The Goodbyes Begin

This past week we went to Utah for Briant's convention, to visit loved ones, play, and say some goodbyes.
We had a little Giles sibling reunion Tuesday since Spencer Elder Giles was going home from his mission on Thursday.  We all met up at the mission home... which was in a church.

Then we went to pick up some stuff from where EG was living and stayed to visit with the family.

The Browns where really nice and generous.

We took plenty of pictures...

Andrew didn't have any problems going to Tiffany.

We had to get some things at Walmart before we got some dinner.  Madison had a great time pushing Andrew around the store and playing Peek-a-Boo with him in the check out.  Andrew was loving every minute of it.

Logan had a good time with him too!

 We had a good visit with EG.  It was good to see him, I can't believe how fast those two years went by!
That evening we all went to another little reunion party for some of Tiffany and Briant's friends that they grew up with from Hershey.  Andrew had a great time just walking around in the grass.  He is really getting a hang of it!

 Swinging with Daddy at the party

Wednesday, I had to take Briant up to SLC for his work's convention, but before we left

Tiffany stopped by to have a play date.

For Andrew's birthday coming up they gave him a

fun shirt that matched Logan's. Big boy buds!

Kisses

I'm so proud I drove up to SLC and back by myself without dying.  I know some of you will be say, "What?" But me coming from a small town-- this is always a big accomplishment that gets my heart pumping!
I planned to stay the week in Utah to visit loved ones... since the opportunities of seeing them are dwindling.  My niece Anna just learned how to ride a bike without training wheels!  She's only 3!!  I brought my bike down  & we had alot of fun riding together.

 She is catching on quickly... and she is oh so brave!

I also went on a 10 mile bike ride with my sis-in-law... which was AWESOME.  

Sad I didn't get a picture of that.

Nick is 18 months and parrots everything.  

Andrew had a good time playing and learning from him.

Playing some tunes before bed time.

Andrew needs a big boy work bench.

Uh-Oh Calico was a favorite book to read.

Waving good bye...

Someone mastered going up the stairs.  

He also is officially walking.

They say once they can take 20 steps in a row that means its official, I guess.

Briant was so surprised to see the difference in only 4 days!

He got lots of practice in all the wide open space that our house doesn't have.

Video coming soon.

My oldest brother Gene came for a visit while he was in the area.  

It was good to see him as always!

This is what happens when two women have some time on their hands.

 Looking like a rock star, boy!

Briant's Aunt Lisa came over Saturday with her daughters and newest grandbaby.

Madeline is so cute!  We had a good visit while taking some cute pictures.

I also went to see my brother Mahon and his wife Cindy.  

They just moved to Utah & I've been wanting to see their new place.  

They said they might come up in June, 

hopefully we'll get to see them again for another visit :)

Wish I would have gotten a picture of that too.

After picking up Briant from convention Sunday,

we visited Gene again before coming home.  Andrew liked the garden!

I had such a good week.  It made me sad knowing I wouldn't be visiting as much anymore.  I'm excited for new adventures but sad to leave good times with family and friends.  It's hard not being able to see the unknown.  I know what to expect here; I know I can go on a bike ride with my SIL and we will have a good time, I know where people live, I know where cities are and (for the most part) how to get there.  I know short cuts and multiple ways to get places.  I'm part of groups and associations.  I know I can do all that again.... it just bothers me that I have to start all over... three or four times within the next 2 years.  I am definitely going out of my comfort zone.  But in the end I have to tell myself.... "It will all be worth it."