The Gies' Have Landed...

A couple of weekends ago, my Aunt MariAnn and her family (Uncle Bill & cousin Conner) came to visit us. We were really glad to have them (we love visitors, obviously!) and tried to show them all the sights while they were in town. My favorite outing was the hike we did in Big Cottonwood canyon to Lake Solitude. The wildflowers were in full bloom and it was just gorgeous.

Helena loved my aunt and seemed to be a bit confused that she looks a little like my mom. She called her "MeeMaw" for most of the visit. We hit up the local brew pub downtown, too. Uncle Bill was very enthusiastic about his beer sampler.

We also took them on the obligatory jaunt to the Great Salt Lake. Ashford decided to try to get us a better view of the scenery and ended up taking us out in the middle of nowhere (we saw a guy test shooting his MACHINE GUN!). But we also saw the Morton Salt plant which was kind of cool.

I decided after this bout with visitors that one thing I really like about not living close to everyone is that when people do visit us, we get to spend more quality time with them. I can't remember the last time (if ever) I got to spend 3 days with my aunt and uncle-- and it was really great. We had conversations we don't usually have time to have, Ashford and Conner bonded over bowling, and my uncle had the chance to chide me for cussing too much on my blog (I was just glad that he was reading it! And, I think it was only once and it was pivotal to the story I was telling). :)

Thanks for choosing to spend your summer vacation visiting us!!

-Emily :)

P.S. - Aunt MariAnn, send me your pics from Arches!!! I want to see them!