Mamma's Birthday Weekend!

Last time Chad and I were in St. George we were able to go to the “Live Nativity” at Tuacahn Amplitheater. While there, we saw a sign for an upcoming show with Brian Regan. My dad loves Brian Regan and my mom had tried getting him tickets for when he went to Salt Lake but they were all sold out. I thought that it would be a perfect Christmas present for my dad. When looking at the calendar it was the day before my Mom’s birthday. My mom loves when our family is all together, so we thought what a better birthday present than giving the whole family a Christmas gift where everybody needs to be in one place, AKA a vacation to St. George! We thought it was pretty brilliant and decided to go for it.

We started our trip on Friday. Chad and I had been mowing all morning/afternoon in order to help Andy and Tanner get all of the lawns that they mow done before we left for their trip. Afterwards we hurried back to Provo to get ready to go. After Andy and Tanner finished school, they and my parents packed up the cars and headed towards Sandy to pick Brad and Heidi up at their new home. They then continue to Provo to pick Chad and I up. After we stopped and ate some dinner the journey continued.

By the time we got to St. George it was pretty late. We unpacked the car, sat and chatted for a little while and then headed to bed. The plan for the next day was to go on one of my families favorite bike rides, “Bear Claw Poppy Trail.” Brad wanted to leave at 8 AM in hopes to finish before it got too hot.

 The best parts of the trail are called: "Three Fingers of Death" and "Clavicle Hill

 

The next morning when I woke up the house was unusually quite. I went out to the living room and there was my mom watching the news. She was the only one awake. Andy shortly followed, which was unusual because Andy is usually the last out of bed. Andy, Chad and I slept in the bunk-bed room (Tanner would have but he was kicked out due to his snoring, the poor guys sinus is completely clogged up with scare tissue!!), so Chad and I can both attest to the squeakiness of the bed. When Chad woke up he said, “It sounds like somebody is trying to play the trumpet but failing miserably.” By the time nine-o’clock rolled around we decided it was time to wake the rest of the family up. 

Tanner sleeping in his cocoon.

 

After eating breakfast we prepared all of our bikes and headed off to the trail. The bike ride was a lot of fun! Not going to lie, I’m way out of shape and it was rough but it was so much fun!! Chad had never been on this trail before and enjoyed it a bunch. It was fun to go bike riding with him; we had never been together before so it was a first! 

The gang ready to head out on our ride.

 After eating lunch my brothers all wanted to see the new “Iron Man” movie. I have always loved going to movies with my dad, it was one of my favorite things to do with him. We got a large popcorn, which was completely gone by the time we were five minutes into the movie. The movie was good! I would definitely recommend it. It had action, but was hilarious. Iron Man is by far my favorite super hero! 

While waiting in line at the movie I was able to become a student at "Monsters University!" 

After the movie we met back up with my mom (she didn’t come because she doesn’t like watching movies) and went to one of her favorite restaurants in St. George, “Don Pedro’s.” It was delicious like always. The bean dip and salsa was excellent and the rest of the dinner was great too! 

Afterwards, we went to the main event of our trip. BRAIN REGAN!!!!! I had been looking forward to this since Chad and I bought the tickets. He is my favorite comedian and I was so excited to actually see him preform live, instead of just listening to him on my iPod. He did not let me down. It was a hoot! I could not stop laughing. It was fun to be there enjoying it with my entire family. They all seemed to enjoy themselves! My mom even laughed!! That’s impressive J I’m the only person that ever gets her to laugh ;) Just kidding! She laughs all of the time, especially at my little brother Tanner. He is a character. And my dad of course!

 

The next morning was Sunday. I had previously talked to my mom and asked if we could go to church that day. We looked up what time church was and were able to attend the Green Valley First Ward. It was super great. I always love going to different wards, especially on fast Sundays! It is always a fun experience and it is great that almost always you can find a ward nearby. When Chad and I got married we made it a goal to always make it a point to attend church while we are on vacation.

After church we went to visit my Mom’s aunt and uncle, who recently moved to St. George. I had not seen them in a long time and it was fun to visit and catch up with them. It is always fun to visit with family members and it was nice to see how happy the visit made my mom. She loves to chat and loves to be with family! 

Not only was it Sunday but it was my Mom's birthday!!!!! Brad and Heidi surprised her by secretly getting a cake Saturday afternoon. Before we started cleaning up the house, they pulled it out and we were able to sing "Happy Birthday" to my mom. My mom is the most amazing woman in the world. She does so much for my family and for others. She is a great example of serving others and of being kind. I look up to her so much! She is one of my best friends and she means the world to me. She most definitely deserves the "Mom of the year award" and has ever since Brad was born. She is the best taxi driver around, a 5 star chef, a fair judge in the family courtroom, the neighborhood watch team, the most generous and kind woman you'll ever meet, and the best mom in the world! Plus she's my mom!! Love you Mom! Hope you had a great day!! :)

The Birthday Cake Brad and Heidi got.

After our nice visit it was time to pack up and head back home. The ride home seemed much longer than the ride down to St. George. That’s how it seems most of the time on family vacations, but it was a nice ride. I was glad to get out of the car when we arrived back in Provo but was sad that our trip was over. It had been a nice vacation away from Provo and I was so glad I was able to spend the weekend with my family. It is so fun to be with them and live so close to them. They are a great support and always there for me whenever I need anything! 

Chad sleeping on the way home.

At least I thought he was sleeping ;)