Park City

So, we just got back from Park City last night. Lots of fun! Dad and Robyn had booked a condo there but couldn't use it so we went instead (a big thank you to them). We loved the location, just a couple blocks from old town park city. It was decent sized for just a one bedroom condo and with two queens, a pull out, a full kitchen and two big bathrooms, it suited us just fine.
The first day we decided to head to Salt Lake to go swimming at Seven Peaks. The boys loved the fun water slides but it got crazy busy, crazy fast. I guess we should have expected it since the temp that day was over 100, but we left by noon and everyone was good with that.
While we were rounding up kids to go, I was standing in the shade with Weston when, low and behold, up popped cousin Marisa's head right in front of me. We both looked at each other surprised and said, "You're kidding me." How we happened to go swimming the same day at the same park and find each other through the mobs of people, I have no idea? It was the highlight of the day and I got to meet her two youngest boys who were adorable (little Zach talked my ear off). She updated me on the goings on of her fam and when we went our separate ways I was a little sad to think of  everything we've all missed out on in each others lives. The only way I've been able to keep up with cousins is on stupid facebook, which is great, don't get me wrong, but I'm convinced we can somehow do better than that. A little mini reunion might have to be arranged soon. Who's in?
Weston seemed to have a rough, whiny day which is not very typical of him and wouldn't calm down enough to go to bed that night. I needed a few things so we went for a walk to the grocery store long after his normal bed time. How interesting it was to walk down the streets at night and see inside all the little houses. I wasn't trying to be a peeping tom but people there seem to be very 'open' and not care about shutting the curtains. If you like to people watch, walk down the streets of Park City after dark. Quite the experience. At the grocery store I felt a little out of place. Everyone in front of me in line had those reusable grocery bags and here I was walking out with my fish killing, ozone depleting, non-biodegradable plastic grocery bags. I seriously felt like I needed to say something to them like, "Oh shoot, I left my reusable bags at home. I'm from out of town but I just love mother earth though, don't you?" but at least part of that would have been a lie. I've never owned a reusable grocery bag in my life (sorry future generations, I'm the one that ruined your earth). Maybe I cancelled out the plastic bags with my walking though. Very 'green'.
On Sunday we went to church in the Park City ward. I was surprised to find not many churches and not many wards in the area but I guess we are talking about a resort town. As we entered, a man ushered us to a place up front (apparently they don't like back row dwellers even if you're visiting) and asked us where we were from. We told him Roosevelt and he went off about how much he loved it out our way and how beautiful it was. I'm afraid I got a rather dumbfounded look on my face and began to wonder if he really knew where Roosevelt was. I mean, Roosevelt's not bad but here we were in Park City and I thought they had a lot more to boast about than we did. Then he said, with a reverent, serious, even a little sad voice, "That's God's country." If my face didn't look dumbstruck enough before, it sure did now. I thanked him and thought about that comment for a while later.
Finishing up about church in the Park City ward, the speakers were great and music was fantastic. We also sat directly behind this woman.

Do you recognize her? She was just released from the YW General Presidency in April. I didn't recognize her until she stood up to be sustained to a new calling and I heard her name, Mary N. Cook. I thought her hair looked familiar (and yes, it must look that feathery perfect every day). You'll be happy to know she is now a Sunday school teacher in her ward. How would that be to go from a General Presidency to a Sunday school teacher? Maybe like going from Bishop to nursery. Lots less responsibility. Nice woman, I'm happy for her.
We went for a walk up through old town Sunday afternoon. Beautiful resort town with lots of character, unique little houses packed like sardines, and the ski hill practically coming right into downtown. Love how you can get on a chair lift right on main street.
A couple things struck me though. First of all it did not feel like Sunday.

 They were having a big farmer's market on Main street with live bands, LOTS of alcohol, and a surprising absence of anything "farm" related. It was mainly fast food stands, art, random crafts and did I mention the alcohol. Everything seemed very...."granola". Henna tattoos, a stand giving away free hugs, art work that cannot be explained, and this guy totally rocking out on the didgeridoo.

I am totally down with their bathrooms though. Every couple blocks were these 'VIPEE areas'. The most wonderful port-a-potties ever! Wish I would have taken a picture of the inside (plush and smelled great), but that may have been weird. The world needs more portable potties like this. Please join my campaign.

Sleeping Weston. And no, I did not sunburn him despite a woman getting after me for it. My kids just become little tomatoes when it's hot out.

So, Park City was fun. The condo is open until Friday so maybe we'll go back. We'll see.
I think I understand what the man at church maybe meant by saying WE were from 'God's country' though. As beautiful as it is to visit, I could never live in this resort town, possibly any resort town. It's hard to see past all the worldly influences. Later, when the market was over, we drove down main street which was still bustling and I smiled when I saw a lovely little LDS family history center nestled in between all the shops, restaurants and bars.
I'm thankful to live where I live which is its own kind of beautiful but have these places to occasionally visit.