I can’t believe our last weekend out at the family home in Utah has come and gone so quickly. We certainly made the most of our remaining time out here. I’d like to share some tidbits from my life last week as well as an accompanying photo recap with selections from my Instagram and Snapchat (@prettyneatlivng) feeds with you.
This past week has been all about enjoying family time at the house. There’s been a lot of home cooked meals and baked goods (muffins made by my niece, Grace), as well as hanging out on the front porch or back patio together taking in the beautiful scenery. I just love how I can gaze out at the same mountain range and for it to look completely different every day. That’s the beauty of wide open spaces.
I found out via social media that it was National Dog Day last week, so I thought I’d pop in a few photos of my sweet Winnie girl. She has been glued to my side lately! I’ve taken to working on my laptop while sitting in this big leather chair we have in bedroom at the Utah house and Winnie usually squeezes herself next to me and my growing baby bump. She’s my snuggle girl!
Winnie and I enjoy our daily rituals out in Utah just like we do at home, although they’re a bit different out here. I actually drive her into town for our morning walks where there are sidewalks and nice curb grass which she’s used to as a suburban pup. The folks who work at the little coffee shop gush over her every time we pull through the drive-through. In the evenings I let Winnie romp around our big yard leash-less, which she absolutely loves. It’s so cute to see her charge around in the grass!
You know I can’t go a week without talking about food. It’s become even more of a favorite topic since I’ve been pregnant with a growing mid-second trimester appetite. If you’ve been following my pregnancy updates you already know all about my weekly cravings. Lately I’ve been really into caesar salad with homemade dressing made by my sweet hubby. I’m also really enjoying the fresh apples that are popping up in stores now that summer is waning.
Don took on the role of official Utah house cook last year and we are spoiled by his delicious creations. His grilled chicken is always a big hit, but his smoked meats are definitely the most talked about by family and friends alike. While I normally prepare my own breakfast, lunch, and snacks, Don has taken to checking in on me periodically throughout the day since I’ve been pregnant to see if he can bring me food. That man takes super good care of me and I am so grateful for him!
I enjoyed an absolutely glorious weekend, which kicked off on Friday with another fun day with Don. We headed back to Deer Valley for another hike and spa date, since we enjoyed it to much when we went earlier this month. We picked a different trail this time, which was fun. Afterwards we had a couple’s massage at the St. Regis Remède Spa and then grabbed a bite at the restaurant there. I certainly don’t mind repeating dates like that! There’s nothing quite as relaxing as a prenatal massage, especially now that my bump is growing so much.
On Saturday we threw one last party at the house. I was so happy my friend Kristina (you may know her from K Werner Design) could come as well. It’s always so nice to see her when I’m out in Utah, since she lives in the area. Don made grilled flank steaks, garlic bread, and his amazing caesar salad. Yum! After dinner we all sat out on the front porch and watched the full moon rise. It was pretty spectacular!
On Sunday the family headed up to Stein Eriksen Lodge for brunch, which is a tradition every time we come out to Utah together. It is seriously my favorite breakfast buffet spread. The maple glazed bacon is to die for! We drove up a little early so we could walk around the beautiful grounds together. Grace was a big fan of the pretty flowers and babbling brooks.
That evening we headed over to our neighbor’s house for a fire pit cookout. There was a storm passing by, which turned the sky amazing colors and produced a beautiful double rainbow. Luckily, it didn’t pass over us, just around, so we were able to stay outside and enjoy the views. Talk about an incredible way to end the weekend!
I vlogged during the weekend if you’d like to see more:
The past week has felt like an enchanted dream, it’s been so lovely. It’s a little sad to leave knowing I won’t return until next summer since we’re expecting our Baby Girl this winter. The memories of this amazing month will certainly carry me through until next year and I am grateful for each moment I spent here.
Wishing you all beautiful moments with your loved ones ❤︎
* This is not a sponsored post. All opinions are genuinely my own. *