I love to see the {Brigham City} Temple

Crew has always showed a big interest in our LDS Temples. My first memory of this was him pointing to photo of the Dallas temple in our living room and asking his usual, "What's that?" I guess when you reply that a temple is a special place and it's Jesus' house, and its where Mommy and Daddy got married, something is bound to stick with your kid. 

After a temple wedding for my brother this summer the interest grew, albeit awkwardly, as Crew demanded to ask everyone if 1) they were married and 2) if they had been married in the temple.

Labor Day presented a wonderful opportunity to take Crew to the Brigham City and see inside. (The temple is newly constructed and visitors are welcome to attend open houses prior to dedication.)

We were nothing short of surprised when we arrived to find the line for the tour wrapped entirely around the building and winded through the building's parking garage. We found the silver lining and spent 2.5 hours snapping pics and searching for slivers of shade on the grounds. 

Once inside we wound through waiting areas, instruction rooms and sealing (wedding) rooms. As usual, the workmanship was beautiful and the place had such a sweet spirit. After waiting in a noisy parking garage for several minutes, the reverence and spirit of this special place washed over me the minute we came through the doors. This hot and almost-frustrated mommy really needed that moment of calm. 

Waiting to go inside with our booties on, Crew apparently thought it was too noisy

Crew's reaction inside the temple was more than I could have hoped, especially for his age. As we entered the baptismal font area, he immediately informed the room, "Jesus was baptized in the water." While trying to muffle our giggles to that, he moved right on to telling us about the "cows" (the baptism font sits on 12 oxen). 

He loved the art work depicting scenes from the scriptures, church history and even local peach farms. I had no idea he knew so much about the First Vision, but without fail, he identified Joseph Smith as we passed by. Our ward nursery leaders deserve major brownie points for that one. 

Upon entering the Celestial Room, he leaned his entire body back (literally a 90 degree angle) to get a perfect view of the beautiful chandelier. He stayed totally silent as we walked through and as we were leaving, he turned to me and whispered, "Jesus has a pretty house." Be still my heart. I love that boy.

The tour was quick but we really enjoyed the special time we had together as a family.

Utah Fan Day

We love our Utes and faithfully cheer them on at each home game; however, this was our first year making it out to the school's annual Fan Day.

After a week of nursing a sick lil boy, we were more than ready for a day out of the house. Although judging by this photo you might question Crew's enthusiasm.

The Crimson Club did a great job. Each of the sports teams set up a tent with activities for families and fans. We kicked soccer balls, drove golf balls and did our best to hold on to those giant tennis rackets. After a week of being sick, we passed on the bounce houses but made up for any loses with plenty of free popcorn, snow cones and drinks.

Again, Crew has little to no interest in our picture taking, but we had to at least give it a shot. Crew and Cole had a blast on the field. Starting at the 10 yard line, both my boys ran in for numerous, spectacular pretend "touchdowns." It was hilarious to watch.

Crew especially loved throwing balls at the baseball tent dunk tank.

IMG 0640 from Maura Lansford on Vimeo.

All in all, a perfect way to kick off the athletic season!

Keeping Summer, Social

Our most recent Relief Society activity was a Summer Social. We battled triple digit temperatures that day, but our ladies were troopers. Those who joined us enjoyed a great meal of mini Philly cheese steak sandwiches, refreshing salads and yummy Paces Dairy Ann Popsicles. 

After enjoying our meal, we all played a few rounds of an icebreaker game. Each Popsicle corresponded with a funny get-to-know-you question. I learned so many new (random) things about the sisters at my table.

Thanks to my committee for the all the help with food, decor and set up. Another great activity!

Happy Birthday, USA!

Crew loves birthdays and America's proved to be no exception.

We spent a lazy morning sleeping in, grabbing a quick run and then eating a truly too-big, too-yummy holiday breakfast.

Bellies full, we headed north to Ogden to spend the afternoon with my parents and a few of my siblings. The boys ditched us for a well-deserved round of golf, while us ladies brushed off the kid's afternoon naps in favor of Crew's newest water toy. The shark pool was a resounding success, affording the ladies with more than two nearly-uninterrupted hours of blissful chitchat.  

IMG 0736 from Maura Lansford on Vimeo.

Love watching these kiddos play nicely and enjoy themselves together. We always lived a country away from our cousins so I LOVE to think our kiddos will get to be each others friends. :)

Dinner was Greek fair provided by the Greek mayor of Farr West. America is, after all, a melting pot. And then there was time to kill waiting for the plane jumpers and fireworks.

Crew couldn't take his eyes off the fireworks but the entire time insisted he was "scared."

What a wonderful day. Happy Birthday, USA!

Love Me Some Summer

I really love summer this year. I love finishing work and running around outside with Crew. I love that my sister and her family chose to escape the heat of Arizona for a long visit and that an addition to another sister's brew means I get more time with her lil munchkin. Warning: Long post with too many pictures!

 Crew loves this splash pool. The disappointment over not fitting inside is huge. 

We need swim lessons, STAT!

Crew LOVED the bounce house at his cousin's birthday party. 

Something about riding a bike clicked for Crew last month-We can't seem to get him off it!

 Have loved hosting family for easy, fresh meals on the patio. Mmmmm!

 After successfully re-completing the Couch25K program, I gave this running thing another try. And from my time you will see I use the phrase "running" loosely. That being said. I shaved more than a minute off each mile from my last time...and want to keep going. Success in my book.

We recently attacked this eyesore. We are willing to do almost anything for free 

yard improvement supplies.

Bye, bye crazy-large root system!

Isn't that better? Now to getting those pavers from Ogden to SLC...