Temple Square and Bumper Cars

Tuesday it was my family's day. My mom took off work and Chrissy had the week off for her spring break. I have been wanting to take the girls to see temple square and go see it myself as well. This year, in the Friend magazine (an LDS children's mag), they have featured one building on temple square each month. It really made me want to take my girls to see all the neat things there. We ended up having so much fun I sent three pictures from the day and a letter to the Friend thanking them for the feature each month. One of the editors wrote me back, so who knows? Maybe it will be in a future Friend.
We spent a whole day downtown. The girls were in awe of the Salt Lake temple and were so excited to see where mommy and daddy were married. We walked through both visitor's centers, went on a tour of the Beehive House where Brigham Young lived, walked through the Joseph Smith building and rode the elevators to the top to see the view of temple square from up high and we saw the tabernacle. It was such a neat day. They have really made temple square so beautiful and a wonderful place to visit and learn about our heritage. It was also neat to share with the girls where we were married and reminisce about that day. Our reception was in the Joseph Smith building and we showed the girls where everyone came for the "party" after we got married.

Sarah noticed all the "U of U' flags downtown. Yeah, I'm indoctrinating her while she's young before her daddy gets to her! (o: Angela is confused and calls them "BY-Ute" flags.

The Joseph Smith building entry. There was a man playing the most beautiful music on a grand piano and it carried throughout the whole first two floors. I remember coming here during Christmas several years ago when Sarah was two and listening to a huge group of bagpipe players play Amazing Grace. I still remember how it gave me the chills. I also remember walking through here in my wedding dress feeling like a princess and Chrissy (who was 6!) carrying the back of my dress like the flower girls she had seen in movies. I remember eating dinners at the Roof and Garden restaurants on the top floor with family and friends. So many great memories here!
The church administration building. The girls were excited to think that maybe President Monson or one of the general authorities were nearby! They waved up to the windows saying, "Hi President Monson!"
We had a fabulous lunch at the Lion House cafeteria. Man they have good food! Their famous rolls, Sarah's salad (a family favorite) amazing desserts and so many yummy things to choose from. And the staff are super friendly. I love this place - it feels so homey.

Chris and I were being goofballs doing silly pictures and laughing until we cried. I don't remember exactly what was so funny. But here's a kooky picture from the moment.

At the Beehive house after our tour. The girls were amazed at all the old fashioned furniture and decorations. They loved the children's rooms, the school room and seeing the old toys. Oh and the piece of candy you get at the end because Brigham Young always had a piece of lemon drops to give to guests in his home.

The view from the Joseph Smith Building.

Angela being silly with Joseph. (o:

Grandma and Sarah having a nice visit in the visitor's center looking out to the temple.

This was too cute. My mom said that as soon as Natalie saw this huge statue of the Savior, she said, "Grandma, it looks like he wants to give me a high five!" My mom half expected her to say "a hug", but Natalie must be on friendlier terms with Him. (o: What a crack up.

Angela and Moses.

Outside the conference center. They had all the Young Women flags in all the value colors hanging up for the upcoming Young Women's conference. Someday, when they're in young women's, we'll have to come back and watch the conference here together!

In the evening, we switched gears and partied. We met Russ and Andy's families at Hires for dinner and took the kids to Jungle Jim's in Sandy. It was a blast! Thanks to Tina, we got a pretty good deal. (o: We came the last hour they were open and she convinced the lady working that we shouldn't have to pay full price. The kids loved going from ride to ride, Ned* and Andy had an air hockey tournement and the rest of us had fun watching the kids laugh and look terrified on all the rides. (o: Aunt Chrissy was a good sport and rode on the little roller coaster with the kids. It took a minute to figure out how to fit her legs in. But the night got even funnier . . .

The guy working was in a jolly mood and humored us when we asked if some of us could ride in the itty bitty bumper cars. Trying to get in them was a challenge for all of us and got us laughing to tears. But watching Andy was the absolute highlight of the night. I haven't laugh cried so hard in a looong time. I think even the people working there had sore sides from laughing. These pictures are not great, but the facial expressions they captured - while Andy drove around in pain with each bump because he was so crammed in - are PRICELESS.

Kaleb fit just fine in his car! (o:

"Now how do I get out of this thing?"

This will be a night we talk about for years to come.

Thanks for always making good stories to remember and laugh at Andy!! (o: