St. George

We were able to spend a few days in St. George.  I just really felt it was important to go, especially since Alec leaves in a couple weeks (less now) and it would help him be able to move forward on his journey. My nephew, Chris Bowler, was getting married and Alec was able to go to the temple sealing.  I thought that was cool that he was able to go.  None of the other cousins were able to because of age or on a mission (Derrek).  So, we traveled up to St. George and got a hotel (it just seemed easier, even though there is family there).  Heidi and Kathie stayed at the same hotel and that was way fun.  We love being with their families.

Thursday we went and saw my Grandma Gilgen and my Grandma Nyquist.  I love that my kids know their great-grandmas!  I knew one of mine and have fond memories of her.  Here is a picture of us with them at lunch and another picture of me with Grandma Gilgen.

We had a lot of fun.  Grandma Gilgen was funny, giving the kids one-liners and had the kids laughing.  She would do things like sing and then say "what?  You don't like my singing?!?".  We wanted to take a picture with her and she said "I don't care.  My hair isn't done, but that doesn't bother me because you're the one that has to look at the picture!".  She was constantly making us laugh.  We then went to Grandma Nyquist's and played "Spinner" and had lunch with her and Grandma Gilgen.  Aunt Nancy came, too, and we had a really nice time visiting with them.  We love playing games with grandma Nyquist.  

That night, we were able to go and visit the Beechers.  We really do miss living next door to them and wish we could pack them up and live by them again.  Maybe some day :)

The next day, Chris got married to Christina (I forgot her maiden name!).  She served in Russia as a missionary also and while they served in the same area together, she told us he never even caught her eye then.  They went to a missionary reunion during Conference and saw each other there and then the rest is history.  

This is a picture of Kent and Amy and their family.  It was a great wedding and Christina's grandpa sealed them.  He was SO funny and borderline irreverent.  Her family didn't seem to be laughing at all his comments, but the Bowler side of things were cracking up!  We wish them well on their beginnings :)  

We did a luncheon after the wedding and then swam and hung out with cousins.  We all went to Pizza Factory for dinner (needed the breadsticks!).  

The next day, we were able to go skiing with Rod, Geoff, and Julianne and their families.  It was really fun and a great end to our fun time in St. George.  It was Olivia's 12th birthday, and she was kind enough to share it with us.  She's actually used to having a skiing activity on her birthday because we are usually doing a Steurer family reunion on her birthday :).  It was fun.  

all of us at Quail Creek Reservoir

 We drove straight home after the lake and had to swing by Kingman to pick up a soap-box-derby car for Scott's boss.  We got many looks from people because it was strapped to the top of our car and isn't something you see every day!  I should have gotten a picture of that...oh well :).  We had a good time and Alec and Calvin got to see their friends that they have been missing and we had lots of cousin and family time which is the best way to spend a vacation.