My parents had rented a apartment/suite so we headed straight there and after talking for a while went to bed. The next morning my dad, Michael, Emily, Jeremy and me ran a Turkey Trot up City Creek Canyon that finished in Memory Grove. Wow, we could definitely feel the altitude difference, and the cold, but it was a beautiful and clear day. I love the seasons in Utah. Turkey trots have become a fun tradition in my family, and one that has made a big difference to my dad and his health. The first one we did 2 years ago in Michigan got him running to start training and he hasn't stopped since. He's now competing in 5K events whenever he has the chance, which is a lot more frequent now that he is on sabbatical and is no longer the bishop of the student ward. He's really improving, and I'm proud of him for starting a running career at almost 60 yrs old.
After the race we showered and went to my grandma's where we started getting ready for the feast and played with my little cousin Gilbert. Before too long my uncle James, Gilbert, Jeremy, Michael, Amanda, Emily, my dad, and me met Scott and his cousin up at the park, where we played football and soccer.
More family met us afterwards for the meal. It was so good to spend time with everyone. It was also Matt's birthday so Jessica made him a triple berry birthday pie. So sweet.
The meal was incredible, as are all Tobler Thanksgivings. But I think this one was even a little better than usual. We had all our traditional things: Marva's chestnut stuffing, my mom's sweet rolls, sour cream/apple and pumpkin pies, dixie salad, Mrs. ludwig's salad, potatoes & gravy, sweet potatoes, and onions. The turkey was cooked to perfection.
The next morning I went on a short jog up Memory Grove and finished at my grandma's so I could eat leftover pie and cinnamon rolls for breakfast. After showering, Jeremy and I left to head down to Provo to spend the day with Ashley and her boyfriend, Cody. We first went to lunch at Happy Sumo, caught a movie at the dollar theater (good ole Provo) and then went walking up Rock Canyon.
Rock Canyon
We followed that up with some ice cream at the BYU Creamery. I had forgotten how delicious it is... and how huge the portion sizes are.
Later for dinner we met my family at the house of some family friends, the Lus. They made an amazing Szechuan feast, including my favorite Ma Po Tofu, complete with numbing spice. After dinner and watching some incredible Tai Chi on YouTube their kids stunned us with their piano skills. They played a Lidst and my favorite, Rachmoninov's piano concerto #2. I got choked up watching. Sometimes is hits me pretty hard that I wish I had kept up piano. But then I remember how hard it was to balance life with school, social life, church, sports and music back when I quit. I had to choose between sports and piano, and look what a difference sports has made in my life. I wouldn't want to have given that up either. I hope someday I can pick it up again.
After a wonderful evening Michael, Amanda, Jeremy and I took a drive around Provo so we could show Amanda where Michael had grown up. We showed her our old house, schools, BYU, where he had his first job, Rock Canyon, downtown Provo and the tabernacle. It was a shame that it was dark.
Saturday we packed a lunch of thanksgiving sandwiches and headed up big Cottonwood Canyon. I had worn a couple layers only, because I thought I would get warm as I hiked. Unfortunately that never happened. I just got colder and colder. But the scenery was beautiful! Unfortunately since we were hiking in the shadow of the cliffs it just wasn't the best lighting for scenery pictures.
After the hike I visited my friend Phil for a haircut and then met my family at The Red Iguana, which is a Utah visit tradition. After the meal a few of us went to Symphony Hall for Handel's Messiah. It was really enjoyable. We spent the rest of the night up at my grandma's just hanging out. It was quite sad this was the last night of our trip.
No comments:
Post a Comment