35th Stop - SLC and Provo (UT)

Blog Post #46 - Written February 10, 2026

Stay: August 2-7, 2025



It’s time for the reign of Megan to begin! Ok, so Gary’s been especially busy (or in his words, "lazy") and this blog has gotten quite a bit behind.  So, I made Gary a deal, either I drive the trailer and he writes while we drive, or I can take over.  To prevent the many deaths that would occur if I took over hauling this beast around, Gary finally relinquished control over the blog.  MWAHAHAHA!

After our harrowing escape from Flaming Gorge, we ventured down into Utah Valley to visit with more family, friends, and old haunts. Gary’s brother, David, hosted us in his driveway up in North Salt Lake area.  And we mostly fit! Only needed a couple of foam pads wedged between the tree and our windows to prevent scratching.

On Sunday, we realized just how busy and congested Utah had gotten as we tried to see as many people as possible.  I met up with my ‘bosom friend’ Kelsey for a quick meetup at the park.  Then we booked it down to Lehi to meet up with my cousins, Lauren and Janet.  After so much driving and traffic, we gathered up at Gary’s sister, Angela’s, house for one final hoorah with the remaining Butlers that were still in town.  It was great to visit with Emily and Kimberly, Gary’s now-adult nieces who came up from Provo.  Lots of great food, great fun, and great games! 

Gary's sister-in-law, Ashley, guided us through the best part of Lagoon (Utah's amusement park): the blackberry bushes that abuts the property.  So many blackberries! The kids probably ate as much as they picked, which was impressive because we brought back a dozen full jugs and Tupperware back home with us.

Blackberries galore behind Lagoon

The rest of the week was full of meet-ups: Gary’s old MTC companion, Andrew, for a pool party. Kelson, Gary’s old roommate, for a BBQ. Some epic racquetball games with Josh, Gary’s old childhood friend. And a dinner get-together with Gary's neighbors from CO, the Berrys. We might not have enjoyed the smog and traffic of UT, but it sure was nice to see so many friends in one state.

We had a special visit with Grams and Grumps, Gary’s grandparents.  Grumps hadn’t been doing very well and we loved having this last visit with him. 


 Visit with Grams and Grumps in Provo

We couldn’t come down to Provo without visiting the Creamery on 9th, so the kids got to enjoy the classic smashburger and BYU ice cream of our college days.  The kids and I toured the Duck Pond, the BYU Library, the Eyring Science building, and the MOA art exhibits while Gary was playing racquetball.  It was fun to have all the memories come back, but so sad to see all the changes (like my study spot that is totally demolished :(  

            
Gary and the kids enjoying the Creamery

Q and Z running through the Duck Pond on BYU Campus

Our last couple of stops down memory lane was a Nickle Arcade with cousins, just like the one Gary took me to for our first date, and the Bountiful Temple where Gary and I were married and sealed for time and all eternity.  What a joy it was to be in the same place where our lives joined together and to look back at the journey we’ve taken so far.  It is definitely way better than what I imagined 9 years ago!




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