Reindeer on the Move

Last week the youth in our ward took their traditional Christmas trip to Temple Square. Even though I am no longer in the Young Women's program, Lance still works with the Young Men and I wanted to come along so we decided to make it a family affair.

We actually ended up being really late and were probably only there for 45 minutes or so, but it was definitely worth it. When you are living so close to Salt Lake City, it really would be a shame not to take the time to see the lights once each Christmas season. Even though I've seen the display several times now during my Provo residency, it takes my breath away each time.

One of the highlights of Temple Square this year is the new cut-away model replica of the Salt Lake Temple. It is absolutely amazing. I think it is not only a great missionary tool, but it is a special treat for members as well. It was really neat to see how all the rooms actually fit together, and to get a "sneak peek" at the areas even regular temple patrons rarely get to see, like the Assembly room and the study where Talmage wrote Jesus the Christ. I wanted to take a picture, but it was much too crowded (which I guess is a good thing). I recommend reading the article and seeing pictures of it here.

Something special about visiting Temple Square in the last few years has been how nostalgic it makes me for Germany. These past few times we have taken the Trax into the city center, which always invokes fond memories of riding the U-bahn. Even walking around Temple Square reminds me of all the Fussgaengerzone (pedestrian areas in the city center) I've trod as a missionary and a visitor in Germany. The only thing missing is the Weihnachtsmarkt! What I wouldn't have given for a piping hot brat, some pommes frites (eaten with a fork, of course), and a deliciously sweet crepe saturated with melting Nutella filling. Mmmm....

All in all, it was a fun time. At least, Lance and I enjoyed it- Andy slept through the whole thing so I'm not sure what he thought of it. But he sure looked cute!

Andy's first train ride!

This outfit is still a little big for him- he's not really this huge!

Pictures never do the lights justice. You'll have to come see them for yourself!

Andy's Blessing

We've had a wonderful weekend. Although it was threatened by Lance coming down with a fever on Thursday, he was feeling better by the next evening and we still got to participate in all the important things we'd planned on.

On Saturday Lance's nephew Morgan was baptized. He asked Lance (his favorite uncle, I'm pretty sure) to confirm him. There is always a special feeling at baptisms and we were glad we were able to support Morgan.

Lance has been so busy lately we haven't had much time together, so the three of us had fun running around and window shopping all afternoon. In fact, we had so much fun that I totally forgot to pick up the sandwiches I ordered at Costco for the family get-together the next day until Costco had already closed! We had to scramble to find something to serve, but it turned out alright and we just laughed about it.

Of course, the crowning event was Andy's blessing on Sunday. We were fortunate to have so many members of Lance's family come, and of course to be able to do the blessing in a ward we have come to love so much. We just wish the Fifes could have been there to make it complete. Grandma Fife bought his blessing outfit, so I felt like you were all there in spirit. Lance did a wonderful job, and thanks to his sister Erin the blessing was recorded and we will be able to transcribe it and save it so that Andy can read it himself someday. We are so grateful to have our sweet Andy in our lives!

Here are some pictures of our wonderful weekend. We wish you all could have been there!

He's getting so big!

The blessing outfit Mom bought. He's almost too big for it!

This looks like a smile, but I think it might be the beginning of a cry...

I think he's saying he's done taking pictures.

Love the bowtie!

One happy family!

Santa's Little Helper

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas in our place! The stockings have been hung in the vicinity of the heater with care- well, two stockings and a baby sock, that is. We also spent a fun Family Home Evening choosing Needles the Third. Lance always does a great job putting on the lights-- he can fit an amazing number of strands on one small tree! But our favorite part so far has been the visit from one of Santa's own little helpers. This is turning out to be the best Christmas ever!

Isn't he adorable?!