I Love the Rolling Hills

So I love Utah. I have had wonderful experiences for the last five years or so that I've been here. Utah will always hold a special place in my heart -- it's the location of my alma mater, it's where I made some important friendships, it's where my husband and I courted, it's where our first two apartments were, it's where our first child was born.

But I adore Wisconsin. Wisconsin is where Patrick and I both have roots. In some ways I'm not a deep-rooted Wisconsinite since my parents are both from Arizona and I wasn't born there. But I now have deep-rooted connections through my husband's family and I lived my childhood and teenage years there so I feel like I'm truly a Wisconsinite. Wisconsin sunsets take my breath away. Wisconsin food puts meat (read "fat") on my bones. Wisconsin green is like a comforter to me. Wisconsin people make me feel like I'm home.

So I loved going back! We just spent two weeks there with our parents, most of our siblings, and a good deal of extended family. Among other things, we went to Six Flags, barbecued (three or four times), rode the ATV, played Wii, ate at the Cheesecake Factory, went to the local Deaf club, and filled ourselves up with FAMILY lovin'!

A Quick Glance from Caleb's Perspective
(There aren't many pictures of me because I'm always behind the camera.)

We celebrated the 4th of July at a lake party. The lake was cold-- that explains Caleb's look: "Grandpa, this is nuts!"

Nap times were irregular but frequent. They often took place cuddled up to someone. I'm not firm enough to make him go to sleep on his own in unfamiliar surroundings.

Loads of attention from admiring fans like grandpa (which may explain his fussiness since getting back).

Cuddling up to and playing with Grandma.

Taking a walk with Grandma.

And generally feeling very loved and cherished. Okay, let's be honest the family is a big part of our love for Wisconsin. But, hey, that's not a small thing.