Utah and Idaho - July 2025

Our trip to Utah and Idaho wrapped up our June vacation and kicked off July! I've been looking forward to this trip for a long time! So many people we haven't seen in so long, we were excited! Plus, it is our biggest and last vacation planned for 2025, which is pretty wild. We started our journey driving to Utah on June 28th. Hugh had a rough morning and we did need to make a quick stop just as we got to the 70 to rearrange a few things and find him the food he needed to gather his wits and attitude. We solved that issue once he got some food, then we went on our way. We stopped one other time before reaching BYU. I was so proud of the boys! When we arrived at the BYU Store, we found the indoor slide and the boys went wild! They probably went down at least 20 times! You could tell they'd been in a car for 8 hours with only a little break. We dropped off my ring at Wilson Diamonds to get fixed, then picked up Cafe Rio for dinner. We enjoyed dinner at a random park in Orem and let the boys run wild. We got to Aunt Shara's a little after 7 and the boys were jazzed! Aunt Shara had pulled out all sorts of fun toys and the boys loved exploring the new territory. The very favorite toy was an electric drill which actually screwed in some pretend screws. Jay and Hugh immediately fell in love with Uncle Mark and Aunt Shara, as they both played with the boys and loved them as they will someday their own grandchildren.

Jay riding down the slide in the BYU store

There goes Hugh, trying to slow down.

Jay working on the drill, and Hugh trying hard to wait patiently

Sunday was a beautiful day! We started early and went down to Lehi to join Ashley and Jane for church. The other kiddos weren't feeling well, so Carson stayed home with them. I went to Primary with Jay and he did really well for being in a new place. We picnicked with the Marsh's after church in their backyard. The boys loved trying cherries and dribbling cherry juice all over their clothes. They had fun with Abbigail, Emma, and Kayla throughout our time visiting with Ashley and Carson. Jay decided it would be fun to chase the magpies around the yard, and that entertained him off and on for the couple hours we were there. He was getting awfully close to one bird, but I wasn't concerned because I figured the birds would fly away faster than Jay could get them. I was wrong! We heard squawking as Jay finally got one around the body! I think it may have been previously injured, so we were much more careful about letting Jay get close to them after that. I think the Marsh's were a little shocked at the boy-ness we brought to their backyard! Jay and Hugh enjoyed drawing with chalk and blowing bubbles. It was great to catch up with Ashley and Carson and have a chance to visit with them, and meet Jane. We finished our Sunday with naps in the car on our way back to Centerville and then dinner with the Vawdrey's. We were excited to see Ryan and Eliza again, and meet Jazmine who is Jacob's wife. The boys loved Eliza and kept life a little more entertaining for all those Vawdrey boys as they watched soccer. We played at the nearby park after dinner, then came home and played hide and seek with a little tractor. We would hide it for Jay, Aunt Shara would help him count on the stairs, then he'd come back and look for it. Hugh usually led Jay right to it, but sometimes Jay wouldn't catch the hints. They made everyone laugh with their cuteness and everyone got a hug at the end of the night. I enjoyed chatting with everyone while Matthew helped the boys go to bed. I don't get a lot of opportunities to enjoy the Vawdrey's at reunions, so it was fun to be in their element for a while. 

Hugh did the big slide at the new Centerville Park

Monday we got to play with Nathan, Michela, Dawson, and Finn (the dog). It was so fun to meet Dawson and get to spend the day with them! We met up at a splashpad and the boys had an awesome time! It wasn't too splashy, and their was a park nearby that Jay liked running over too every now and then as well. We ate a yummy taco lunch at their house and enjoyed catching up with them! Jay still loves Finn, and they ran around together constantly once we were at Nathan and Michela's house and he was off the leash. Hugh was much more hesitant about Finn, but I think still really enjoyed him. We took naps at Aunt Shara's house, then went up to south Ogden to Michela's parents house to swim. We had an awesome time in the pool and the boys loved swimming around! We got to meet Michela's little sister and her husband, who were cool. Nathan fired up a pizza oven and made pizza for all of us, which was super yummy! The night went to quickly, and it was sad to say goodbye. We are so grateful they spent the day with us as it was so fun to see them again! 

