Utah Trip -- Leg One (My Family)

We have been back from our lengthy Utah trip for a few days now, but I just haven't been able to find the time to blog about all of our fun times. It has taken a while to get back into the swing of things (and we still aren't). I know that you may not want to hear the lengthy details of our trip, so if you don't you can just skip this (or close your eyes -- no peeking!).

Highlights of our time with my family:

• The kids LOVED playing with the chickens at my sister's house. The had little over a dozen chickens running around in their backyard. The kids LOVED feeding them, chasing them around, and picking them up. They thought it was so cool that they were laying eggs and they SO wanted to eat some. They also learned NOT to wear sandals around them, unless they wanted their toes pecked. Guess which kids of mine want chickens now?
• We had the opportunity to go to the Oquirrh Hills Temple Open House. This was a big deal for us. I don't know if the kids will ever have the chance to go to something like this again before they are old enough to go to the temple on their own. We had a discussion with the kids about the importance of this day -- and they took it very seriously. They were quiet and in awe throughout the tour, but they definitely felt the spirit in the Celestial Room. We stood there together holding hands feeling the moment, and none of us wanted to go. Megan was teary eyed and I was weeping. I hope that it is something that the kids will never forget. It was wonderful enough just to be there, but we were lucky enough to go there with my parents, my sisterand her family), and my brother and his family. It was a wonderful and amazing experience.
  A few days before we came out, the Angel Moroni on the sprire of the temple was struck by lightning. They hadn't had a chance to fix the gold leafing on it, so I was able to get this great shot with the zoom on my camera. Kinda cool, eh?
• We ditched the kids. Woo hoo! One evening we decided to go out on a adult date with all of my siblings and thier spouses. We left ALL the kids with the older cousins (thank you SO much boys!) and . . . walked down a few houses to my parents house. We were going to go out to dinner, but we decided to order pizza and play board games instead. It was a fantastic evening, and I am so grateful for the time that we had together to really chat and have fun, instead of trying to talk over the usual CHAOS that ensues when we all get together (which happened the next night -- man it gets crazy and loud with all those kids!). It was definitely something that we need to do again. Make a tradition out of it. Each time we come out. Thanks Mel for the great idea!
• We spent a day with my parents on their p-day. It is wonderful that we can visit them while they are serving on thier mission in Temple Square. I am very grateful for the opportunity that we had to be with them. We went to the "This is the Place Heritage Park" and had a fantastic day. The kids loved exploring the Pioneer Village -- especially since so much of what they learned about our early Pioneers (because of being in the production of "The Order is Love") was still fresh in their heads. They got to make candles, explore Native American habitats, make rope, lasso fake sheep, watch a blacksmith fling sparks as he banged on hot metal, ride horses, explore many original buildings, ride a train (that all Tyler wanted to do), go on a lamb chase (the mutton busting sign up was full -- darn!), and so many, many other things. However, the best part was spending time with grandma and grandpa. Thanks for the amazing day mom and dad!