Salt Lake- Take 2

The saga continues.......

It's Friday the 24th. Pioneer Day. In Utah it's quite a big to do. I mentioned the hordes of people slumbering in the streets to get dibs on the parade hot spots. Well we decided we would join them for the parade, but not until 9am when it started. We did get a spot and it was even in the shade of the trees on the lawn of the Romanesque city/county building. My mom bought Lauren and Jace these obnoxious horns, that they blew throughout the parade, from some random street vendor.




There were over 100 entries in the parade, lots of horses, bands and floats. We even got to see Henry B. Eyring riding in a convertible.

After the parade we walked around the city/county building and took a few pictures. It's such a beautiful building; why don't we have anything like that in Vegas?? I guess if we did they'd implode it anyway! Here's Lauren taking a moment to relax by the fountain.

After the parade we drove to a place called Gardners Mill and had lunch and walked around the cute shops they had there. I forgot my camera for that little excursion, so no photos.

This tore up house was, according to Ma, built by my great, great, great, great, great Grandpa Mac Gregor. He was Scottish, which explains why I love men in kilts!

Since it was Pioneer Day and all we drove up the hill to This is the Place monument. It's crazy to think as we just drove up there w/ air conditioning, that those pioneers stood there at the same place and saw that valley. It was a pretty hot day and we were complaining about it, but I thought how the pioneers must have felt, they couldn't just stop off at 7 Eleven and get an icy cold drink like we did. In fact they didn't even have ice in the summer to have a nice cold drink.

We attempted the zoo but there wasn't much time before closing and Jason (who didn't want to go) said that none of the animals would be out anyway because it was too hot. So it was off to see the Great Salt Lake. Wow, not much going on there. The building that they are trying to pass off as the Saltair was musty and gross. You would think people would use it as a beach to swim, but I guess not. There were a few boats parked at the harbor but it was kind of sad to see this huge lake sitting lonely. It has been cursed by it's salt and destroys everything that tries to tame it. Although, Aunt Rose says there is a nude beach out there somewhere! Maybe next trip.......
Check out this link to see how awesome this place used to be- in fact my great grandma "Nana" used to hang out there.

http://historytogo.utah.gov/utah_chapters/statehood_and_the_progressive_era/saltair_exhibit/19.html

Jace and the barren Great Salt Lake

Somebody had a busy day!

We spent the rest of Friday at the Gateway mall and had Crown Burgers for dinner that night before crashing from exhaustion.

Saturday, July 25th. Haven't been inside the Salt Lake Temple since I was really little and was sealed to my parents. Therefore we decided that we would get up early and hit the 9am session. Ma volunteered to take Lauren and Jace and she made them pancakes then they went to the children's museum. I'd never been to a live session before and although it was different than what I'm used to, it was a great experience. All the detail they put into the craftsmanship, especially the celestial room, was just beautiful. We met back up with the kids and Ma, who had a great time at the museum, and drove around to look at some of the ornate homes and churches.

This was our 1st stop Saturday morning

Our next stop was the St. Mary's Cathedral which was built in 1900. We got there just in time to hear the noon bells ringing. The kids were fascinated by the GARGOYLES.

Family photo op at St. Mary's. It was open so we even got a chance to sneak a peak inside.

I snapped a pic out of the sunroof as we were driving down this street. I thought it was neat- like the road you're on should lead to the temple.

After all that fun we stopped for lunch and at the Distribution Center. Then we went to Kearns and picked up Aunt Rose to go visit the open house of the Oquirrh Mountain Temple. It was so simple and so tranquil. The decor was neutral w/ a lot of natural elements. Most of the flooring was travertine and there was no laminate on the desks and counters- it was all natural stone. Very soothing color scheme of cream, green and yellow. This is a pic of Lauren and Jace in front of the temple by the fountain.

Ma and Aunt Rose by the fountain

My parents in front of the temple

Ma's birthday was August 3rd so we decided we would celebrate it early while we were there with her. My parents had been to this restaurant called Rodizio's w/ some friends before so that's where we decided to take Ma. It's Brazilian food so they bring out these skewers of meat- steak, ham, pork, halibut, even grilled pineapple and tomatoes, plus there's a full salad bar and hot sides like mashed potatoes and beans etc. Of course it was "all you can eat"- so we did, until our bellies were past the point of stuffed!

Jason getting some ham HOT off the skewer!

Lauren and Jace w/ their fancy strawberry lemonades- they were GOOD!