Hugh enjoying the water. I placed his cup strategically so it would fill on it's own.

Jay and Me

Jay and Finn

Tuesday we played at a little park in Centerville and did a grocery pick up, as well as a cookie pick up to prep for Bear Lake. We had a longer trip in the car due to unforeseen construction, but it was a peaceful trip and Logan Canyon is gorgeous. We met up with Oma and Papa at Sam's Club so they could pick up the food and we did a quick little shopping break in the store. The boys were so excited to see Oma and Papa again and couldn't wait until we got to the Bear Lake Cabin. Jack and his family were there when we arrived and the fun began! Jay wanted to explore everywhere and we got dinner going asap. Oma and Papa had our devotional that night and did a cute little scavenger hunt for the kids, all about the Doctrine of Christ and the Fourth Article of Faith. The changing of scenery of rooms helped Jay focus more and I enjoyed hearing their testimonies. 

"I got a lemon!" He was so excited, and I couldn't convince him it was a squash.

Matthew helping Jay with the monkey bars

Don't these cookies look divine, and they're gluten free! They were really good.

These two were having the best time doing this on our drive.

Laughing and giggling is my favorite!

Family devotional night, so fun!

Wednesday was our first official day at Bear Lake! While we were getting ready, we lost track of Jay for a while. We found him in our room with the baby powder. He puffed that baby powder everywhere! I couldn't believe how fast it got on everything and what a hassle it was to clean! I hope someday we can laugh about it, but at the moment it wasn't very funny. Thankfully there were other adults helping us get ready for the lake because it would have set us back at least an hour if we had to do lake prep and clean up that big mess. When we pulled into the lake, they told us there was a moose in the water and to not approach it. It was a live moose and it was in the water! It was very neat! The day was sunny and warm and beautiful. Jay and Hugh loved everything about the lake! Hugh called the little hot tub, "little pond" and the lake was "the big pond." He loved playing in the sand, digging, and splashing in the little pond. Occasionally he went with me into the big pond, but was much more of a fan of the shore. Jay LOVED everything. He did great wearing his lifejacket and probably spent most of his time in the lake. I took him on a paddle board with me, he spent some time on the board himself, loved pulling the tubes around, and splashing and running everywhere. He did enjoy the sand on the shore, but water was his favorite. Everyone helped watch our boys at different times so we could also enjoy the lake. Family is the way of survival on vacation! We are so grateful for those who see our need for help and support with Jay and jump in without even being asked. We are very blessed. We let the boys stay up through naps and packed up at the lake just as the afternoon storms rolled in. We got our tents down just in time, but the wind and rain came down! Jack did a spiritual thought about temples that evening, and the boys loved seeing the pictures he shared. 

Jay and Matthew

Kade, Hope, and Hugh

Spa Girls - Roxy, Kylee, Tia, and Betty Jane

Jay enjoying lunch

Hugh relaxing like a pro

Jason and Hope enjoying a nap on the lakeside

Gulp, gulp, Matthew

Jay and Me

Getting to drink juice, even just a little, was probably Hugh's favorite

Thursday was our second day at the lake and we started much later, and it was much colder. It was cloudy and rainy and wet for the first hour or so we were there. It finally started to clear around lunch time. Hugh didn't want to get out of the warm towel until after lunch. He finally ventured into the water and the little pond maybe 45 minutes before we left for naps. Jay was unfazed and still loved getting into the water and played. He came more quickly to the towel when he got out of the water, but that was about it. Matthew was the super trooper who stuck with him even in the cold. We still ended up having a great time and enjoying the lake for a few hours before coming back for showers, baths, and naps. In the evening, I worked on some bead animals with Betty Jane, Lindsay, and Oma so I could know how to do them at the Brady Reunion. Katey and Jack finalized some other parts of reunion and we had a fun time visiting. 

Hugh and Jay, enjoying being the only kids left at home while getting ready for the lake

Jay helping pump up the tube

Jay, Matthew, Lindsay, Me, and freezing cold-AZ blooded-Papa

Cold little Hugh

Jay and Matthew loving the lake even in the cold

Jay loved holding the paddle and feeling in control

Lindsay and Hugh

Hugh finally venturing into the water after I walked out

Back to the "little pond" for Jay and Hugh

Hugh and Hope enjoying their own pond

Hugh, Me, Jay, and Matthew

The crew, huddled under the canopies, trying to stay warm and mostly dry

Betty Jane and Hugh, Hugh was pretty clingy and Betty often was able to distract him so I could do some things on my own.

