Over the River and Through the Woods

My fun brother graduated from BYU!  Yay Aaron!  It was timed just perfectly as Ben was off of work for the week, so I was able to fly to Utah without all my children's :)  Although Ben insisted I leave Claire also, I decided to take her along since she was free to fly and I knew the grandparents would love to see her.  She was a good flyer... but I sure am glad the flight is only 90 minutes.  

The Computer Science graduation started at 8am, so we were all up and at 'em at 5:30 to get ready, drive to Provo and get seats in time.  Graduation was in the Wilk ballroom...

I snagged a photo of Aaron as they filed out of the atrium to make their way into the ballroom for their seats.  How cute is he in his bow tie? :) ....

This is my entire family- my parents, my sister Sarah, and my brother Aaron (plus a Claire)

Aaron's cute girlfriend, Stefani :)

Aaron is a fun uncle :)

After graduation and pictures, we made our way to the Talmage building for breakfast.  I like that I got the Y in the background on this picture.  I miss BYU....

We wandered campus afterwards, and Aaron showed us his favorite study spot - the Honors Reading Room in the Maeser Building...

I was so happy when I found out that the charity 5K run for my friend Lisa would be the same weekend that I'd be in Utah for Aaron's graduation.  Lisa is my age with 4 kids - we grew up together in Sandy in the same ward - she found out at the beginning of the year that she has brain cancer and has recently gone through radiation and continues chemo treatments.  It was fun to join in the crowd of friends and family to help support her and her family.  And the race and breakfast were held in Midway, Utah which was absolutely beautiful...

After the race at the pancake breakfast....

It's an understatement to say that Claire enjoys bananas.  :)

We went downtown to check out the new City Creek Mall - it was amazing!  Definitely a wonderful addition to downtown Salt Lake and it opens up so nicely into Temple Square. 

                                              

On the pedestrian overpass bridge that connects the different sections of the mall

Cool water feature :)

Beautiful Temple Square

After exploring downtown, we drove into the Avenues to visit my wonderful grandparents at their home...

Before flying home, I wanted to check out the mountain scenery - so we did a quick impromptu hike up a trail near the house....

Claire likes eating rocks... maybe as much as bananas.  :)

After our little mountain walk... we stopped at Granite Park and hung out for a while, enjoying the weather...

It was a short visit, but definitely worth the flight.  I'm so glad, though, we get to all go back for another visit in May.  See you again soon family!  :)