To Utah and Back

Last week Liam and I boarded the airbus of Southwest Airlines to connect with some of our friends and family (and pined for restaurants) in Utah. Traveling with Liam is always eventful but this time his presence transpired little to shock or awe or even brag about. My old roommate and sweet-faced friend Charlotte was visiting Utah with her little girl Dottie and we all stayed at Amanda's place in Lindon. Between the two under two-- Liam and Dottie-- and their staggering moods we were pretty much confined to Amanda's apartment for the entire week. We managed to venture out for short excursions to BYU, the Riverwoods shopping complex, Cafe Rio, and JDawgs, and a visit to see the Barkers, but other than that . . . not much :)

Does it sound like I am complaining? Because I assure you, I am not. This was by far my most enjoyable trip to Utah since we moved away almost two years ago. The behemoth mountains, radiant sun, and familiar linear streets remind me of a time in life where much compacted joy, discovery, and creation occurred in a succession of moments and memories. Many people still live in the shadows of these mountains, and I believe we will still steal away to their homes for as long as they do. Liam couldn't get enough of his Uncle "Nan" or Aunt "Amanebwablech" (too many syllables in Annelisa), and once ran to Dottie shouting "Doddie! Doddie" and then preceded to give her a big hug and kiss after she returned from a trip to the store with her mom.

To all of you we saw: thank you for your time! We love you so, so much. And for those of you we did not have the fortune of visiting: I am sorry I didn't get around as much as I wanted to. I miss you! I love you! And next time I will rent a car and a more durable, portable personality for my son.

Here are a few pictures from our trip:

Charlotte and Morgan chilling on the couch.

Self-Portrait of Amanda and I.

Liam and his favorite person Aunt Annelisa

Little Dottie

Liam and Dottie playing with Morgs

Liam and Dottie holding hands in the car.

Beautiful Charlotte and Dottie

Liam and his other favorite person, Uncle Dan.

Liam just couldn't get enough of playing with Morgan.

This photo had to be edited for graphic content . . . If you don't get it, bless your cleavage-less souls (and this isn't me in the photo BY THE WAY).

Amanda was the master chef for the week. On this evenings menu: SUSHI

While in the airport on the way home, Charlotte and I identify yet another reason to miss our home and work-bound husbands. If it weren't for this makeshift Smartcart trolley, we would have been schlepping monstrous bags and kids to the painful detriment of our spinal columns.

And finally, to view a video of Liam on the plane ride home click here.