Vacation Part 2

You know what the hardest part about being gone so long? Trying to write about it when you get back.

By the way, this is my 400th post. You can't stop the madness, baby.

So we left off at my birthday.

We had two more days in Utah, which were, honestly, totally awesome.


Temple Square

Grandma Judy and the cousins and Bryce and I went to Temple Square on the most beautiful spring day imaginable.

I liked this shot of Tyce contemplating the restoration of the Priesthood.

We took a lot of group photos.

The cousins.

Grandma Judy with the kids . . . I'm sorry that this is the only one I took. This was the last of a long photo shoot.

I love this one.

Remember when I told you Kira closes her eyes when she poses for a picture? (Isn't she a doll?)

Then we saw "Joseph Smith: Prophet of the Restoration" at the Joseph Smith Memorial Building. It was a wonderful production and I highly recommend it. I do not recommend taking squirmy children, however. The twins were especially difficult and I had to wrestle Cameron into his seat several times while enduring his loud questions, such as:

"Why does Emma have such crazy hair?"

(Don't worry Emma. He thinks my hair looks crazy too.)

Even so, it was a very testimony-building experience for me as I witnessed the sufferings and sacrifices of the early members of our church. I was renewed in my gratitude and reverance for the Prophet Joseph. I thought of John Taylor's declaration:

Joseph Smith, the Prophet and Seer of the Lord, has done more, save Jesus only, for the salvation of men in this world, than any other man that ever lived in it” (Doctrine and Covenants 135:3).

I believe it. I know it. I love it.


Classic Fun Center

The next day was all about fun.

Skating, scootering, climbing, bounce-housing, video-gaming, pizza-eating . . . it was great for big and little kids. Oh, and adults. (Betsie convinced me to go on a giant bounce house slide . . . awww yeeeeah!)

I think the kids could have lasted all day.

Thank you Grandma Judy and Grandpa Al for treating us.


Emergency Shelter

It might seem weird to make this its own section, but Mary and Kess worked all afternoon on this and it was mighty impressive. There's a place for water run-off and collection, food storage, and even a flag for decoration.

We had a wonderful time in Utah and always love seeing our family.