Spring Break in Utah

It's been 1 month since my last blog, not because of disinterest or a lack of desire, but I was in Utah with my family for a few weeks and Michael was in Israel.  I have been now collected most of the photos from both trips and am eager to share our experiences!  But first I want to give a brief update on Michael!  (I know it's a long blog--but it's mostly pictures, and i saved some cool videos of me mountain biking for the end so hang in there)

Many of you are aware that Michael had his big interview (for his summer internship) in Boston right before coming to Utah---and we are thrilled to say that he was offered a position with Innosight this summer.  He is so excited!-not to mention relieved that he can just enjoy the last block of school without worrying about job hunting.  Dominic got to sleep in a hotel for his first time when we went up for the interview and had a great time.

Getting ready for bed in the hotel room, the night before Michael's interview 

dreaming "good luck" thoughts for daddy during his interview  (I love his little football bum!)

In celebration of the job offer...matching hats.

(Dominic's first smile caught on film)

Despite being an "infant" hat, Dominic has quite a bit of growing to do before it will fit him

I love my guys

Now-on to our Spring Break!

Dominic was a champ and handled the 5-hour flight to Utah very well.  He seemed to do okay with the pressure changes and barely made a peep.  He was awake for most of the flight, but just sat with us contentedly until he fell asleep near the end.

Dominic eventually fell asleep near the end of the flight (which was about 2am EST)

Friday Feb 24-

We kicked off the trip by taking Dominic to meet lots of family.  First we stopped by Michael's dad's office to say hello.

Dominic with Grandpa Adrian.  It was love at first sight (on both accounts)

Dominic's first time meeting Auntie Alyssa (Michael's youngest sister)-with a smiling grandmother in the background (Michael's mother, Deb).  Deb was here in Connecticut anxiously awaiting Dominic's arrival in December.  He was being so stubborn however, that only after she bumped her flight to stay 1 additional day, did she get to meet him for a few hours before flying back to SLC.

Everyone loved spending time with Dominic

Dominic playing a ukulele at The Great Salt Lake Guitar Co. in Provo (we stopped in to see some friends)

Friday evening we invited all my siblings (and their kids) over to my parent's house so they could meet Dominic.  We had a lot of fun catching up with everyone.

My dad's first time meeting him!

My sister's first time meeting him.  Kristi and I are very close, so she had been dying to meet him!

My nieces all wanted to take turns holding him.  This is Kaylee-my oldest niece.

This is Sidney (Kaylee's sister)

This is Ashley (Kaylee and Sidney's youngest sister)--check out his hair!! I love it.

My mother came and spent time with us in Connecticut right after Dominic was born--needless to say--she was excited to see him again.

Saturday Feb. 25th-

Dominic's first time meeting Susan (Michael's step-mom).  Don't let the yawn fool you, he loved to smile and laugh at Susan.

snuggling with papa

Dominic hanging out with Grandpa Adrian.  

Michael had to finish a paper (for a final), so we let Grandpa Adrian hang out with Dominic while I took some personal time.  I went tanning and did a little shopping.  It was wonderful.  I scored this hat for Dominic...

A new hat! I am so excited for when this fits him next winter!

Uncle Christopher beat boxing for Dominic.  He was loving it the first time, but was a little less responsive when we pulled out the video camera to record it.

In the evening, Michael's brother (Wesley) and his family drove down to Orem and spent the night so we could all hang out.  We went and got Thai food with all of his siblings, then left all the grandkids (Dominic, and 2 of Wes' kids) with grandma Deb so we could go hot tubing.  It was wonderful!

Sunday Feb. 26-
Today was very special.  It was Dominic's naming and blessing ceremony.  Michael did a beautiful job leading the ceremony.

These are my dad's parents.  I'm so glad they were able to come to Dominic's blessing.  My mom's parents we able to come also, sadly I didn't get a picture with them.  It's pretty amazing that all 4 of my grandparents were able to come.  2 of Michael's grandparents were able to attend.  The other 2 have passed away with the last year or so.  Hopefully they were able to participate/attend in some form or another.  I am so grateful for families and the belief that we will get to see our deceased loved ones again someday.

