Provo City Center Temple

I was able to get tickets to the Provo City Center Temple open house. My Mom and sister, Lori, came with us and we had such a nice time there. The temple is simply gorgeous. I loved the herringbone wooden floor, the stained glass, the domed ceilings, the long staircase going up all 3 floors. It's just amazing. It feels modern and pioneer-ish at the same time. I have good memories of stake conferences there and going to a Messiah sing-in once. I'm glad it could be restored, and for such a great purpose.

We also had a great time being there with Mom and Lori. The weather was nice so we walked around and enjoyed the grounds. There's a special feeling there.

S and Aunt Lori

I love this close up of me, Mom, and Lori

snow, snow, snow!

I guess S sang "Let it Snow!"  enough times because we have sure had the snow this winter. I'm grateful for the moisture. I would much rather have snow in January than, say, endless rain in April (not that January snow prevents April rain, but somehow in my mind it should). We've been able to go sledding with cousins a couple times and that has been way fun. S was pretty brave. She preferred going on her own most of the time (she's not a real dare devil, nor is her mother). She's also found that starting up snowball fights can be great fun. And, of course, snow is a handy, readily available snack!

hmmm...snow is tasty

S and cousin sliding after sledding
(I love how they're trying to hold hands)

I love this cute girl!

Jeff snuck over and did most of the
shoveling for us one snowy morning

just playin' in the snow

ready to sled!

S starting up a snowball fight with Aunt Teresa

Teresa and her sweet girl

ice castles

I grew playing a song on the piano called "Ice Castles" (also a movie, but I just knew the song) so whenever I hear of ice castles, that's what comes to mind. However, there are other kinds. Elsa's ice castle is what comes to S's mind =) But, there is also an ice castle in Midway that we were able to explore one frigid night recently. It's one that is created and you pay to go see. Nathan's brother, Andrew, and his family were in town for the week so we were able to go see it with them and their mom. Very fun! although...very cold. I bundled S up well and was happy that I wore my snow pants. I just wish I'd grabbed my snow boots as well. I was also very glad for the hand warmers we grabbed at the last minute.

I was excited to go at night because they turn colored lights on under the ice. It made for some cool pictures. The slot canyons, tunnels, and water falls were fun. You walk in a mix of snow and sand and it's several inches deep, which made it hard for walking, especially for Mom. S and I had fun exploring (we seemed to keep getting separated from everyone else). Teresa bought us hot chocolate and treats and the break helped revive my ice cube toes. S wanted to go on the ice slide then, but found she couldn't handle the long wait in line so we gladly headed back to the car to warm up.

We sure enjoyed having Andrew and Teresa here for the week. We love spending time with them!

S was caught mid-yawn :)

Our group

fun silhoutte of Andrew and family

Andrew and their cutie

Nathan and his mom

it happened again

Yep, another birthday. They just KEEP coming!! But, since I can't change the fact, I just celebrate and make the most of it. My birthday fell on a Sunday this year, which makes things a bit different, but good. Nathan came home from his early morning meetings to make breakfast for me. (I love french toast! Kneaders french toast is so amazing, btw) Church was good. After church we went to my Mom's where my sister, Lori, made dinner for all of us. Nathan and S gave me a beautiful pearl and sterling silver necklace and a new cover for my phone. Lori gave me a shirt, sweater, and necklace (all verrry cute). Mom gave me a card and flowers.

The celebration continued for several days, as it should :), with the 3 of us going out to dinner at Harvest Restaurant, lunch with my good friend, Monica, and dinner with Nathan's family. So, yes, I was spoiled again as usual. =) Birthdays are always reminders to me of how blessed I am because of the wonderful people in my life.

My delicious breakfast made by my loving hubby

What?? I have to put out that forest fire??

Eating out. S was adamant about wearing the headband.