The outside table - Betty, Tia, Kylee, Jason, Oma, Hope, Hugh, Jay, and Me

Hope and Hugh playing rolly-pully, it was so cute

Friday, the 4th, was clean up day. We packed up and headed to Grandpa Great's house. We got a little rain on our drive, which made us reflect on our many summer trips to Grandpa Great's house when we lived in Provo. We sure miss going as often as we did, it was truly a gift! It was wonderful to see Grandpa! I miss him and I know we last saw him in October, but it feels like ages ago. I was grateful to be the first to arrive, so we could have a good visit before all the hustle and bustle. Jay was excited to be at Grandpa Great's, remembering exactly where the wheelbarrow and shovels and barn and lawn mowers were. Hugh followed suit and they spent most of their time in the barns playing. Jay shoveled dirt from the old stalls into the wheelbarrow and then dumped it out. He drove the wheelbarrow all around the yard and we collected pinecones. It was the perfect job for Jay. It was great to see cousins who we haven't seen in so long and have time to catch up and visit that afternoon. The 2025 Allen Brady Reunion officially started at dinner time with the winnie roast. Almost everyone got a hot dog before a massive windstorm hit. Most of the kids and several adults went into the church for shelter. It cut dinner short, but we weathered it and when it finally calmed down we ate all the s'more supplies Oma had purchased. The talent show was so good, as usual! We had dancers, gymnasts, artists, pianists, celloists, comedians, etc. Jay and Hugh did quite well and then we went back to Grandpa's. We lucked out with getting to stay in the red room. Being pregnant and staying the longest does come with a few perks! I enjoyed the late night carport chatting while the younger generation played night games. I remember having to play with them and teach them all the rules, and now they are the old kids teaching the games. It's really awesome!

Hugh got to touch the roof! Thanks, Uncle Jack!

Cousin line up by height - Betty Jane, Kylee, Tia, Allen, Roxy, Abby, Kade, Jay, Hope, Hugh

Winnie Roast with me and Hugh

Robert, Jay, and Jack

Grandpa Great, Jay, and Me

Aunt Shara graciously let Jay help with pushing Grandpa Great out of the church

Hugh, enjoying driving the lawnmower

Saturday we had a flag raising at the church and Uncle John shared about the WWII memorial that stands in front of the church. There are several people listed on the monument as serving from Virginia, and the miracle is they all returned from service alive. My great uncle, Dee Jay Brady, is currently the only one on the list that is still alive. He's about to turn 100. Amazing! Katey and Jack did a great job creating a Price is Right game based on our childhood memories as well as historical facts about our family history. I think everyone enjoyed playing! We ran our stations next, which ours was balloons. We had people roll soda cans off the table by creating static with their head and the balloon, put on a hoodie while keeping a balloon in the air, and then building a human caterpillar. I think people had a good time! Grandpa then addressed the family in the chapel. We had 80 family members in attendance, and we were missing 15 members. The 80 of us filled the center of the chapel and most of one side. It was a neat experience to have Grandpa talk to us there. He counseled us to attend church every Sunday, to read the Book of Mormon every day, and to be generous with our donations to the Church even after paying tithing. Grandpa later told me that when he saw his posterity there in the chapel, he was filled with emotion. He loves us all and we feel his love deeply. I often pray with gratitude that Heavenly Father has given us the gift of still having Grandpa Great with us. He continues to be a cheer leader and encourager for me, a role that no one else can play in the way he does. After lunch, we had crafts and writing notes to Grandpa. I taught a few kids how to make pony bead pets and it was fun to watch the kids I taught, then teach other kids as they came to the table. Craft time was a great time and we all had fun! We cleaned the church, then went back to Grandpa Great's house for outdoor games and visiting. We enjoyed our ice cream treats, as usual, and a beef dinner from the Brady's. I loved having the chance to visit with so many cousins and aunts and uncles. The Brady family is full of amazing people, who are so kind and easy to talk with. The reunion finally wound down and we did baths while Michelle played the organ for Grandpa. After the boys were in bed, and all the family had left, I got to enjoy chatting with Grandpa. Whenever I talk with him, I can feel his love for me, my boys, and Matthew. I know he prays for us, especially for Jay. He shared his amazement for how much Jay has grown since October, his admiration for Matthew and I being able to help Jay learn and grow. He especially noted how much Matthew helped with Jay over the reunion time, constantly on the move to be sure we knew where Jay was and that he was safe. Grandpa's faith in Christ always shines through when talking with him, and I always leave our conversations feeling better. 

