recent visit to the hospital was still in the forefront of my mind...
After the cemetery, it was time for hugs
Playing "shark,"
And making and eating s'mores.
Yum!
And sticky.
Very, very sticky.
Our last thing we had to do, before we left Idaho in the morning?
Throw more rocks.
Silly boys.
Monday we continued our journey south, stopping in Salt Lake City for the afternoon.
We got to eat at Red Iguana.
Tasty Mexican food, and a massive Red Iguana.
After lunch we headed to Temple Square.
One of my favorite things we did there we don't have pictures of: we went to an Organ Recital at the Conference Center. After the recital, the organist stayed behind to answer any questions. Craig asked him how many minutes he practiced a day. The organist answered, "as many as I can!" and added he usually practices several hours a day. Then he asked Craig how long he practices. Haha.
Of course, we had to go the the Visitor's Centers.
Calista was being a bit of a brat, wanting a picture all by herself, and not willing to take a group one first.
She eventually got her wish, though.
I love this beautiful girl. It was great to have her see the Christus and the temple, especially since she's preparing for her baptism this year.
Craig got his picture, too.
Caleb did not get a solo picture because
we don't love him as much. Kidding! Because he wouldn't stay still.
They also really enjoyed the temple,
Especially when I told them they could actually touch the walls if they wanted to.
I love the temple. It is a beautiful, sacred place.
I am so grateful for the sealing power, and for the opportunities we have to share the spirit of the temple with our children, even though it is years until they will be able to enter it themselves. I pray that we all get to go to the temple together someday.
After finishing up at Temple Square,
we headed on down to Draper,
played at a park to wear everyone out before bed,
and then crashed at our friends, Tim and Maria's, house.
Sweet dreams!
Tuesday was a relaxing morning playing with Tim and Maria's daughter, "Kiwi."
(They call her that online, it is not her actual name. Out of respect for them, I will not post her name online, either).
Craig and Kiwi took turns throwing balls down the stairs. Craig was really great with her, sharing and letting her have a turn.
They loved watching the balls bounce down the stairs.
Calista also enjoyed Kiwi, reading to her and Rolo the dog.
Then we headed down to Provo to wander around campus.
Hi, Brigham!
We took them to some of our favorite places,
Like the statue garden, fountains,
J Dawgs,
and the BYU Bookstore (complete with slide!)
We also let them do science experiments
And took them to the Bean Museum
To see all the animals.
Wow, that elephant is big!
Calista enjoyed the ocean life part, although
Touching the real turtle was probably their favorite part of the day.
The kids got tired and hot sometimes, but we told them that they shouldn't complain, because our trip was only going to get hotter!
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