Day 5 - Trip to Utah

Day 5 - Trip to Utah
June 30th, 2009

Today was my dad's birthday. It was so fun to be
all together as a family to celebrate!

We stayed at the Providence Inn while we were there.
They have done a lot to fix up the place and the
grounds look better than they ever have!
Here are some pics of us exploring.

My mom and dad.

There was a new monument built and dedicated
just a couple of weeks before we visited.

Here is part of the article about it.

Somewhere along the way, the pioneer monument
was lost. The foundation deteriorated; the time capsule
inside was apparently so damaged that the only thing
worth saving was some old coins; it was all taken apart
and taken away.

But for the 150th anniversary of the founding
of Providence, that monument is being rebuilt.

"For those of use who grew up in Providence,"
says former mayor and current member of
the Providence Historical Committee Alma Leonhardt,
"it's like a lost child coming home."

The monument, which will now sit at the
corner of the property, will be dedicated
on Saturday, June 6, by
President Boyd K. Packer
of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles of
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

"The first monument was dedicated by
George Albert Smith, so we're thrilled that
(President) Packer will do the honors this time,"
says Dale Astle, chairman of the monument committee.

Anyway, here is the monument and Karl surprised
us by having our names engraved among those
who have made a "significant contribution" to the
history of the Providence Inn & Old Rock Church.

Then we went go-karting and mini-golfing.
We had fun and the kids loved seeing their cousins.

(No, these two did not really drive this together!)

Julia before the ride...

Julia after the ride...

She fell asleep out on the track!!
Nice driving Jez. :)

After we went to the Park and had a picnic
complete with AGGIE ICE CREAM!!! My favorite.

Jez playing ball with Treven. So cute. :)

Day 4 - Trip to Utah

Day 4 - Trip to Utah
June 29th, 2009

On Monday morning we woke up and were deciding on
what to do in SLC for the morning. I got on the church
website to see about the Joseph Smith movie because
our kids wanted to go to the Legacy Theater. While I
was on the site I was reminded of the Oquirrh Mountain
Temple open house. They still had tickets so we got
ready and drove to South Jordan. We made it with
about 3 minutes to spare, but it was amazing and the
kids really enjoyed getting to be inside the temple. It is
such a beautiful place. Here is an article that shows
pictures from inside the temple for any of you that didn't
get a chance to go. I love the beautiful windows and
crystal chandeliers. I love the sparkles and the white.
It is a little piece of heaven on earth.

http://www.ldschurchnews.com/articles/57353/Media-tour-Oquirrh-Mountain-Utah-Temple.html

Then we stopped at Marianne's and got to visit and see
her cute new house. I loved it! And this awesome
picture above her fireplace. :)

Kids making snow cones.

Marianne and I :) (Love you!)

Then we went to see Ty & Nicole's apartment and
went to dinner with them at Red Robin.
(Love you guys too!!)

Jacie in the Parking Lot

Attempt at getting a picture of the mountains.

And the sunset in the canyon.

We got to Logan pretty late so we went to the Inn
where we were staying for a few days and met my
parents there. We had a fun day and the kids all
went straight to bed that night. :)

Day 3 - Trip to Utah

Day 3 - Trip to Utah
June 28th, 2009

After a great night's sleep we woke to a beautiful
Sunday morning in Vernal.

We went to church with Jeff and Dana before
heading to Salt Lake City.

When we got to SLC we checked in to the
Plaza Hotel across from Temple Square.

Then we headed over to Temple Square. My brother
Tyler and his wife Nicole came to meet us and take
some pictures. I love, Love, LOVE Temple Square.
There is no place on earth quite like it. It is so
beautiful and serene. We spent as long as the kids
would let us there. Here are some of our pictures...

Meeting my brother and sister-in-law.

Inside the North Visitors Center
I love this one... you should click on it to see it bigger. :)

By the reflecting pool in front of the temple.

Amazing

Angel Moroni

The House of the Lord

Beautiful

Brothers having a contemplative moment...

Josie by the Joseph Smith Memorial Building.

Girls

Julia

Josie

Treven

Jacie

Talden

All of us by the Relief Society Building

Another great one Ty

Our Eternal Family

Attempt to get one by the fountains... the kids were
getting tired... Julia kept trying to lay down on the
cement to take a nap. So we went back to the hotel
and visited for awhile before going to bed.

Day 2 - Trip to Utah

Day 2 - Trip to Utah
June 27th, 2009

Getting a family picture at 3:30 in the morning. :)
(BTW Amme, we had all the kids shower the night before and get in their
PJ's... then we packed everything out to the van so when we woke up
they just got dressed and everyone grabbed their own blanket
and we left with one bag in hand! It works great. Our kids were troopers!
They were all half asleep and they slept for 3-4 hours as soon as we hit the road.)

My attempt to get a picture of Mt. Rushmore
as we drove by... The video worked a little better.

Driving across Wyoming. Yes, I always think of the
Pioneers the entire time we are driving across the
long, long state of Wyoming.

Stopping for breakfast at Perkins. We love that place!
I love any place with all day breakfast!

Finally in Utah! Driving South from Wyoming
to see Flaming Gorge and our friends in Vernal!

Who drives a $250,000 Ferrari down Main Street
in Vernal?! Who drives a $250k car period?
(I for one have way too many things I
would rather do with that money!)
But it was a fancy car and it was brand new.

We made it! Talden and Dakota playing Risk.

Cute, cute house! Loved it!

Jez visiting while our hosts were busy cooking us
dinner... which was fantastic. They spoiled us!
Thanks Jeff & Dana!! We love you guys!

Josie cooking Nemo for dinner...

After dinner our kids played until we made them sleep
then we stayed up and had Root Beer Floats and
visited until we could no longer keep our eyes open.
We are so grateful for good friends!