Hugh slept in the little nook under the shelves in the red room.

Flag raising!

The Price is Right!

Tanner, Robert, Roslyn, Lisa, Michelle, Kaymi, and Jasmine

In the back, Andy, Jacob, Trevor, Erica, Jane, and Berlin

Papa and Emma putting on sweatshirts while keeping the balloon up

Weston, McKay, Hugh, Aunt Karen, Emma, and Randy

Elliott, Papa, Uncle Mark, Matthew Soderberg, Matthew, and Allen

Matthew v. Jared for the balloon with the hoody and Matthew V was more than happy to rub in the victory

Matthew and Jared

Mike finishing the sweatshirt and Jordan starting

Hadley, Hayley, Jordan, Mandy, and Nicola

Matthew V, Weston, Jeffrey, Mya, Mike and Chloe

Jared, Nicola, Mandy, Jordan, Hayley, and Hadley

Alisa nailing the soda can roll with static

Team effort to help Kade do the sweatshirt and keep his balloon up

Tia and Betty working on the balloon game

I think this is Dayson

Kylee, Jetta, Graham, Cache, Betty Jane, and Alisa

Uncle John, Aunt Shara, Roxy, Chris, Deyson, Kade, and Tia

Pony bead station!

Drawing tiles and looking up designs, Colton, Matthew S, and Trevor

Weston, Deyson, Jeffrey, Roslyn, and Emma

Hugh driving the mower again

Sunday was a beautiful day! I love attending church in Virginia, with so many kind people, who are always so welcoming. Grandpa was able to go to church with us, which was a special treat. We enjoyed our visits over dinner after church and throughout the afternoon and evening. Katey and I delivered Grandpa's memory book to him while Katey was there for a short visit. I think he liked it and was so appreciative! We enjoyed our time outside and letting the boys run around. We had our late supper, as usual, and went to bed a little earlier so we could be ready to leave. Grandpa gave us a hug that evening, in case he wasn't up for when we left in the morning. It was hard to say goodbye to him! Being in his home feels like home, and was my home away from home for many years while I visited during summers growing up, while attending BYU, holidays after moving to Colorado, and after we got married we went up as often as possible while Matthew was finishing at BYU. It will always be a place full of wonderful memories for me!

Matthew squishing the trash

Jay, literally jumping in to help

Jay learned from Abby that jumping over these plants is very fun!

Matthew, Jay, Grandpa Great, Me, and Hugh

Round 2

Happy Hugh

Monday came quickly and we hit the road a little after 8. Oma got up early and made us a hot breakfast, which was a special treat. We loaded up all the last minute things and drove off. Oma and Papa waved us away as Grandpa was still in bed. We stopped in Green River, WY for a quick restroom and gas break. We decided to drop by Artic Circle and get a free raspberry shake and fries, which was right next to the gas station. We stopped again once we were in Brighton for pizza, but made great time on the return drive. The boys did amazing and we spent our whole drive chatting. I always have different things planned to use my time while driving, but almost always we just talk. It's a gift to be able to travel with your best friend, who is also your spouse, and to be able to talk about anything and everything. We also played the license plate game. We started on our trip to the cabin and we got over 40 of the states, but didn't quite check them all off. It was fun to keep an eye out for new plates along the drive.

We had so much fun on our trip! As we were pulling into home, Hugh kept saying, "I want to go back to BYU." And, they still talk about Grandpa Great's house and Aunt Shara's and the lake. They also talk about visiting Nathan and Michela and Ashley and Carson. Spending time with loved ones is always time well spent! It was nice to get home, unpack, and have a short evening and walk at home before real life hit on Tuesday.