Surprise!

We just got home from a crazy and amazing weekend in Utah. With help from some dear friends, we were able to book a last minute flight to Utah to see Ben's parents before they leave for their LDS mission in Santiago, Chile.
Although well worth it, our trip started out quite rocky. Our flight was delayed due to weather and we ended up stuck in the Minneapolis airport. Thanks to a kind security guard, we scrounged up some delta blankets and "lost baggage" kits. Needless to say, we were up all night (this shot is at 1 am and notice the bright lights? I'm pretending to be asleep for effect)

We finally arrived Thursday morning. We wrapped Levi's carseat in wrapping paper, ran the doorbell and got out the video camera. We told Dayton that if Gammie cried, that was ok. She did. They were so excited and so were we. We made it for the setting apart with Elder L. Tom Perry and Walter Ganzolez at the Church Administration Building. It was an amazing and special experience.
Added bonus: we got to see this guy! Elder Scottie King! The King's received permission to pick him up from the MTC for the setting apart and since we didn't get to wish him luck, we were so excited! He brought his extra tag for Dayton and Levi to wear.

We packed in as much as we could in 4 1/2 days. On Friday we went camping.

Dayton was treated like a prince by his cousins Amelia and Julia Oberg. They brought him food, entertained him, even carried him. The little guy's never had it so good!

Does it get anymore beautiful than this (besides in real life)?

Then there was the zip line. When we asked Dayton if he wanted to go on it he said "Yay! Zip line!" So, my barely-2 year old was hoisted up on a platform and sent a-flying (harnessed by Ben). He loved it and did it again.

Then there was the pool. I guess Dayton found his daring side this weekend. He jumped off the side, the diving board and went down the slide OVER and OVER. He laughed when he got his face wet. First thing he said Sunday was, "lets go swimming mom".

Here's little Miss Ellie, soon to be a Chillean local. We will miss Aunt Ellie.

We also decided to bless our sweet Levi on Sunday. Levi wore Ben's blessing outfit and was blessed prior to the King's speaking.It was a beautiful blessing and we love our little Levi Wallace King!

We spent most of the trip with Ben's side of the family since we may not see them for a while, but Dayton did go fishing with "Grandpa Clingo" (which he was still telling me about this morning) and we got the chance to spend time with "Gramma Clingo", Ashley, Brooke, Rachelle, Trevor, and Luke. It was fun seeing them and we're excited for Gramma and Grandpa Clingo to come to Buffalo!

Finally, we got to see 2 of our 3 pregnant sisters! Good luck Jessica, then Alisha (the missing one), then Shari! Cousins, cousins, cousins!

What a wonderful weekend. We're so lucky to have such a great family and to be so blessed. We love you and will miss you Papa, Gammie, and Ellie!