We went to Utah and it was awesome

 Mercedes and I took the train, it was a first time for us and it actually went quite well.

 Taylor saw us off at the little train station in downtown Roseville.

 It was a 16 hour ride which is a lot longer than driving but Mercedes was able to get up and walk around.

 We had snacks (which included chocolate, of course!)

 And lots of Elmo's World on the Ipad.

 From the viewing car we saw beautiful views of the Sierras.

 We arrived in the cute little Provo station at 4:30 a.m.  My mom (bless her heart) picked us up at that early hour and brought us home where we slept for a couple of more hours.  Thank you Mercedes!

 Here are my four brothers and nephew.

 With all of the missions, living states apart, illnesses, etc., this was the first time in about four years that all of us siblings were together.

 It was awesome.

 I've missed these guys.

 Our height was almost a perfect line.  Except for the fact that age-wise I'm supposed to be between Addison and Jordan, the two on the left.

It was so fun just to be back at the old house for those few days with my family.  Unfortunately I only got to see my dad for a day and a half because he he had to go out of town on MTC business.  We'll get more time soon dad!

 I wasn't very good about taking a lot of pictures while we were there but I did take pictures of this fun project I did.  I've been needing a jewelry box and I found this one at a thrift store.  It was an old ugly brown but I loved the orange inside and saw that it had a lot of potential.  Plus it plays music when you pull out the bottom drawer.  How fun is that?

 It's hard to tell but it is a very pale blue.  With a little sandpaper I distressed it.  I've been wanting to try that on something for a long time.  It was so fun! Now I have a place to put my jewelry.  I'm happy.

 Here are Jordan and my mom sitting on the porch on a nice sunny day.

 Toddlers need a little dirt in their lives.

 Little Cinderella sweeping up the rock salt I couldn't keep her from scooping out of the bag and dumping on the porch.

 We also had some fun on the tramp.

 After 5 and a half days Mercedes and I drove back to Roseville with Slade and my Mom where I have a cousin who got married and was having a reception.

 Thanks for the ride mom, it was so very nice of you.

 11 hour car rides are hard with this two-year-old.

 But at least she picked up some harmonica skills.  It's quite adorable.

 Back in Roseville the next day we attended my cousin's reception.

 Mercedes enjoyed the roaming.

 And she loved this little area.

 She REALLY loved grandma Jenne.

 We finally got a four generation picture.  (Me, Mercedes, my mom and her mom).  I love these women so much, they 'light up my life'!  (The song my jewelry box plays).

 I love my mom, and miss her all of the time that we are apart!

I also missed my hubby very badly while I was away in Utah.  Someday I will have everyone I love near me always!  (The blessing of the eternities).

 Family photo.

Sunday evening while leaving my grandma Kennen's we saw this peacock.  I just had to post a picture.  I just think it's so cool they roam in the wild out here!

Well that's all for now.  Have a great day!