Monday, December 22, 2008

SLC Family Weekend

What a fabulous family weekend we just experienced! We rented four motel rooms at the downtown Salt Lake Marriott for a family weekend. Our rooms were all right close together so that we could go in and out of each other's rooms. Anyway, I thought I had this all figured out to put the pictures in order. Well, they're not. This first picture is inside the Union Pacific (?) depot just north of the Gateway. We all met here. On Friday night, Curt and I went to Cashelle and A.J.'s to watch Madalynn perform in her dance recital. Lacey and Landon arrived around midnight. Chris and Amanda drove up the next morning. Anyway, we had pulled into a parking lot and Chris and Amanda met us there. It was amazing how we all showed up at the same time to start our adventure. Another picture inside the railroad depot.
Madalynn during her performance. She really did a good job.
Madalynn again during her dance recital.
At the Gateway, Lacey decided to go to Build-a-Bear Workshop to get a bear made for Jayleigh--who is expected to arrive in February. She and Landon decided it would be cute to get the girls one, too. Were they ever excited! They both chose a Hannah Montana bear. Madalynn named hers Miley Cyrus. Audrey named hers Hannah Montana. They were so excited!
Grandpa at the "waiting bench" inside Build-a-Bear.
Getting the bears all stuffed. Afterward they picked out a cute outfit to dress them in--after they gave the bears a bath first, though.
Here is the whole clan at the Gateway Food Court. We had so much fun!
Audrey pushing Cody in the stroller.
The nativity at Temple Square. President Hinckley was speaking a recorded message about the Nativity. Madalynn turned around and said to Grandpa, "Is he talking to us from heaven?" It was so cute. The fact that she recognized his voice even was amazing to me.
Cashelle had promised Tommy we would go on a train ride. So we walked to the Trax station to the "free zone." I wish we had a recording of the whole ordeal. We probably gave the riders a good laugh. When we were first getting on (with two strollers--one was a double) I asked A.J. what that sound was. He said "The doors are going to close." I pushed everyone up the steps so I wouldn't get left. We rode down to the Energy Solutions Arena. Cashelle thought the line ended there but we soon found out if we stayed on, it would take us who knows where. We all jumped up screaming, "Hurry, hurry--we've got to get off!" A.J. got ready to take the stroller down the steps--the doors wouldn't open. Oh my gosh, it was hilarious! You could tell we were country hicks for sure. Then we got on another train to go to Temple Square.
Here we are in the motel room. We had a room, Cashelle and A.J.'s family had a room, Chris and Amanda's family had a room, and Landon and Lacey had a room. It was so much fun!
The two boys looking out over the construction area north of the hotel. They had a perfect view of the temple from their room.
Grandpa pouring root beer for the two little boys. After we got back from Temple Square, we ordered pizza, pizza sticks, and root beer and had it delivered. After the pizza party we all went down to the pool for a swim. That was another adventure. Audrey forgot she didn't have her little life saver ring on and jumped in the deep end. Luckily Chris was there to save her. Then when we were getting out of the hot tub, Thomas (who is two) started running toward the pool but we were all in the hot tub. He put his brakes on soon enough to stop.
Opening presents. Everyone got a present to open.
The whole clan in front of the Salt Lake Temple. Spencer is inside the stroller so you really can't see him. We were all bundled up in our warmest clothes and gloves. It was pretty cold outside.
A nativity scene in the reflecting pool. There were little candles floating all around it. We saw two brides getting their pictures taken by the pool. It was beautiful. You can see the one bride in the corner of the picture.
The statue of Christ in the Visitor's Center. It always leaves me with a feeling of awe when I look at it.

3 comments:

Cashelle said...

That was such a fun weekend-thank you!

Unknown said...

It looks like you guys had a lot of fun. The train ride sounds like a hoot!

Verne said...

That looked like such a great adventure for all of you. Nancy and I are sure glad AJ was able to marry into such a wonderful family. We just think the world of you guys. Hope your holidays continue to go well.