Tuesday, October 27, 2009

Super!

"Super Girl" and "Super Boy" to the resue!

Sunday, October 18, 2009

Conference!

About mid August, I recieved a phone call from my Mom. She informed me that she had just been asked to speak in the October General Conference! Of course I couldn't miss it! Jim and I talked it over and decided that just I should go, since our entire family had attended the previous two conferences. He graciously volunteered to man the home front while I went off to Utah for the weekend.


Now here's where things get interesting! Just two days before I was to leave for UT, my Grandpa called and informed me that he had business in the east the following weekend....so why don't I just stay in Utah for an extra couple of days after conference and then return to the east coast with he and my grandma? "What a fabulous idea!" said I. And a glorious nine day trip was born! Poor Jim was now tied into being Mr. Mom for a much longer time. Nine days of tending the kids is at least six months in what he and his friend termed "Dad years".


This pic is out of order....for some reason I can't get it to move to the bottom of the page! Whenever my Grandpa comes to CT to visit us, he stays in a specific Marriott hotel. He stays there because he knows how much my kids LOVE to go swimming at the pool when he comes! He is an amazing Grandpa!


My Grandpa had church business in Nauvoo, Kirtland and in New England. This was our first stop, the Nauvoo temple. Absolutely beautiful! I have never seen such exquisite beauty! It was such a privilage and blessing to tour the temple. I absolutely loved it! To think of the extreme sacrifices of the pioneers who built and left this beautiful temple is truly humbling. I am grateful for the legacy and example they left for us!



Outside the Nauvoo temple. It was cold and clear...a beautiful autumn evening in Nauvoo. We attended several missionary meetings and then a cultural performance that night. It was great!




The next morning it was on to Kirtland. We toured the Kirtland temple, the Whitney store, the school of the prophets and other various sites. Then a meeting with the missionaries. Next, on to CT. We spent the evening at the hotel enjoying swimming (see above pic) and being with Grandpa and Grandma.





At home after church, posing with Grandma Ann. Grandma and Grandpa could only stay in CT for less than a day because Grandpa had a funeral to speak at and more scouting meetings to attend! But we gladly took advantage of every minute we were together!





James and Grandpa! The kids love their grandpa so much! Grandpa brought the kids our favorite treat.....Cummings chocolates. They loved talking with him, singing with him and looking at Chicken Calendars with him! What a wonderful visit!







Bosotn

A couple of weeks ago we enjoyed a great Saturday in Boston. It was ward temple day, and the youth of the ward volunteered to babysit younger children at a nearby stake center so that parents could attend a session. What a wonderful act of service! It was neat to have Emi, Clara and James prepare and drive the two hours to the temple with us. Usually they're home with a babysitter, so this was a welcome change. They had a great time....and so did Jim and I! After our session, we enjoyed walking around the temple grounds and admiring the temple.
After spending the morning at the temple, we took the kids to the Boston American Girl store!

Emi and Clara were sooo excited! They dressed their dolls special, just for the occasion. They loved everything in the store (it was really neat!). Every girl's and mom's dream store! Even Jim and James enjoyed it!


Emi and Clara were thrilled with their purchases. Glasses for their dolls and trading cards for themselves.....plus they enjoyed making their Christmas lists! :)


After shopping, on to the Cheesecake factory! Jim and I have a tradition of always going out to eat at the Cheesecake factory after we attend the temple. The kids loved eating out and Emi and Clara thought it was extra special to bring their American Girl dolls to the restaurant!