Today was all about loved ones and laughter - outside in the sunshine. Anne, Lauren, Cambree, Harker, Andi, Dave and I spent the afternoon at Cornbelly's in Lehi - and, to me, this was quintessential Americana! Cornbelly's is a pumpkin fest and corn maze that takes place every fall, and it is simply great family fun! All things agricultural are celebrated, from the rides to the displays (including many antique tractors) to the parades to the food - Cambree and Harker were pumped to get going to Cornbelly's, and within seconds of being there I understood why. There was an entire little village of wooden structures that the kids could play in, that included a school, animal clinic, police station, pizzeria, and ice cream shoppe. Cornbelly's had a sea lion demonstration. There were also all sorts of pumpkins displays, perfect for a mini photoshoot. Even the midway had an agricultural theme. The aroma of carnival food wafted throughout - our group purchased pumpkin donuts (delicious!), lemonade, and Dave and I split a corndog and mac 'n cheese combo (soooo good).
There was so much to do - and so much for all ages! It was amazing.
And everyone was so nice. You would think with kids everywhere, it could be a recipe for disaster, but I didn't see any meltdowns or tears.
Ok, we did see one little boy in tears. But he wasn't in tears for long.
Cambree and Harker went on a ride called "The Barn Swing" - and a little boy got on who, as the ride was about to start, wasn't very pleased to be embarking on this "scary" experience. He broke into tears, and Harker, who was sitting beside him, gently reached out her hand - and he held it during the ride! And, guess what? Those tears dried up pretty quickly! It was the sweetest little moment!
Andi, the youngest of Anne's granddaughters, was calm as a cucumber the entire time. She just took everything in, with all of the action surrounding her, and relaxed in her stroller. What an incredible little one she is! So quiet, so observant, and so cute!
At the end of our afternoon, we temporarily said goodbye to Anne and her gang and Dave and I did the Alpine Loop, a twenty-mile drive that winds through the rugged canyons of the Wasatch Mountain Range. Robert Redford's Sundance is located along the route. It was an amazing drive - and an exhilarating one too, as there were times when meeting a vehicle meant that we got very close to the edge of the mountain road! Trust me, though, for those views, it was worth it!
We returned to Cambree, Harker and Andi's place and spent time with them, Anne and Lauren - how I love some "downtime" after a busy day! Russell arrived shortly afterwards from Lethbridge, and he always adds a lot of humour to any conversation! We played puzzles with the girls, I gave Andi her bottle - and then it was bedtime for the girls. The adults enjoyed a lovely meal (thank you so much!) and we got to hear more about Lauren's busy life in Australia.
Today was such a gift!
Tonight, Anne and Russell's daughter Carly and her husband Ryan are returning home from Paris (a 30th birthday present to Ryan from Carly!) so we will get to spend time with them tomorrow, as well as the rest of the gang. Then we will start our trip back home on Monday.
Back to Roberto and back to that rv bed - I do miss my own at home, that is for sure!
Thank you for reading! Love to you all!
~CC xoxo
