Why Spring Break needed to happen in Utah

First of all, I found ridiculously cheap tickets to fly to Utah.  This was after my Mustache Bash trip was already planned, but I really wanted to take the boys to Utah.  Secondly, Ben was going to be busy during Spring Break week and wouldn't be able to play with us adequately.  Thirdly, Chicago is WAY too cold in early April.  And winter had been going on long enough.  We had no choice but to scoot out of here!

The boys were champions on the flight.  It helps when they are old enough to be fully captivated by small portable electronic devices (which can now stay on during take-off and landing... huzzah!).

We also had the most kid-conscious flight attendant ever, who brought us chocolate to help get through the flight, as well as a special drink for the kids he called "pilot's punch."

This right here is why I wanted to take my boys to Utah.  

 They got some special one-on-one time with my grandparents, who played outside with them and prepared Easter eggs to dye together.  My grandpa limited them to "only 12 eggs each."  :)

The weather was lovely and so very rejuvenating.  I'll say that it thawed our hearts.

This is on antelope island with Ben's parents and Andrea's family.  We're going to pretend like it wasn't teeming with mosquitoes.  It really is such a pretty place.

 Grandpa time.

 Henry sang, "I'm on top of the world," his current favorite tune.

 Mountain men.

 It was fun to be with cousin Zach.

 Utah views.

Sam-o was pretty sure he didn't like anyone or anything on this trip.  But he sure is cute.

 Um, yes.  Reason enough to hop on a plane right there.

 Sunset

Utah is such a good place to spend time outdoors.  We enjoyed a little hike with Grandma Lori up Adam's Canyon (wearing coon-skin caps, of course).

Utah is also a good place to eat Lucky Charms and pancakes for breakfast.  Every single day.  

 And who doesn't enjoy a good cousin photo shoot?

I know at least the photo bomber enjoyed himself!  

Somehow I didn't get any of the other Jackson kids in my pictures.  I guess we'll have to go back soon!  Hey, why not in a couple of months?  

Mustache Bash

One day, I decided to take a trip on an airplane.  All by myself.  For the first time ever, I was offered a free upgrade to a seat with extra legroom.  I had to unbuckle my seat belt to reach my magazine.  What a waste!

When I arrived (in Salt Lake City), Kati picked me up.  She had already prepared the casseroles for our pre-planned mission.  

We wrote carefully disguised notes to my mom (from her Visiting Teachers) and to Brady and McCall (note pictured above).  We wanted them to know the casseroles were sincere gifts of love, from people other than ourselves.   

I hope Kati doesn't mind that I am sharing the recipe for the casseroles: 

1 can wax beans

1 can cream of mushroom soup

1/2 bag tater tots

Top with corn flakes

 Isaac helped us quickly drop the casseroles off on the appropriate doorsteps.  The idea was that they would get the casseroles, be like, "What the . . .?" and feel baffled for a while.  Then later we would text them to ask if we could come pick up our pan.  And when we (the Visiting Teachers) came to pick up the pan, it would actually be ME!  Coming on a surprise trip from Chicago!  Yeah!

The plan kind of worked.  The important part is that my parents and siblings were completely surprised to see me, and that Kati and I laughed so hard in the planning process that we probably each wet our pants multiple times.  Good times in the Griffin family. 

The reason for the surprise trip?  I wanted to see my dad and be there for his 60th birthday party . . .

You know, the Mustache Bash

I had a little too much fun helping with decorations for the party.  Under any other circumstances, these signs would have been too cheesy for my taste.  But it being Dad's party, it seemed completely appropriate. 

Did I mention that it was a Mustache Bash? 

It was a fun party with my siblings and Dad's parents and siblings.   

We played Dave-themed games.  This Scrabble/crossword game had trivia questions all about Dad. 

Since Dad is famous for his chocolate chip cookies, we had to play the slide-the-cookie-down-the-face game.  I think that game has a real name.  I also think Grandpa Griffin never would have played it if it didn't mean eating a free cookie. 

