Utah in September

Last month Bryan had a 3 week break from school, so where did we decide to go on vacation...Utah of course.

Flying with 3 kids was a little trickier than with 2 but thank goodness i had Bryan with me this time.  I wondered how my little 5 week old would do but Landon was an angel the whole time.

The girls where little angels when they were sleeping.  :)

We went to the Salt Lake County Fair with Grandma and Grandpa Hendriks.  The girls had a blast! This was the first time they were really big enough to ride the rides.

We went to Bear Lake for a week and stayed in Uncle Johnny's cabin.  We had a full house with Brys family and extended family.  The weather was a little chili at times and i can't imagine how cold the water was, but that didn't stop my girls.  They were like little fish just like there Daddy :)

Kaitlyn got to help Grandpa drive the boat

My little beach bum

Landon and his cousin Jaycee. Just hanging out.

My little fish swimming at the pool.

We celebrated Kaitlin and Ashley's Birthday at Bear Lake.  It was a little early but Grandma and Grampa wanted to take advantage of the chance to spoil there grandkids.

We went on a beautiful hike about an hour away from Bear Lake.

Bryan decided to try out the rope swing and plunge into the icy cold water.  

They did not catch this fish but they sure looked cute holding it.

I would have to say the best part of the whole trip was getting a break from the kids and going to the Rascal Flatts concert with my sisters.  It rained pretty hard on our way to the concert but stopped right when we got there.  We were pretty lucky since it was outside at the USANA Amphitheatre.

We were finally able to get everyone together for family pictures (minus Larissa, she was sick)

Every time i go back to Utah i feel stronger that that's where i want to end up after dental school.  Not that we love Utah so much but we really love being close  to our family.  They are the people that love you know matter what, that you can be completely nerdy around, and that you are stuck with for eternity :)
My brother Jason has battled brain tumors for many years now, and it looks like they are finally getting the best of him.  His left side is now paralyzed and his latest tumor is not responding well to chemo or radiation.  He is such a fighter and has the best attitude.  This experience has brought us all closer to Jason but has also brought us closer as a family.
We love you so much Jason and are so glad we were able to spend some time with you.  You are always in our thoughts and prayers.

Palmyra Trip

After having Landon, I was in much need of a vacation. Since no one in my family had ever been to Palmyra NY, we decided to plan a trip in August to see the church sights. My Mom, Dad, and sisters Rachel and Tara were able to come! We got off to a bad start when my Mom wasn't able to fly out to Columbus with my Dad because of the flue. Luckily it was only a 24 hr. bug and she was able to come out the next day. The next day we planned to leave in the morning and make our 7 hr. drive out to Palmyra, stopping in Kirtland on the way. That didn't quite go as planned either. My Dad started feeling pretty sick that morning but insisted that we still go. We got a late start and had to make several stops for my poor Dad and for Rachel and i to nurse our babies so it ended up being very late when we got there. We were so lucky to be able to stay with Bryans 2nd cousin who lives there in Palmyra. Her home is a mansion that was built in 1824. She had plenty of room for us and was very hospitable.Grandpa and KaitlynOur first stop in Palmyra was The Hill Cumorah.

The Smith Farm and Sacred Grove.Love that face :)

While at the Hill Cumorah, my Dad started feeling so horrible that my Mom had to take him to the hospital. The Drs. found abscess's on his liver and a very bad infection. After 2 weeks of tests and medication they finally decided he was stable enough to go home. We felt so horrible having to leave them in New York. Even worse, he was never even able to see what he came all the way out here to see.

Love you Dad! We hope you continue to get better.