Temple Square

This was not Sky's first visit to Utah, but was the first time she visited Temple Square!

We didn't have a lot of time that afternoon, actually had not planned this portion of touring but God has different plans sometimes. I've been so many times that I honestly didn't think about Sky not having visited, and we were trying to see all we could in the short time we had, as well as spend as much time as possible as possible with her delightful Utah relatives!

We started our short tour at the primitive cabin between the Geneology Center and the Museum!

Sky took over the camera once we entered the Museum!

She shares my love of stained glass!

Kayleigh and Braydon with a model of one of the ships that brought the Saints from Europe (England or Scotland or both) to the United States. (if this is a specific ship, I didn't record, some of my Utah friends may be able to identify.. in fact, feel free to jump in the comments and describe these pics!!)

In conparison to the size of the ship, the people aboard were roughly the size of Kayleigh's pinky finger.

The Angel Moroni who revealed things to Joseph Smith?

A version of Baptismal font used in the Temples, sits on the backs of 12 oxen that circle around the font base.

Back to the ship! Braydon, Tyson and Kayleigh demonstrate the tight sleeping quarters for the families that made the trip overseas. These small children barely have enough room to stretch out!

Sky met a totally wonderful school teacher volunteering her afternoon in the children's section, demonstrating quilting! Sky was enamoured by both the sweet spirited teacher as well as the quilting methods! We all sat down and waited while she enjoyed the quilting process and the chat!! It was evident that Sky was learning and growing in ways that could not be measured at that moment, so we sat it out.

Kayleigh, removing pieces of what appears to be a stained glass example, children's style.

Or maybe it explains the stars of many houses in Utah?

The Temple!

We got no closer, but did go inside the Taberbacle and heard the pin drop! Hopefully next time we can stay longer, visit the conference center, the Joseph Smith Center, get creme brule at the Roof Garden!

Last but never least, we took a break right here, sat a peaceful spell~

Snowbird

Can't tell you how strange it felt to by in coats already! We get so little really cold weather in the south that we forget fast! It was cold in Lehi, but it was WINTER on Snowbird, if fact, we could not ride the tram due to the high wind conditions.

In spite of the wind and cold, the beauty was overwhelming!

See what I mean?

Snowbunnies in action!

Ri~Co~Laaaa

Ranes, Heather and Kayleigh~ headed back down~

And back down the mountain, breathtaking view in itself!

Tyson's Party in the Park

After Church, family and friends gathered at the park!

Tyson's special day made MORE special!

Pulled BBQ Pork was served along with the delicious cookies you see here. I add a note, these very same special cookies... were the beginning of the end of the diet as I knew it at that point!

Someone baked PUMPKIN COOKIES... How could I resist. (I was able to ignore the chips, there is something special about home-made)

Such fun to gather on a sunny but cool Utah afternoon!

Look at the snow-topped mountains in the background,

they always amaze me!

Sky and Addison having fun!

This the SECOND deadly diet breaker, the kids are interested for sure!

What they are waiting for is shown below~

~and the THIRD deadly diet breaker~

Again, more below!

Kayleigh and her friends!

TOO CUTE!

Sky meeting Braydon and Tyson's friends!

Carter is demonstrating my exact same sentiments over this cooler of

home-made rootbeer in the process!

We had never heard of this and ended up drinking what felt like gallons it was SO good. Later that evening, we had the remnants by the spoonful, Rootbeer Slush!!

TYSON

Guest of Honor and reason for the visit and gathering!

We sure are proud of this young man!

Braydon and his friend Jacob ride the swings like horses.

Marty has Braydon under control with Tyson joining in the fun!

Again, the little children will lead the way!

This time it is Sky teaching Carter to eat this southern delicacy...see next shot!

Here you have it, the second deadly diet breaker...

boiled peanuts!

Ranes did a great job with his Dutch Oven set-up and many there were having boiled peanuts for the first time!! (not to be shocked, recall I had never heard of homemade rootbeer either)

The afternoon couldn't have been any finer to me. I had a great time watching all of the children play! At one point a stranger was sitting beside me on a bench, saw me taking pictures

and asked *which one is yours?* I replied,

*ALL OF EM!*

Kayleigh, shown above, is the youngest granddaughter!

Carter, above, youngest Grandson!

TOO MUCH FUN, ADORABLE CHILDREN!

MANY THANKS,

to all of the awesome friends and family

that made this great day possible!

Sky~Carter~Addison

See what I mean about pre-teens and the DSI?

Sky is having a great time taking pictures!

Carter doesn't try to be so cute, it comes natural!

They are having so much fun doing their own thing!

Carter with the sand and Sky with the camera!

Sky thought she could out run Carter, not going to happen, that boy is FAST!

She enjoyed pushing him (he is still for that) but he has his own way of swinging, puts his knees up against the front to keep from sliding through!

Carter, Jen and Sky, love those smiles!

Sky and Addison working on a colorful purse!

The three of them had a great morning and afternoon getting to know each other with the occasion being Tyson's Baptism and Confirmation that morning, followed with an *eat and greet* in the park for family and friends!

The DS Progression

Tyson with his new DS!

Lively Granddaughter's in action.

Sky and Kayleigh!

Mexican lunch for sure, but no recollection of the name. Kayleigh was too cute so while the others were selecting something wonderful, I was busy snapping pictures of this adorable Bambito!

Back to the DS progression story, Braydon actually asked for his for his 10th Birthday gift. (in June, the gift, not the birthday) In July, Sky turned 12 and the logical gift for her was a DSI since she, being a female pre-teen, would really enjoy the camera portion.

Amazingly, she has taken more pictures than the camera will hold and we had to get a memory card to save them all for her! Kayleigh likes to use her own *peuter*!

Braydon, the beginning of the DS Progression!

Look at that concentration! I'm not sure they are not in coma's while using these things, but that's because I haven't tried them yet, too busy buying and taking pictures!!

Isn't that what G'Ma's are for?

Sushi and Steaktable

We can't get together without eating at great places, is part of the game plan!
Sky's favorite Utah restaurant is a Japanese Steak House so we ate there on night one!!
( she may have changed her mind after the Brazilian Restaurant)
Braydon and Tyson are watching our chef create FIRE!!


Ranes favorite food, SUSHI!
He got enough to share, it was the best part of the meal!
Heather is her usual calm at a table full of clowns!

Papa John and Kayleigh got to share my end of the table.
We had a great time pretending we really could use chopsticks with enough proficiency to get our food down!

After a few intended fires, knife tricks and noodle scrambles, the chef tossed all a shrimp!
Sky is about to catch hers!!
(look at everyone else trying to help her)
What a great night!