Grandma and Grandpa Bowen

I turned 29 on Tuesday (more on that later), so the previous weekend, Deg, DJ, and I went up to St. George to spend Saturday and Sunday with my Bowen grandparents. And, because it's me, I picture documented the whole thing (thank goodness for camera phones) so I could tell you all about it!

We got to St. George around noon and spent a little bit of time saying hello and looking at how cute DJ is before loading up in Grandpa's car and heading up to Zion National Park. It was a beautiful day, but we all were surprised at how cold it was once you got in the shadows in the park! Luckily I'd packed DJ a jacket and a hat. Deg didn't think he'd need his jacket so left it in the car - sucker! We rode the shuttle all the way up to the top and went on a beautiful walk around the area called Temple of Sinawava. On our way back to the shuttle, we saw a family of deer: a male, a female, and two cute kids. DJ couldn't care less about them, but we all thought it was pretty neat. We also saw a gray fox while riding the tram. After we got back, we headed to Wendy's for some chili (since we were all cold) and some Frostys (because it's Wendy's), and then back to Grandma and Grandpa's house for some chatting and hanging out.

One of the many beautiful views in Zion National Park

I wore my Moby wrap to haul DJ around in, so, of course, he refused to go in the Moby wrap. Silly boy!

"Look, son! It's nature!"

Some of our deer friends that we found at the park.

DJ with his great grandparents. Aren't they all just so dang cute!?

Deep in conversation with Grandma.

 That night, we had DJ sleep on the floor of our room. Ordinarily, I wouldn't bring this up, but this is the first time he's had so much room. We've left him in his bassinet (which is large for a bassinet, but is still a bassinet) since we're trying to buy a house and figure we'll get a crib once we get there (less things to move). He took full advantage of the extra space, scooting 90 degrees to the side and with his feet under the bed. Silly boy! Here's a pic of that magic pose he struck.

Once this kid becomes fully mobile, it's over.

The next day, we went to stake conference with G&G. It was a regional broadcast with Elder Scott and Elder Oaks. It was a beautiful meeting and we really enjoyed the messages. My grandparents have served 3 missions - 2 in the Philippines and 1 in St. George. When they were in the Philippines the second time, Elder Oaks was there on assignment from the Quorum of the Twelve, so they are good friends with him and really enjoyed hearing from him. It was fun to hear Elder Oaks stories when we got back. After church, Grandma made an awesome dinner and DJ slept while we ate (miracle!) and chatted. It was so neat to hear stories about their first 18 or so years of marriage when they lived in Colorado, their missions, and their families.

"Mom - why are you making me leave? I like it here!"

I really enjoyed getting to spend time with them and I especially loved knowing that DJ was getting to spend time with his great grandparents. Not every kid has great grandparents, and he just happens to have all 4 on my side of the family. And Grandma Bowen just loves DJ (how can you not - the kid has the sweetest personality ever). It was so neat to see her and Grandpa interacting with him. I think it is so cool that we get to have these opportunities. I know they won't be around forever (I hate thinking about that), so it's such a neat opportunity to get to have them be a part of DJ's life. I sure am blessed to get to be related to such great people!