A Trip to Salt Lake on the Train
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A week ago Friday, my daughter-in-law, three of the grandchildren, and I took FrontRunner, the Utah Transit Authority train, from Ogden to Salt Lake City to meet my son for dinner before my granddaughter's gymnastics meet. As a railroader's daughter, I jump at the chance to take a train ride. The kids weren't as enthusiastic about the ride. It takes too long in their estimation. My daughter-in-law and I sat back and enjoyed the stress free commute that meant that we didn't have to have two vehicles in SLC.
We had dinner at a fun new restaurant in SLC's new City Creek development called The Blue Lemon. (Click to read an interesting review from the Salt Lake Tribune.) It was the perfect place to go for quick dinner for the family. Not only was the food good, but the setting is fun.
My son wanted to show me the big development of this area that has been underway for the past few years, so after dinner, we crossed the street for a quick walk through the gardens surrounding the Joseph Smith Building and then back across the street again to the Zion Bank building so we could see the development from my son's office window.
It is after hours, so my son is not in his banker's garb, but he did indulge his mother by posing at his desk for a photo.
Below is the view from his office. Those of you who may remember Salt Lake City from the past will recognize this building as the old Hotel Utah. It is now the Joseph Smith Building. I once climbed out on the balcony near the top of this building through a window of a ballroom or banquet room with an adventurous boy friend. That was long ago, but it makes for a good story to tell the grandchildren. I doubt they believe me as I tell them the story.
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| Regan with Hand on Hips Conferring with Coach |
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| Regan Practicing |
I didn't have a good camera with me to capture my granddaughter's events very well, but I was able to get a few shots to mark the occasion.
Since #1 grandson is 15 and has his learner's permit, he wanted to drive home. For me, that was a stern reminder that my grandchildren are growing up way too fast. Son Ryan decided that since it was dark, the car was full, and grandma, known for her reputation as a backseat driver, was in the car, he would be the driver for the trip home rather that Parker.
This evening was such a treat for me. I have too few of such times with my family. Even though Utah and Colorado are right next door to each other, it is at least a 14 hour drive from my house to my son or daughter's house. A flight takes a little over an hour and a half in the air, but air travel also means a trip to Denver or Colorado Springs from my house and a trip to Salt Lake from their homes. I try to suffice with at least a yearly visit, but always wish for more.
So glad you got to spend such a great time with your Family...such a shame they live so far. I keep kidding my daughter that she has to chose a College that I can drive to...no plane rides! She says "MOM that 5 years away!"..*sigh* if only she knew it'll be here before I we know it. Great post!Poor Parker! remember the days when driving anywhere was what we craved?
ReplyDeleteBlessings, Joanne
I know that longing feeling so well...I've been missing my granddaughters a lot.
ReplyDeleteI think we need to hear more about the hotel balcony!
I know that longing feeling so well...I've been missing my granddaughters a lot.
ReplyDeleteI think we need to hear more about the hotel balcony!
I envy your train ride, I really need to take one. I always thought sleeping on one would be wonderful.
ReplyDeleteHope your granddaugher did well in her competition. She certainly has the look of a gymnast.
A 15 year old driving at night?? Pretty sure you are glad your son took over.
Sounds like a wonderful trip.
I'm glad you had such a good visit, Sally. Sometimes it seems like my grandkids are growing up even faster than my own kids did.
ReplyDeleteI would have loved the train ride.
Isn't it amazing how quickly our loved ones grow up when we aren't watching? It looks like you reconnected in some wonderful ways, Sally. Thank you so much for bringing me along on the trip! :-)
ReplyDeleteHow did your granddaughter do at her meet? She's very cute.
ReplyDelete#1Nana, I guess I will have to share that story sometime. Unfortunately, it isn't that exciting of a story. He just wanted to get out on the roof, and I followed him. I guess we were really on one of the ledges that look like a balcony near the top of the building. We had quite a view.
ReplyDeleteGrandmother, Regan did well. She did not place, but she was the only person from her group who even made it to the event. She was a team of one. That makes it hard. I thought she was rated lower on the parallel bars than she should have been, but overall, she was quite happy with her score.
How fun--for all of you!
ReplyDeleteWe raised our children away from their grandparents and it was always such a treat to have them visit!
Kids do grow up way too fast. I've been reflecting on that myself in the last few days. Watching one granddaughter celebrate her upcoming 15th, and realizing another will be 14 on Friday has just brought it smack into my face. I love seeing them blossom, but losing "the babies" is melancholic.
ReplyDeleteBut your trip sounds fun. I love trains, and I agree with you that it is very relaxing.
I can't get over the vastness of USA. Most places are within reasonable reach on our small but overcrowded Island.
ReplyDeleteLovely that you could get to see your son and his family.
Love the photo of your granddaughter upside down.
Maggie X
Nuts in May
It is true that they grow so fast and when they are far away it is a trial to feel connected. Make the most of your time together and they will have happy memories all the same. Kids seem to have a totally different sense of time.
ReplyDeletesounds like you had a wonderful time with the family.
ReplyDeleteEveryday Life
How terrific that you were able to spend such quality time with your family. I really miss my son, daughter and their families too. These are great photos. I love it that you were able to attend the gymnastics meet. What a treat for your granddaughter.
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like a wonderful time, Sally. So nice that you can see them -- quite a hike. Looks like you made the most of it, too!
ReplyDeleteFamily reunions like this make such good memories. I feel sad that my father only saw one granddaughter once and my mother saw both granddaughters maybe 3 times and that is all, but Paris is a long way from Atlanta. I envy you this train ride. Grand kids grow too fast – my oldest grand kid is starting kindergarten – it seems like yesterday that I was changing his diapers! Your sweet granddaughter is talented.
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad you had this wonderful time with your family. It was so much fun to see your pictures. I'm with Nana - the hotel balcony story definitely needs to be shared. :-)
ReplyDeleteSally, What a wonderful visit! We like SLC a lot, so I'll look at the Blue Lemon for a future trip. We usually drive when we go to SLC so we can take our bikes. A Grand with a learner's permit could be a scary! Glad to know you were a gal who would climb out on a ledge.
ReplyDeleteI love trains, too.
ReplyDeleteHow wonderful it is that you could be there for your grand daughter's competition.