Dustin and I spent a whirlwind weekend in July with our families. We originally planned for just me to fly in for Ginelle's homecoming, but then decided a few weeks before that Dustin should come too. And I'm so glad that he did! I'm also super glad that we booked our tickets on Southwest so we could sit together! Southwest for the win.
Dustin and I flew in to Salt Lake City on Friday July 11th just 20 minutes before Sister Ginelle Jack's flight was scheduled to land.
We got off our flight, checked an board for arrivals and saw that her plan had landed! We rushed over to the Delta section of SLC and called my mom to make sure it was ok that we see Ginelle first, right as she got off her flight. My mom said she would be jealous but that she knew Ginelle would love to see us there.
We waited patiently as everyone got off the flight and there was no Ginelle yet. I was getting worried that I had looked at the wrong flight so I asked a passenger who had just gotten off and she said it was correct. Finally, Sister Jack walked out of the jetway and I ran up to her and gave her a hug. She was so surprised and so happy to see us! It was awesome to be able to spend a few minutes with her before everyone else.
We planned how she would make her entrance- Dustin and I would be standing in front hiding her, we'd count to three and then lean to the side so she could pop out the middle! Our family saw Dustin and I coming down the escalators and looked so disappointed. Then she popped out and they all cheered (scaring poor baby Audrey). But because it was a surprise, no one really caught it on camera. Haha.
We left the airport and gathered at The Cheesecake Factory for Ginelle's welcome home meal. We loved having Elliott sit next to us. Look at the adorable bread and banana plate they give kids!
Unfortunately, Elliott was not entertained for long.
It was so fun being there with so much family and sharing meals, sharing cheesecakes, and being loud and crazy together. I miss being with family so so much!
Friday night Ginelle was released as a missionary and we spent the evening catching her up on all the YouTube videos she missed while she was away.
Saturday morning I worked on finishing the Dino quilt for Dallin and Becky's baby. I hadn't done binding in a while and I am not used to my mom's machine so it was harder than it should have been. But I finished it and I think it turned out adorable!
We missed the Blendfresh launch party at Thanksgiving Point that morning (and our chance to win a Blendtec), but it was good to be able to finish the quilt and help prep for the couples baby shower that afternoon. We had fun games and prizes and enjoyed getting ready for baby Rex (not his real name, just what I called him).
I like how my dino themed presents for baby turned out and I think they really liked them!
Saturday night we spent with the Creers enjoying Texas Roadhouse and hanging out together. It's always a good time at the Creers!
Sunday was Ginelle's mission homecoming talk and we enjoyed visiting Salem 4th ward. That afternoon I started to feel sick so I took a long long nap. Like 3 hours I think. When I woke up it was time for Frozen with the family followed by old family movies. Nathan, Dustin, and I stayed up way to late trying to find an old home movie we made but we found it! It was fun to see the endless dance parties we had growing up and how Evan was completely adored as a baby.
Monday morning I woke up still feeling sick, but worse because I was nauseous. We had an early morning temple trip scheduled for Spencer to receive his endowment because he has his mission call and I wasn't sure if I was going to be able to make it. I got ready and asked Nathan and Dustin for a blessing. We were a little late to the temple but made it in time for the session and I am so glad I was there! I love being in the Celestial Room with my family. And Spencer was so happy.
I was feeling a little better so we all went to IHOP for breakfast, but then I started feeling sick again so we rushed home.
Monday afternoon Dustin had an appointment to shadow a chiropractor up in West Jordan who is hiring. We packed up our stuff and headed up with my mom, Ginelle, Becky, and Reimi. Dustin was dropped off at the office and then the girls had a lovely afternoon of shopping and Cold Stone. We picked up Dustin a few hours later and headed to the airport for our flight home. I was afraid that I'd have another barfing on the plane experience like when we came home for Dallin's wedding, but I was feeling much better and there was no barfing. :)
Right after we checked our bags in for our flight, we got the text that our flight was delayed by an hour. It would have been nice if they could have sent that 20 mins earlier! We hung out at the airport and talked about how Dustin's shadowing went. The doctor is definitely hiring (which is a definite plus!) but his philosophy of practice is a lot different than Dustin's, which means he wouldn't be a good fit for us and we won't be a good fit for him. So we're still looking.
One thing we learned from this trip is that Utah is DEFINITELY where we want to be and feel like we should be. We are still unclear on the details, but we are excited to be going back home.
It was a fast and furious weekend but I'm so glad we went! Even if it meant coming back to mounds of work.
