Kevin and I were so blessed to have a little getaway together because I head back to work next week. Our nephew, Payton, was getting married, and so we headed out to Utah for a couple days.

We flew out super early in the morning, and so we arrived in Salt Lake City by 9:30am. because we were there so early, we decided to stop at a few places on our way to Orem. One of them was the Magnolia Bakery. I have been to the original in New York City and loved it, and so we had to go now that they have one in SLC. It was delicious, although I probably should have eaten something real before all of that sugar – ha ha!

We also stopped at one of my favorite places, Orson Gygi, and amazing kitchen store, where I only bought a few things (especially since we only brought carry-ons with us. We also got some actual lunch at Seven Brothers (we went to the original of that burger place in Oahu – yum!).

By then, it was finally time to check into our hotel. We stayed at a little Bed and Breakfast in American Fork that had all these themed rooms (Paris, Rome, Tahiti, etc). We stayed in the Maui room, and it was really cool. It felt a bit like we were in grotto. There were a few things that looked cool, but weren’t the most convenient – oh well. It was comfy and we had yummy breakfasts both mornings we were there.

On Thursday evening, Kevin and I met up with his best friend, Glenn. We ate at his favorite Thai restaurant, and it was great to catch up.

After dinner, we headed to visit our dear friends, Katie and Tony. We had the most wonderful time talking and laughing together. If I hadn’t been so tired from waking up at 3:30am Texas time, we could have talked for a few more hours. We sure are blessed to have such great friends!

On Friday morning, Kevin and I went in search of a good place to go for a walk. We ended up on a neighborhood trail that was blocked off for construction, which messed us up a bit. On our way back to the hotel, we had to swing by Pinkbox donuts. We went to one in Las Vegas and loved it, so it was fun to go again. I especially loved the parking lot sign.

After we got cleaned up for the day, we headed to BYU campus to wander around, see how it had changed, and go shopping in the bookstore. Kevin even found “his spot” where he used to sit by the library, although it got an upgrade with the cement bench type thing.

After we hung out at BYU, we headed to my niece, McKayla’s house for a family lunch. My sister Cheryl and her husband, my niece McKayla and her husband and baby, nephew Nathan and his family and nephew Spencer were all there, and it was awesome! We had pizza for lunch, and Kevin and I brought the Pinkbox donuts for dessert, which they loved. It was so fantastic to be with them, see their sweet babies, and spend time with my sister before she leaves on her mission in a couple months.

That evening, we met up with some more of our dear forever friends, Rob and Angela. They are like family, and we had the most wonderful time eating dinner and talking and laughing and all the things. We love them so much! We really are blessed when it comes to friends.

On Saturday morning, it was time for Payton and Maggie’s wedding. We were so excited for Payton!

We arrived at the American Fork Temple and met up with Kevin’s parents and brothers. It was like a mini-family reunion.

The sealing was beautiful, and the couple was so happy that their smiles just glowed on their faces. After the sealing, we headed outside to wait for the couple. Unfortunately, it was incredibly hot – over 100 degrees – and so we were all melting. Luckily, Shannon had cold water and little fans for all of us.

Payton and Maggie were so sweet and cute when they came out of the temple. We were all so happy for them.

After the wedding, we had a bit of time before we were meeting for the dinner at Brick Oven. We had to stop by BYU to return something, and so we had to get me a milkshake from the Creamery. So yummy!! And since we were going to The Brick Oven, we had to get a picture with White Gables, the house I lived in while Kevin and I were dating and engaged. So fun!

The wedding luncheon was so yummy, and it was great to talk more with Kevin’s family. Scott got up and gave a little speech to thank us all for coming to his son’s wedding.

After eating, we had a little bit of time before the reception out in Payson, Utah. (Which just happens to be the city that Lily was born in.) It was so great to spend some more time with Kevin’s family, and we had to get a picture of the boys with their parents.

Kevin also had to get a picture with the Bride’s cousin who also had a red beard. And my sister-in-law Kate and I had the greatest time catching up at the reception. I wish I had gotten a picture of everyone else, but I was so tired, I was lucky to have taken any pictures.

Kevin and I left a bit early, because we had to drive back to SLC so that we could check into our hotel near the airport. We had a very early flight the next morning, and so we wanted to get there and go to bed early. All went well, and we even made it back home intime to get ready for church and go with the boys to our ward. It was a wonderful weekend together and with friends and family.