After dinner we figured we better walk some of that food off, so we found Brigham Young's grave and took some pics. Then we stayed and walked around downtown some more while my parents and Ma took Aunt Rose home. We went back through the Joseph Smith Building where there was an Osmond wedding reception being held, then caught the tail end of a concert going on in the Assembly Hall. We were wandering around downtown looking for an ice cream shop and somehow walked farther than we thought in the wrong direction so we had to backtrack and we were getting tired so I called my mom to see how far away they were and they said about 10 minutes, so we just plopped down on the grass where we were and told them which corner to pick us up on. We then drove down the street and got some ice cream from Leatherby's. And yes, Leatherby's there is just as sticky and dirty as the one here- curse that delicious caramel sauce for making me crave it even if I have to ward off ants for a spot at the table!

Lauren and Jace sitting w/ Brigham Young's statue

Lauren and I on the road to the temple

Lauren and Jace at the Brigham Young park

And that concludes our adventures for day 2 and 3- only one more left!!

To Be Continued.....................

Salt Lake - Take 1

Where to begin??
Since the beginning is usually the most common, I think I shall go with that. Let's see, our trip began Wednesday July 22, 2009. We headed north late in the afternoon with intentions of spending our first night in cedar City at the cabin. We arrived there that night having made a pit stop in St. George for some dinner at Chili's. The next morning (23rd) we got up and were soon making our way to Salt Lake. With our bellies beginning to growl we pulled into a little town called Fillmore, there were a few choices off the freeway, but my dad assured us there was a lot more choices on the other end of town (which is like a mile away) so around the bend we went to find...... really nothing more than a Subway and Carl's Jr.; so the vote was Carl's Jr and we filled up on Western bacons and star shaped chicken nuggets. On the road again, making good time...... till we saw a sign for a place called Cove Fort. My parents had been before and said it was worth stopping so we did. Built in 1867 and still standing, it was used as a pioneer way station. Ira Hinckley (Pres. Hinckley's grandfather) was asked by Brigham Young to leave his home in Coalville to build it and run it when it was finished; and that he did for more than 20 years. A safe haven built in 1867, Cove Fort was constructed at the halfway point between Fillmore and Beaver, Utah. In the 1860s the 60-mile trip between these two towns required two days of travel. Cove Fort was the perfect place to stop for the night to find safety, shelter, fresh water, and plenty of feed for livestock

These are the original doors, first filled with sand but were too heavy so the filled them with cotton.

The gunman on the inside could see out far and wide but from the outside you can't see in too good. By time you got close enough you'd probably already be shot!

Lauren and I up on the lookout. The story goes that this fort was never attacked.

All of us out front. You can see how inside there's a courtyard with the rooms around the perimeter.

We eventually made it to our destination of Salt Lake and checked into our hotel (I got Little America for $59 bucks a night! CHA-CHING). Next we went to see our reason for traveling to Salt Lake-my Grandma who we call "Ma" but who at the moment is referred to as Sister Nelson because of the fact that she is serving a mission there in the Family History center. Her apartment is right around the corner from Temple Square so we just walked over.

Lauren, Jace and Ma at the Assembly Hall

Check out those pipes!

Jace in the Tabernacle

Family photo on the temple steps



Jace and Lauren at the beautiful temple doors

Lauren and Jace with the Joseph Smith statue in the gorgeous Joseph Smith building.

Ma showing Jace what kind of work she does everyday. She's lucky to be able to work in the Joseph Smith building.

The view at the top of the J.S. building

I love the clouds and trees in this pic- so I thought I would share!

Lauren and Jace

I love the way the sun is shining in

Another one! You can't get enough pics of the Salt Lake Temple!

I'm enamored with all these quaint homes dotting the streets!

We were able to tour the majority of Temple Square and even watched the Joseph Smith movie. By now it was getting late and past time for dinner. Off we went in search of something out of the ordinary. After cruising several streets my dad took charge and stated that we were going to Coachmans. So we pull up to this restaurant that looks as though it's been there AWHILE. Jason and I agree to enter with a little hesitation but we can't turn back now, my dad has smelt food. We are promptly seated (they didn't give us time to second guess) and as I glance over the menu I also scan the decor. Definitely remodeled last in the 70's, instead of crown molding there was red velvet molding. I focused my attention back to the menu and decided on the spaghetti, which also came with a salad. Jason got a chopped steak that came w/ soup, salad, and a drink for $8.95. Really, how could they afford to remodel with such great prices. The food ended up being quite good and the staff was friendly and the place was clean. Lesson learned- don't judge a book by it's cover. On our way back we noticed a horde of people camping out along the streets of downtown. I knew there were homeless problems, but this was ridiculous!! Turns out all these folks were pulling an all nighter to have front row seats for the 24th of July parade. After MUCH laughter we finally found one of the parade goers to give us the start time for the parade- 9am, we can handle that!

TO BE CONTINUED!!

VOTE FOR MY SHOES!!!!

Go to this blog:

www.mommymodels.blogspot.com

I saw this cute contest and couldn't pass it up SOOOO now you have to help me get some votes and vote for MY shoes. BEWARE- there is also a Chanda so make sure you vote for CHANDRA!! I will be forever grateful..........

ahhhh SuMMErTimE.... the livin's EZ

THAT MEANS........

