House of Payne: Columbus, Columbus, and Park City

Now we're rewinding back to where we left off in June. We were really disappointed we didn't get to spend more time with Abe and Grace in Columbus, GA since we misunderstood Ty's rules about checking in at the base in Columbus, MS. But the time that we did have was a lot of fun. They were great hosts.

After saying our goodbyes, we drove from Columbus to Columbus, and a few days later moved into our new home! We love it here in Mississippi. The city is small, the people are kind, the base is nice... life is good. The only thing we'd change is that we live so far away from most of our family... though we're technically closer now than we were in DC.

Shortly after getting settled (a week and a half after move-in I think), we set out for Park City, Utah. My mom had a major mile-marker birthday that starts with the number five, and my dad planned a surprise family reunion for her. She'd been told they were going to Denver for a weekend away like they did for her birthday last year, but she got a little suspicious when Dad invited my younger brother Dallin to come at the last second. Well, first she was a little irked, but then she got suspicious. :-)

Our plane landed shortly before the one carrying my parents and brother. We sent Afton to sneak up on them (well, Mom) at their baggage claim.

I think this is the moment when Mom forgave Dad.

We had a great time. We stayed at a condo in Park City, relaxed, played games, went swimming, and visited. We went to a play at the Desert Star Theater in Salt Lake. Everyone except Afton and I went mountain biking. We had a big surprise party at a park with both my mom's and dad's sides of the family. It was great to see everyone. As usual, I didn't take too many pictures. It's especially hard to be motivated to take pictures around my mom because she's got her camera out all the time. :) But here's some I did get: