A full week of everything

April 21, 2016

We have so much to catch up on; one being the Boston - but that will be its own post - for now let's do a quick review of a few things.

One, Craig and I went to the Salt Lake Temple for an endowment session for the first time.  (If you want to know a little more about temples, click here) We have been to several other temples over the last 35 years but the only times to the Salt Lake Temple have been for marriages or sealings as we call them in the LDS world.  Now the unique thing about the SLC temple is the whole thing is done kind of like a play - live action - but really it isn't action just mostly talking wherein most other temples you watch a film that does the presentation for the endowment.  The SLC Temple is one of the oldest temples built in the late 1800's and the paintings and ornateness is quick unique to itself.

Two, we were blessed to attend the afternoon session of General Conference in the Conference Center.  I felt so special being there maybe just because I was in the same room with our prophet, President Monson and all the other Apostles plus many General Authorities and Leaders from my church.  During this session several new leaders - General Authority Seventies were announced - one being the first from Italy, Elder DeFeo.  Craig and I were able to hear him speak at Craig's Italian Missionary Reunion the night before.  Listening to his words and passion for the Italian people sparked a love in my heart and desire for the best for the Italian people. 

 Three, Craig continued to run a lot in preparation for the Boston Marathon and I walked most morning.  It is a beautiful time to walk during the spring season, so many flowers and trees are in blossom.  Surrounding the Utah State Capital are cherry trees and seeing them all in blossom was delightful.  It reminded me of the Cherry Tree Festival in Washington DC. 

Four, Craig and I went to a BYU Baseball game.  It was so fun.  I love to watch baseball and have since my high school years.  During this game, there was a double play by the left fielder catching the fly ball and then throwing it all the way to 1st base to get the runner out - what an arm!  We enjoyed hot dogs and nachos plus this amazing 2 foot long maple bar called the Cougar's Tail; so fresh, sweet, and yummy.

 Five, we had a lunch date with Anthony, Aimee, and their little boys at Even Stevens here in SLC. What a cool place to eat, for every sandwich purchase they gave the equivalent in money to a charity - such as homeless shelters - to help out.  And we met their Founder, Steve Downs, he stopped by our table for a chat and gave us the best sugar cookies.

 Six, we planted 3 fruit trees. One peach, one plum with 4 different kinds of plum branches grafted in, and one apple with 5 different kinds of apples grafted in.  I love the soil here, it was dark, rich, and easy to dig into. The J boy was especially happy to help dig in the dirt.

Seven, lots of playing with the grandchildren.  That's the best.  Lots of fun playing and memory making. Sometimes though apparently we just play with their toys.

Well, that's a rap.  Next up Boston!

A Revisit to Red Butte Gardens

I enjoy so much that you can reread a story or the scriptures and you almost always come away with new and different insights, a new discovery.  That is how spring is, each week there are more blossoms or buds or green leaves.  And that is exactly how it was at Red Butte Gardens.

Craig and I took both Z and J to Red Butte Gardens - this grandparent pass is perfect - we can both get in and up to 6 grandchildren.  Although we really only have 3 to take in and the younger 2 are young enough to be free, it is still pretty awesome.

Z wanted to explore a new area and we headed to the duck pond.  J couldn't have been happier, there was no need for the stroller because running down the path was much better as far as he was concerned.

And if you forget to bring any change perhaps some really nice lady will buy the duck feed for you.

The duck pond was made for the ducks, geese, and fish but J kept wanting to join them.  Luckily Craig and I were up to catch him each time.

But just in case you wondered there are flowers growing there too.

And perhaps your little Z is as pretty and bright as the daffodils blooming.

What a fun afternoon.  If you get a little tired perhaps a friendly moose will give you a ride.

Spring has sprung, it is beautiful.  Playing with the grandkids can't get any better.  Each day is a new adventure and we love it.

Oh there is a little Italian study in there too.

"Pioche ecco, questa e' la mia opera e la mia gloria, fare avverare l'immortalita e la vita eterna dell 'uoma."
Moses 1:39

One step at a time, one new insight and discovery each week and day.