• not only sleeping in BUT lying in bed till you feel like rolling out OR until the guilt hits you of all the things you SHOULD be doing
• no worries of homework or projects...... just imagination
• feeling the heat of the sun burn and soak into your skin
• swimming til you can't swim anymore
• thunderstorms and a few cherished drops of rain
• blackmailing children into cleaning their rooms in exchange for trips to Target
• sunburned shoulders and peeling skin
• not cooking big meals because it's just too hot to eat too much
• staying awake as long as your eyelids will allow
• endless play dates and sleepovers at Grandma's

AND SPEAKING OF NO MORE SCHOOL-

the kids had their awards ceremony on the 8th of July and here are the results........

drum roll please

First up Lauren:

The first award she received was the Nevada Citizenship Award. To earn this you must memorize all the Nevada governors, physical and Native American map, the counties and their seat, state symbols, state song, preamble, Native American tribes that dwelt here, and the bordering states. Her reward for all this hard work was no homework for the last couple of weeks of school(or was that for me?) plus she received a certificate and medal.

She also received citizenship, A/B Honor Roll and Excellent Gladiator for exceeding the standards on the CRT state assessment. Way to go Lauren!!

Jace also reeled 'em in with A Honor Roll and citizenship. GO JACE!!

4th OF JULY

We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.

-Constitution of the United States

Four score and one week ago we celebrated our day of independence. We, as a free family in this United States of America, CHOSE to first celebrate with our ward family followed by a soiree with some fab friends.

Our ward met at Warm Springs, this however is not the same Warm Springs that I remember from my youth, the location has remained the same but the experience has been lost. No longer can you flail through the air on the tattered rope, dive recklessly from the rocks or in the case of my brother in-law, tease "somebody has to save me first" when our cousin was barely treading water and he thought we were messing with him. Yep, those days are gone and new memories are now shut off by a towering black metal gate that will allow no more. We WERE allowed, on this day,to swim in the cement pool. The slide-CLOSED. Big surprise. Thank goodness for friends, that is what made it all worthwhile. The ward supplied hamburgers and hot dogs, Jason made homemade root beer. We sang a few patriotic songs and Bishop Eddie gave a short inspirational talk. Ward parties are great fun and it gives you the opportunity to get to know people outside of Sunday meetings. I give it a thumbs up!

Our next stop was the P.P.P (Pisciotta Party Palace). There we gathered for some BBQ, games and fireworks. Everyone swam and played, Donald grilled up enough meat to feed a small village and we barely made it home with the hair on our heads after a few misguided fireworks(well except for Ryan or was it already gone?). We really enjoyed a great time-thanks everyone!

Donald with 20lbs. of carne asada

A seemingly innocent game of basketball gets WAY out of hand.........


somebody's going down....

Here you CAN jump off of the rocks- Go Jace!

The tail end of Lauren's jump off the rocks

OK Leslie, this one is for you.... check out Dayne's face- it's hilarious!

Lauren and Chloe with the super sparklers

Lauren and Megan shooting Roman Candles

Don't worry, they're underage- no jail time

Jace

Jace and Dayne

So you see we as a people were able to succeed in choosing a great way to spend our day of honoring and remembering this great country. We hope to continue to exercise these rights and privileges that we have been so abundantly blessed with.

Jace's Baptism

GETTING READY.........

Preparations for Jace's baptism consisted of having these handsome photos taken for the invitation. My friend Heather so graciously took time out to capture Jace.........

Pulling off an ad for GQ

getting up close and personal

and oh so smooth!

JUNE 27th, 2009........

Our little Jace is getting baptized today. I can hardly believe that 8 years has passed so quickly. Next time I turn around I'll be crying my eyes out sending him out for 2 whole years on a mission. So far the day has gone smoothly. Dinner preparations are well underway(started yesterday), Jace got a haircut and everyone is preparing to head down to the church.

Jason and Jace- ready for the big moment

After the baptism and confirmation our friends and family joined us for our version of Cafe Rio pork salads and tacos with Texas sheet cake and ice cream cones for dessert.

Jace's best friend Brett was able to join him on this special day

Jace with mom and dad

Brother & sister- HOW SWEET!

Grandma & Grandpa & Jace

Grandma & Grandpa & Jace


My cousin Marissa made this cute brownie for Jace

We had around 60 people with all of our friends and family so we opened up the backyard for swimming and eating.



Relaxing on the grass

Jace ready for church on Sunday

Thank-you again to all of our family and friends who came and supported Jace on his baptism day. He really felt special. Thank-you to all who know him for being a good example and having children that are a good example to him. We all had a great day and I know Jace will always remember his special baptism day.