Monday, December 20, 2010

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!

5 comments:

  1. AWWW! Cute Andy, he looked like he didn't like it. Heehee, poor Andy. But it looked like you guys had fun! I wish I can be there with you guys. Oh that model remind me of a doll house with many cute tiny stuff in it. It would so fun to play with it. Heehee, but I thought it was awesome idea to show it to people. Thanks, Head.

    Andy! He is growing and growing big! Can't wait to see him next week. :D

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  2. he looks like a little ewok from the back. very cute and i can't wait to see him either

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  3. Your post is making me hungry.

    We are planning on going to see the lights when we visit Utah after Christmas. I am excited.

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  4. I am with Tim, he looks like a stuffed toy, or an wok from the back. That temple model is fantastic, sure beats those California missions the kids have to do in jr high.

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  5. I thought I had an original idea but it turns out that Tim and Mom already mentioned what I was going to say, namely, It looks like an Ewok crashed into Lance's stomach. If you hadn't mentioned the reindeer I wouldn't have even seen the antlers.

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