We started off the week by taking off and going on a camping trip in Blacksmith Fork Canyon. Our friends Todd and Jame met up with us and we had a great time with them. On Tuesday the four of us took to the rock and spent the day climbing. The weather was perfect and we were able to get some great routes in.
The middle of the week we got in a little bit of studying, work, and class - nothing too exciting.
Come Friday we headed down south to spend some time with family and friends and get in a few "see ya later"s. First we had a chance to meet up with Aunt Naomi in Salt Lake. She took us to an authentic italian pizza place that she swears is the best pizza you can get in the area, and tastes just like the pizza that she enjoyed in Italy. It sure was delicious! We had a great time laughing and talking with her, but eventually had to leave for the night and head down to the Andrew Grandparents. We stayed up pretty late talking to them, but it is always so fun to catch up and hear their stories.
Saturday was a busy day for us. We had a great breakfast with Grandma and Grandpa, and they even let us use their laundry room free of charge! We headed down to Provo at 11:30 and met up with some of my old roomies and their significant others for a picnic lunch in the park. It was a riot! I have sure been blessed in the roommate and friend department and these ladies top the chart. After hours of laughter, memories, and chatter we finally split ways. It's so fun that we are still close after 4 years of not living together. I know I may be jumping the gun and making us sound older than we are, but it's fun to watch how we are all growing up. Most of us have graduated college, three of us are married, two have served missions, one has a baby with another on the way, and all of us have gone through the temple since we lived together. It makes me excited for the friends and memories that Anna and Jacob are about to make as they start school this fall.
The rest of the day Chris and I ran some errands to finish getting ready for Juneau, stopped by the Hansen's to drop off some computers to the computer genius Big Chris, enjoyed some more grandparent time, and went to the temple. We thought it would be fun to go back to the temple we got married in while we were down there and we are so glad we did. All temples are wonderful, but there is just something extra special about being in the one where you got sealed together with your best friend and other half for time and all eternity. I may have gotten more visibly emotional- I'm a crier - but Christopher is more sentimental than he lets off. It was truly a beautiful experience.
On Sunday we went to church with Grandma and Grandpa Andrew. I really do admire them so much. They are such a wonderful example of true love and service. After church we had another amazing meal and talked for a few hours. What a life they have lived! All weekend long Christopher and I were learning more about the life they've had together, and we are continually more and more impressed with the things they have done. It was a lovely visit and we are so grateful for the time we had to spend with them before taking off to Alaska. We got spoiled silly and probably gained 10 pounds each from all the tasty food they kept feeding us. If you're reading this Grandparents Andrew - We love you! Thanks again!
We then headed over to the Hansens to pick up the computers and we got stuck behind a driver that Chris could not believe was driving as slow as a snail. It didn't take us long to realize it was Grandma and Grandpa Hall! We followed them home and saw the renovations to the house. We had a short visit, but are really looking forward to the time we will spend with them next week right before we take off. We made it to the Hansens and had a blast playing with the kids. I don't know why Charlotte thinks Elijah is so shy - he kept calling me "mama" and was more than willing to share blankets, pillows, stuffed animals, and toys with me! He sure is the host with the most. We're so grateful for the help Big Chris gave us in setting our old computers back to their store settings so we can sell them. It was great seeing the whole family, and we are sure we will be back to visit next week as we will be staying just down the street.
Well, this is getting ridiculously long so I should probably start wrapping up! We are back safe in Logan and are looking forward for the week ahead of us to just be over! As much fun as taking final exams alongside packing, cleaning, and moving out of an apartment can be we really just can't wait to get on the airplane and start our new adventure together.
We love you all!
Remember to pray and remember to play,
Mr. & Mrs. Andrew