The Robinson family.  Friends of ours that made a surprise appearance.

Our friend Xander.  He is actually a New Yorker, but currently going to school in Utah.  Also a surprise appearance-with which I was truly pleased!

3 generations of Escalante men

My little brother, Kyle (who happened to be going through a mustache phase ah ha ha).  Kyle let Dominic wear his old blessing outfit.  Don't mind Dominic's "starving" face.  He and Kyle had a great relationship.  Secretly I think that Dominic is Kyle's favorite of all the nieces and nephews in my family. :)  But then again, I think Dominic is everyone's favorite...or at least should be!

With Grandpa Adrian (Michael's dad)--Dominic appears to be deep in thought

The proud parents!

My folks

Monday Feb. 27-

Michael was officially notified that Innosight wanted him to work for them for his summer internship!  Michael's mom took us to lunch to celebrate at one of our favorite restaurants in the area.  We got to go climbing in the evening with old friends and had a great time!

Tuesday Feb. 28-

Lunch at our favorite Pizzeria with our favorite Stikas, Reo and Liz (good friends of ours.)  Liz is expecting a baby this summer and they are very excited.

During the day, Michael worked on editing some of his music.  That evening we went climbing and played laser tag and mini golf with my siblings and their kids.

Climbing with my nieces

Thurs. March 1-

 I love our morning cuddles!

Is it just me, or is he adorable?!

Today was pretty low key.  Michael and Noah worked together on their music album and I watched a movie with my mom in the evening.

Friday March 2-

We got to visit our friends Brooke, Preston, and baby Everett.  Everett was born almost exactly 1 month after Dominic.  It was fun to catch up.

In the evening we had a reunion party with our old work friends.  It was so good to see everyone and catch up! None of them have kids, so it was a lot of fun for everyone to meet the little guy.

See Billy, not all babies cry when you hold them!

Saturday March 3-

Our first family portrait, taken before Michael left for Israel

We got to stop and eat and Red Iguana on our way to the airport to drop Michael off for his flight to Israel.  I LOVE RED IGUANA.  It's become our tradition now to stop by there every time we visit Utah.  A tradition I think we shall uphold for as long as we are living on the East Coast!  I could go on and on about the food, but I'll spare you the details and continue with the photos!

Sunday March 4-

I took the opportunity to attend church with my mom, dad and little brother.  We went to the church that I attended as a teenager so it was fun to see many adults that I admired and for them to meet Dominic.

I went to dinner with Michael's extended family, then rushed back to catch a get together with my extended family in the evening.

Michael's mother and grandmother

Monday March 5-
I had the opportunity to go hiking with my friend Rachael and her daughter Charlotte.  It was so fun to hike and catch up!  Then they had us over for a delicious dinner.  I wish they could move to Connecticut!

(Charlotte was born Aug. 1... right after we moved away)

We hiked long enough to enjoy the sunset 

...and to see the moon rise.

Tuesday March 6-
I packed my bags and headed to my sister's house to spend a few days with her and her kids (while her husband was out of town working).

We painted our toenails and fingernails, then Haylie styled my hair.

Haylie loved holding Dominic

Addi loved poking Dominic

I had a great time with my two younger nieces while their older siblings were still at school

They are so cute.

When the two older kids got home from school we made a fort, worked on homework, had dinner, then played hide and seek.  We also took lots of fun pictures on my computer with crazy effects.

Kyli, Haylie and Tate (L-R...and R-L)

L-R Haylie (niece),  me, Tate (nephew), Kristi (sister)

Wednesday March 7-
We had a big breakfast of waffles and bacon, followed by a workout!  Then we got to go to lunch with our mom, and sister-in-laws (and our babies)!  It was so much fun to chat and hang out.  We'd never done anything like that before, but I had a great time!

We actually attempted to style Dominic's hair into a full on mohawk.  It was pretty legit.

Haylie couldn't get enough of Dominic!

Haylie said many many prayers prior to our trip that we would arrive safely in Utah.  You can tell she loves this little guy.