It was SO great for me to spend time, all on my own, with these people I love . . . like Grandma and Grandpa Griffin 

Mom and Dad 

 Uncle Mark and Aunt MaryAnn

 Brady and McCall (and their brand-new baby Blake!)

 Aunt Sharon and Uncle Rod

Kati, Joe (not pictured, for some reason), Grandma again, Tanner 

 Meagan and Tanner

If you ever get the chance to take a trip all by yourself to go to a Mustache Bash, I would highly recommend it.  It's good times.

Latergrams, in which winter finally ends, the boys create, and Robbie ties the knot

 I can't believe this is happening to me.  #retainer #juniorhighthrowback #mylife

 Taking Ninjago to a whole new level with two extra ninjas at our house this week.  I have actually gotten a lot done while they all played (mostly) happily.  #legoninjago #thelatestcraze

 Everyone wants a peek at Sam's new Ninjago book.  At the same time, of course.  How do you think Ben looks with 5 boys?

 Sam has been waiting all winter for this moment!  The snow has literally been un-packable until today.  So grateful for our 43 degrees.  #warmwinterday #doyouwanttobuildasnowman? #olaf #samsdreamcometrue

 Caught Ellis reading some "Morris Goes to School" to Sam.  Sam was a diligent listener.  #readingtogether #makesmehappy

 Looking out our front window at the new snowfall this morning, Sam says, "Mom!  I see a leaf!  That means it's Spring now!"  I'm not sure if he even has any real memories of what Spring looks like.  #hopefulforspring #prettyprettyplease #marchsnow

 Happy St. Paddy's Day!  #greendinner #thatsascoolasitgets #costcoshamrockravioli

 Starting to see the ground!  This is reason for rejoicing.  #herecomesthesun #itsbeenalongcoldlonelywinter

 Risky business, swinging with the icy waters below...but we couldn't resist!  No one fell off, but Sam's boot fell in the water, which made for a chilly walk home.  #starvedforsun

 Light jackets were almost warm enough for a tour of Northwestern on Saturday.  We love having Jacob stop in occasionally as our closest "family."  Fun weekend with him before he flew out of Chicago for a trip.  #weekendgram

 It brought tears to my eyes when I saw that Ellis had finished this huge "challenging work" at preschool while I was in Utah.  He punched out the continents one pinhole at a time, perforating the edges and punching them out.  He also wrote the names of all of the continents in his cute handwriting.  It was not easy, but he worked hard, and his teachers were very patient!  #icandohardthings #montessoripreschool #proudmama

 This boy is proud to be taking a community art class with Ellis and some friends!  He came home yesterday to report what he had learned from the teacher: "She said to don't take a boogie on your finger and put it on your pants."  #lifelessons #education #thingsIlearnedinartclass

 At least when the tree workers turned off our power, they were thoughtful enough to provide the entertainment.  #treechipper #noTVwednesday #screenfreeentertainment #boystuff

 When we took Henry out of school 7 extra days for vacation last fall (and a few more here and there), we were planning on him never getting sick.  #strepthroat #absent3days #hopetheschoolisntcounting

 Using the sick day to tackle Cub Scout requirements.  Otherwise this would never be happening!  #paintparty #scenery #jacksonpollocksintraining

Many months of looking out the windwo longingly culminate in this moment.  #outside #nosnow #43degrees #outsidelover #unlikehisbrothers #samo

These boys have jokes that date back as far as their junior high days.  I think we still have just as much fun together!  All three of us moved to the Midwest within the last 8 months, just in time for Robbie's Nauvoo wedding today!  #sleepover #foreverfriends #healthykidsunite

 #temple #nauvoo #firsttime #beautifulday

 We are so happy to see Robbie looking so absolutely elated.  #gorgeousbride #robbieandlyndee

It was so fulfilling to spend the day with these people, who feel more like brothers than friends.  #foreverfriends #apparentlyiamtheshortone #robbieandlyndee #nauvoowedding