1st College Road Trip

Steph is kicking off her second year of college in a grand fashion. Her first year she didn't do much other than go to class each day. I know, that didn't sound right... going to class is of course the most important part of college, but I just didn't think she was allowing herself to live the real college experience, you know, the social side. This year she has done a full 180. She is in "The MUSS"! (I know it stands for something, just can't remember what...) When you buy a MUSS pass, you get into all the games and stand in the student section. Kicking off the inaugural season of the U being in the Pac 12, a bunch of MUSS kids traveled to Southern California last weekend to go to the game against USC. Instead of opting to ride the bus, Steph and 3 friends drove down themselves, a decision they may have started to doubt when they locked the keys in the car... in my driveway! Luckily, from there on out it was smooth sailing.

They spent some time at Manhattan Beach during the day, walked the Santa Monica Pier at night, and had a blast meeting up with a good friend of Steve's and his family for a tailgate party at the stadium.

Steph said there were a ton of Ute fans there, which I thought was awesome. I think it is so exciting to be in the Pac 12!

Unfortunately, the Utes lost in the final seconds but definately made a good showing.

The kids ended up having a great time. I was so happy to see Steph making memories and enjoying this exciting time of her life.

Preschool!

Alex started preschool a couple weeks ago and absolutely LOVES it! From the moment he steps foot out of the car, he takes off running and I have to chase after him and grab him long enough to steal a good-bye kiss. This is Alex on the first day. He's a pretty stylin' 4 year old with his skinny jeans, Vans and Giants hat... thanks to Sissy. That's what happens when you have a 19 year old sister who is into fashion.

His preschool teacher does it out of her home and has a cute little school set up in her basement. She comes very highly recommended by a couple ladies I know. My heart goes out to her right now as she tragically lost her mother on Sunday in a car accident. Bless her heart, she still held preschool on Tuesday.

The best thing about 4 year olds, is that as soon as they see you when school is over, they are so excited to run up to you with a big hug and anxiously show off what they did in school that day. Do you think Alex will still be willing to greet me with a big hug and kiss in another 8 years when he starts junior high?! Probably not, so I'll enjoy it while it lasts...

Better Late Than Never Temple Pics

When our family was sealed back in December, it was a freezing cold, super windy day. We took a few quick pictures in front of the temple, but it was too frigid to stand out there for long. I decided we would just come back in the spring when the weather was nicer. Spring turned into summer, and finally I coerced my family into getting all gussied up to head over to the Oquirrh Mountain Temple for pictures. I didn't ask anyone to come be our photographer, so it was quite the task to put the self-timer and tripod to work. Despite it all, we did get some nice shots... I especially love the ones of Steph and Alex.

A Day at "The Beach"

I had read in someone's blog about a little man made reservoir out in Herriman that has a little beachy area. I thought it would be fun to check it out, so the kids and I went one day.

We had a really good time, and best of all... it's free!

Alex had a blast just playing in the sand. Now that all the pools are closing, I'm hoping we can go here again in the next few weeks for one last summer hurrah... (sniff, sniff)

Niagara Falls

While in New York, we figured there was no way we could be so close to Niagara Falls and not make the time to go there. I'm so glad we did, it was so much fun and such a cool experience. We took a boat ride on the "Maid of the Mist", it literally takes your breath away to have all the mist blowing in your face. It was also cool to walk along a trail to get a little closer. The crazy thing is, apparently on the same day we were there, but later in the day, someone (on the Canadian side) got swept over into the falls. Why you would even get that close to the water is beyond me!

Niagara Falls was definitely one of the highlights of the trip.

Brett and Jessica's Wedding

Brett and Jessica's wedding at the Palmyra, New York Temple. LOVE her dress!

Good looking family, if I can say so myself...

Jessica's 4 sisters and sister-in-law.

Brett's cute new niece, Audrey.

So happy for my brother and excited to welcome a new sister to the family!

An Empire State of Mind

The down side of having your brother marry a girl from New York... it's too expensive for everyone; nieces, nephews, brothers and sisters in law, etc. to attend. The up side? If you're one of the lucky ones that gets to go, not only do you get to attend the wedding but you also get one heck of an awesome trip out of it! My parents and sister Lesley flew out from CA the same day as me and we met up at the airport in Rochester. **My sister Lorna was supposed to fly out with me but a few days prior her son fell while hiking and broke his pelvis and arm and was even in the ICU for a few days. We were all sick for her not being able to come...**

Our first night we stayed at the Palmyra Inn, just down the street from the Palmyra temple. We went to the temple the next morning and visited some church history sites afterwards.

The Palmyra Temple is right by the Sacred Grove. I read a quote that I just loved. It said, "A young boy, a grove of trees, a temple destined to be built".

Also nearby is the Hill Cumorah monument.

The Sacred Grove was very beautiful and peaceful.....

As one sister missionary told us, "If only these trees could talk, imagine what they would tell us."

Part of the Smith Family property. I just loved how lush and green all of this part of New York is, and so many trees. A lot of the small towns we drove through had really cute old homes and old churches with so much character.

A view of the temple from the Smith farm.

The Peter Whitmer home, where the church was organized, another neat place to visit.

It was really hard leaving my family for so many days, but I'm so grateful I had the chance to take this trip and see these special places I probably never would have seen otherwise.

Lastly, props to my brother Brett for falling in love with a girl from New York...