Haylie, Addi and Dominic just chillin

Later that night, following dinner, we watched a movie and had treats.  What a great night.

Thursday March 8-

Leaving Haylie in tears, I returned to my folk's house.  My mom and I hung out for the day and went to a dinner event that evening.  Following the dinner, I joined Kyle (my brother) for a rather intense game of volleyball. 

Friday March 9-

I figured it had been a few days since Michael's family had seen Dominic, so I ventured out to make some visits.

Grandpa Adrian and Grandma Susan

He really does have fantastic hair

After seeing Michael dad and step-mom, I met up with Rachael to do some strolling around with our kiddos.

The basement apartment where Michael and I first lived as Mr. and Mrs.

2 gorgeous women

...and extremely photogenic I might add!

Me and my little man

Eskimo kisses

I love his snuggles

I stopped in to say hello to Michael's mom for about an hour before meeting up with my brother and his family to celebrate his birthday for the evening.


Saturday March 10-
My folks watched Dominic for a few hours so I could go rock climbing with Rachael.  We had a great time!

That's me way up there!

This was a really cool climb that Rachael's husband just bolted

There were really big moves that I had to work for

On the hike back down

I wonder if Quaker Oatmeal would sponsor us as mothers that get rad?

Sunday March 11-
Today turned out to be a crazy day.  My dad was called to be a Stake President, so all my siblings and I attended a special 2 hour conference were he was officially called and then set apart.  (Stake President is a position of local leadership in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints).  Upon arriving at the Conference building, we were greeted by my dad (who had gone over early).  He asked if I had heard from Michael recently because he heard that Israel had been hit with over 100 missiles during the night!!  I had received a casual email from Michael a few hours earlier-so I hoped that meant he was okay, although that didn't keep my anxiety from skyrocketing.  I emailed him immediately before stepping into the meeting, hoping to hear from him.

 A long story short, Michael was okay.  There were some missiles fired, but on the other side of the country, so fortunately Michael was safe.  They had to alter their trip a little and reroute their course as a result of the conflict going on, but they were still able to finish their trip as planned.  What a relief.

On my left: Amy (sister-in-law) and Gavin and on my right Camie (sister-in-law) and Mylie.  These are Dominic's little cousins and my darling sisters. (Taken after the conference at my parent's house where we were all hanging out and had lunch.)

One of the highlights of my trip to Utah was getting to see my friend Ava.  She lives in St. George (4 hours south) and called Friday night telling me that she was coming into town for her cousin's wedding.  We only got to rendezvous for a few minutes as she was driving back down south, but I am so happy and grateful that she was able to meet Dominic.  She has made a profound influence on my life and I miss her and think of her often.  It was a pleasant surprise for her to come into town!!

Ava

Monday March 12-

I mostly spent the day running errands and hanging out with my madre.  My dad was leaving for a business trip early the next day, so he sat and cuddled Dominic for a long time before going to bed.  It was so sweet.  I wish I had been able to take a picture!

Taken in the morning as Dominic was waking up!

Tuesday March 13-

My mom and I went for a walk with Dominic this morning.  Following the walk, I headed up to Salt Lake City to meet with a doctor to receive some training on a potential work opportunity.  Once I got back to my folk's house, Dominic and I headed to meet up with our friends (The Lees) for a climbing session.  However, I arrived as shortly before they needed to leave, so we arranged to rendezvous again later in the evening.  Climbing was great and I was able to hang out with lots of friends and say goodbye.

I got to skype with Michael after returning from climbing.  I was definitely getting excited to see him by this point!  I ended up sleeping at Deb's house (Michael's mom's).

His new outfit--Doesn't he look ready for Yale?  I love it.

Wednesday March 14-

I woke up early and headed to breakfast with Amanda, a friend from high school.  We had a great time catching up over some delicious waffles.  Following breakfast, I ran some errands and met up with Reo and Liz for lunch at a sushi place.  Sushi wasn't quite as good in Utah as it is in Connecticut, but I still enjoyed it!

Saying goodbye to friends-We got to have one last lunch with Reo and Liz

Saying goodbye to Rachael and her daughter Charlotte

I met up with Michael's family for a farewell dinner with his mom and siblings.  I am so grateful to have married into the family that I did.  I simply adore Michael's family.  We headed over to Deb's house after dinner where we hung out and talked for a while.  Trevor, a close friend, drove down from Salt Lake City to hang out with us and say goodbye.  I have worked with Trevor for several years and find him to be such a caring and loving individual.  Whenever I feel the need to be therapised, I usually turn to him :).  I feel so blessed to have such amazing friends.

Thursday March 15-
LAST DAY IN UTAH.  I have to be honest-I thought the trip would feel soooo long being away from our apartment and Michael--but the 3 weeks went by so fast (2 weeks without Michael, 3 weeks total).  I can only couch surf for so long before I begin to miss the comforts of my own home.  However, everyone was very gracious in hosting us and so helpful with Dominic while Michael was is Israel.  I loved spending time with family and friends.

I tried to take advantage of my last day in the Rocky Mountains by going mountain biking with my friend Jordan.  She was able to ditch some of her responsibilities and join me in what turned out to be a perfect day of riding.  It felt so good to be on a bike again.  I really wished Rachael could have joined us, but she had to work.  She was a dear though and loaned me her bike!  Check out a few videos Jordan shot of me taking some 'drops'.

Lovin our BR's (we had matching bikes called the Bottle Rocket)

Hiking, biking, climbing, oh it feels good to be active again!  I love the mountains! and I love my friends that are willing to get rad with me!

After returning to my parent's house, I attempted to pack, but kept getting interrupted...but they were good interruptions.

My grandma stopped by to say goodbye.

I love to see people laughing.  It brings a certain light to their eyes that warms my soul. :)

Oh that hair...

Wow-I definitely see resemblance among the 3 generations: Me, my mom, and her mom.

That evening we invited my siblings and their families over for a pizza party and to say goodbye.  Almost everyone was there, and we had a great time.

Saying goodbye to Uncle Kyle.  I love my siblings and it was great to spend time with them.  My little brother is currently living with my parents, so it was fun to spend lots of time with him.  It was hard to say goodbye.

Dominic's cousin, Savannah just had to hold Dominic before they left.  This picture cracks me up.

Deb and my mom took us up to the airport...we had no problems getting through security and the flight went really well.  I was exhausted and wanted to sleep (fortunately Dominic was sleeping)...but couldn't fully relax because I was holding him on my lap.  We had a layover in North Carolina in which I fell asleep while nursing him in a mother's lounge and we almost missed our connecting flight to Connecticut!!  Fortunately we rushed to our gate and boarding just in time!!

The flight back felt long and exhausting, but we were both so excited to see Michael.

It was hard to leave the mountains, friends and family, but it was good to be home in our own apartment with Michael.  Dominic and I had a great trip to Utah!  He has now been to 5 states (6 if you count our layover in N. Carolina).  That's pretty impressive!


Since our return, we have continued to have great experiences.  I am so grateful that Michael has an internship for the summer.  He seems way less busy this block than during the previous blocks!!

Happy St. Patrick's Day.  Thanks Jordan and Tyler for the green shirt!

All dressed up for church (Mar. 18th)

Loving his new monkey that he was gifted while in Utah

We went for a walk on this Tuesday and enjoyed the beautiful flowers in bloom. (Mar. 20th)

He's getting really good at holding his head up!--oh the joys of parenting

Making a sign for the hockey game on Saturday (Mar. 24th)

Dominic's first hockey game.  SOM (school of management) class of 2013 students against 2012 students.

Jim Kok-Michael's classmate whose wife was due with their first child in December also.

On the ice after the game (it was a tie)

Also of significant note, Michael turned 30 yesterday!!!  We went to dinner at a fantastic Italian restaurant called L'orcio.   We are going out to dinner with some of his friends from school shortly which I am looking forward to.

Next up on the Escalante's blog...

Michael's trip to Israel!!  I hope you are excited!