Utah: Wednesday at Kayla's

Before heading down to Saint George we made a stop to see Kayla and crew. Since Paul was suppose to show up as well it was kind of a Don Walker family reunion.  Rebekah prepared by pretending to be dad. The hat helps. Very cute. 

 

Kayla and the kids were heading to a park via bike when we arrived so we waited for them there. While waiting Michael said, "Look, I'm Batman." 

Rebekah was squirrel girl. 

Then Michael and Rebekah tried out more of the park. 

It was really cold. I was wearing long sleeves, a jacket, and a hoodie. Don said I looked stocky. 

Kayla and crew finally made it. To the swings! 

Makenna also was slightly cold. We had fun playing peekaboo with the blanket. 

They had this elevator thing Rebekah wanted to try out, but she was somewhat nervous. So Don had to show her how it's done. Then Kayla showed Don how it was done. 

Success!

Rebekah and Paige

Makenna and Henry. I couldn't believe this bit of playground fun. You wedge yourself in there and someone spins it around in a summersault fashion while you hold on for dear life. Crazy. Makes one wonder if the play ground designers are trying to figure out how to get kids sick.

Rebekah and Makenna

The kids decided to tackle dad / grandpa. He's a good sport. Actually I think he enjoys all the attention. 

Cole

Kayla and Cole

Henry rode his bike to the park but had to leave for karate practice so it was decided that Rebekah would ride Paige's bike and Paige would ride Henry's back. Rebekah's always up for a challenge. 

Makenna and Cole get to go for a ride behind Kayla. I always wanted one of the but never got one. Probably for the best. Rebekah needs to be exercised continually. 

Back at the house, Don and Cole caught up on some book reading. 

Until Paul arrived. 

We had dinner and then it was time to get on the road. So of course I asked for pictures:

Michael was there so we got the whole family.

Rebekah went through great anxiety as she considered all the repercussions of actually giving her picture she made for Paul to the man himself, but she finally decided it would be okay. 

Cole boxed a little. 

And then we said goodbye and headed south.

Utah: Tuesday at Mom's with Michael & Jo

Joseph came over Tuesday morning. It had been so long! So happy to see him! So Rebekah brought out the games and she, Michael, and Joseph played for a while. Then it was cookie making time. Got to make cookies with uncle Michael. We decided on a delicious recipe from Mel's. Cookies and cream chocolate chip cookies. 

Cookies and Cream Chocolate Chip Cookies

Michael getting us started.

At one point Rebekah asked uncle JoJo to come join us and he refused so she asked me to get involved and make uncle JoJo come. I told her I've been trying to get Jo involved in family socialness for 46 years. He laughed and then came. Apparently all I really needed was to have a cute daughter: she would do the rest.

Then he collapsed on mom's bed. Rebekah joined him. Think she even put the stuffed animal on his head. She sure loves uncle JoJo. 

Mom had to step away for a few moments to help a neighbor friend. Apparently Chester didn't quite know what to make of it. He did this the entire time mom was gone.

After about a half an hour she finally came back and Chester's world was whole again. 

Soon it was time for Joseph to leave so I asked for a few pictures. Mom started out with this one. 

Then we got this one. I then noticed how much and how quickly Rebekah is growing. I tip-toed this one.

So I tried to go for the side.

Unfortunately we got everyone posing well but my eyes are doing that weird half closed thing. Ugh. 

I needed this one:

Rebekah wanted one of the puppy. 

More of the family. This one was "look groovy."

Natural:

Crazy face:

Puppy face:

After JoJo left we played a few drawing games. 

You fold the paper so one person can draw part of the figure and not know what the next person will draw. 

Mom showed off Chester's skills. 

Later that evening uncle Darwin and Aunt Kim came for a visit. 

Don was gone with Paul for most of the day. On the way home he stopped by to see my old condo. It was between renters (the new tenant would move in the condo in 5 days) so I had suggested we try to see what condition it was in, although I thought it would be for the best if I wasn't there; I tend to be overly OCD about things, especially when it comes to keeping things clean. So Don took one for the team. He reported the condo was in relatively good condition for a 14 year old condo. 

The next day uncle JoJo returned and we played a building game. This is one of the things we made - a Halloween pumpkin. 

When you only see each other ever 2 years or so you take lots of pictures:

Like this one a lot. 

I think Rebekah suggested we take the pictures over by the orange wall. I didn't realize I'd get the curtain glare. Very sad. 

But still, good pictures. 

After JoJo left I looked at the pictures and realized the glare issue. So I had everyone move and tried again. Mom looks like she wants to be done. But Rebekah and Michael are quite the troopers. 

The plan for today was to head down to south to Saint George to see uncle Spencer and crew, but first stopping at Kayla's. So we needed to get on the road. However, first I wanted to see my missionary companion Misty who lives about 5 minutes from mom. It was a short visit but so - so - so good to see her again! We only served together for a month but I think we laughed the entire time. Such a good friend. 

Next up: the park with Kayla's crew! 

Utah: Sunday Night / Monday, Kayla's

After Daniel's we headed down south to Kayla's, which was a much closer commute because they had recently moved to Lehi. We found the house relatively easily and enjoyed having fun with the grandkids.  

Don played Clue Junior with Henry and Makenna. Henry won. 

 

Rebekah and Paige picked right up where they left off. 

They had dinner and invited us to join. Don and I ate very well at Daniel's but apparently ribs aren't Rebekah's thing. So she joined in their dinner of soft tacos and requested the recipe for me. Also there were olives. 

After a good visit we headed back to my mom's with the intention of playing all day tomorrow.

We made it down early afternoon and dropped Rebekah off then made a drive to Deseret Books; I had ordered some clothing way back in March and it hasn't arrived yet so since we were here Don thought I should check in on it. Turns out the place they get the material from has its borders closed because of Covid. They are out of my size and make, but managed to a few in Idaho if I wanted to drive up there. We declined and got the next size up. I think that's God's way of saying, "You deserve more cookies." 

When we made it back the kids were outside playing at the park. Don quickly gravitated towards Henry and the basketball hoop. He got Henry to make a shot. 

But he had a little work to do so Kayla took over. 

Eventually the kids wanted to come back to the house. The playing resumed. 

I remember Rebekah doing this:

This is Kayla's most recent Mario Cart venture. You set up the course in your home and the screen sees what the car sees. It's crazy how that works! Rebekah did quite well. 

Henry had Karate so Kayla, Don, & I went to go watch him. While looking around the place I spotted this unfortunate yet somewhat endearing bully prevention fail written by "Jake." 

After Karate Don and I went to pick up pizza for dinner. After eating the playing resumed but all things must come to an end and we had to give the 10 more minute count down. Paige wanting to save the moment with her photography skills. 

Makenna wanted her shot too. 

Rebekah loved her time with the nieces and nephews. Tomorrow? While Don has a one on one with Paul Rebekah and I have more time with uncle Michael and grammy & Chester, and uncle JO!