Temple Square

One of the things I really wanted to do with my kids while in Utah was Temple Square. It is one of the most beautiful places, and they already love temples, so I thought they would thoroughly enjoy it! We ended up having 4 adults to 18 kids, so it was a little bit crazy, but we had so much fun!

The bottom right is my good friend Meagan, who came along because Molly throwing up thwarted our plans to hang out earlier. We took a photo of both of us on her phone, and I don't have it yet. It was SOOO much fun to see her in person! (we talk on the phone all the time)

The water fountain at City Creek Mall was so much fun! They even had a water show (the fountains go up and down set to music) while we were there eating lunch, I loved it!!!!

SLC temple and reflection pool

The flowers were SOOOOO pretty!

Elena was definitely enjoying the heat, haha.

This is one of my very, very favorite places to go and it never seems to get old for me. My kids knew right off who it was, and it was fun (albeit chaotic) to sit and chat a bit with them about the Savior.

The flowers outside Brigham Young's house. I want that at my house someday!!!

The church history museum was a bit of a let-down for all of his. We had saved it for last because it was something for the kids to look forward to, but they've rearranged since any of us have been there and cut down the kids section by about half. So what little area there was happened to be seriously overcrowded and loud and it was not too pleasant. So we went around to other areas of the museum instead, and besides the missionaries finding Sebas when we lost him (oops!) we had a really good time. This is on my list of dates to go on solo with my husband for unlimited hours...along with a lot of other things haha.

I had such a great time with my sisters and my mom and Meagan. We did a lot but we got to see a lot and I just really love being able to delve back into that pioneer spirit and remember the price that they paid for us to have the ability to enjoy our church and all of its blessings. Thank you, pioneers!

Ruth is FIVE

For Ruthie's birthday we got together for a gorgeous hike in Logan Canyon in the morning with cousins!

Everyone waded in, got too wet, and had a marvelous time.

Molly loves Chezney SOOO much!

I think I had my camera on landscape mode or something weird.

After our hike the kids played, I ran to Smith and Edwards, and then we headed up Blacksmith Fork Canyon for a hot dog roast. It is always perfection.

Harriet and Clover look SO much alike to me!

She's FIVE! We took about twelve of these, and her eyes were closed in every. single. one.

This girl. I really can't believe she's five. I blinked! And they always say, don't blink! She is my biggest helper, the quickest one to a joke, the one that grandpa can't fool, and so sharp she keeps me on my toes. She is also the sweetest with her siblings and often the one willing to go the extra mile to share or sing another song to make her siblings happy. She is still the sparkliest, twirliest, ruffliest, pinkest princess of them all and I love her so much!

When I grow up I want to be: A ballerina

Favorite color: pink... and purple

Favorite food: tortillas and cheese

Favorite toy: a barbie and horsie (not at all influenced by her present, haha!)

Favorite thing to do at home: color

Favorite thing to do outside: jump on the tramp

Favorite song: I am a Child of God

Favorite book: Babies

Favorite animal: T-Rex

Still takes her favorite stuffed animal to bed with her at night.

Favorite game: Princess

What's the best thing about your family: Going down to the garden and picking carrots with them.

What's your favorite treat: popsicle

What is something that makes you happy: my cousins coming over

What is something you're really good at: playing the princess game with grandma

What is something you haven't done that you'd like to: Go through the tunnel at Grandma's house

If you could go anywhere, where would it be: the zoo

What's something that makes you sad: Getting knocked over by the couch.

What do you think is the most important thing in life: Telling the truth.

What is love: giving a hug

Will came with me to Smith and Edwards--we got a .99 parachute man and it is AMAZING--it's real fabric, not plastic, and he has carried it around EVERYWHERE!

Ruth wanted PINK PUPcakes with PINK sprinkles and of course, Grandma delivered. They were the BEST cupcakes I have ever tasted! Ruth was thrilled!

Grandma had all the kids huddle around to try and shield the candle from going out from the wind, haha.

Make a wish!

I think because they are at the zoo, she has been asking for binoculars FOREVER. All her dreams came true! I asked her later that night if she liked them, and she said "Yeah, but I thought they'd be pink." HAHA.

A horsie with a barbie. She was very happy!

Oh I just love that girl! I can't believe my little baby is becoming such a beautiful girl! I just love her SOOOOOO much!

I couldn't find Molly for a sec. She thought she was the greatest! haha

HAPPY BIRTHDAY RUTH!