Creating a Forever Family

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Camp Koholowo

This weekend was the first "Father and Son 's" Campout with our new ward and stake. We looked forward to this campout every year. The boys love getting outdoors with their Dad, and I enjoy having the house all to myself overnight, excepting Ethan of course. Next year I'll get to send him too!

They went to Camp Koholowo, a campground in Santaquin Canyon. It was a cold evening. In all those blankets somewhere is a cute two-year-old. Guess I know how to keep him still now!

Cadence was excited to sleep in a tent, and disappointed to find out that they had cabins with bunks. So, Austin draped up the tarp above his bed so he'd feel like he was still sleeping in a tent. It satisfied his 4 year old dream.

They showed a movie in the evening, which they enjoyed watching together. Austin didn't have a very restful sleep though, worried about the boys falling off their beds, and not having much room sleeping with Kory.

Here's the tired two-year-old in the morning. Tired, but happy.

Good Morning, Cadence!

Here we are ringing the breakfast bell in the morning! I'd love one of these for our backyard! They also enjoyed tackling a ropes course (yes, both boys did it!), and seeing some wildlife! A great little overnight that is over all too soon. I debated about what to do with the evening and decided to do "nothing" and went to bed early to get some good sleep. Ethan decided to wake me up nice and early in the morning (which I didn't appreciate at the time) and we were off to enjoy some shopping! A successful campout!

Provo City Center Temple Groundbreaking

Provo is going to have two temples! We are so excited to have the new one, restored from the old Provo tabernacle, less than a mile from our home! We had the privilege of attending the groundbreaking ceremony. It was beautiful as everyone talked of the great blessing that came out of a horrible tragedy (the tabernacle being burned). The members were thanked for their making the current Provo temple the “busiest in the world” by the regular temple attendance! Provo’s Mayor, John Curtis You could still see the moon off the west Some passers-over just before the service started. Elder Jeffrey R. Holland sinking his shovel in. Chaffetz, Lee, Holland, etc. (public officials) Stake Presidents – ours is on the very right. Cadence fell forward and hit a chair just before it started. He got quite the bump next to his eye. We headed back to “first aid” to check it out. No bleeding in the eye, no broken bones, but he got a cool ice pack & a complimentary wash cloth! He also got to sit in an ambulance (which he didn’t think was cool at the time). A rendering of what the new temple will look like.

Our turn to dig – Cade was stoked! The shovels were made from recycled material from the old tabernacle. Kory & Daddy got a turn too, but the camera ran out of battery (guess we know how long the battery lasts now…)It was a great day for Provo! We had walked there with our stroller and just after, headed to the new Utah County Convention Center for it’s grand opening. It was a great time (and wore the kids out). We are now looking forward to the finishing of I-15 & the new Provo Recreation Center to open April 2013!! It’s an exciting time to live in Provo!

Day 6: Stake Conference & Smith Grandparents

We had a great stake conference today, despite having to go out with the kids. My parents and Cass were a big help! We enjoyed the talks which seem to center around Lehi's vision of the Tree of Life, revelation, following the words of the Prophet, and in general, just seemed very personal to the people of Florida. I was glad to be there.

 After, we got the boys changed and ate lunch at home. We called Austin before heading out to Edgewater and Cadence couldn't stop talking to his dad! He was walking all over the house for what must've been 10 minutes or so! He's really missing daddy.

 We had a good, but short visit with the boy's Great-Grandparents (Smith). It made me miss Austin a little less to see them and we enjoyed catching up. Cadence had a little too much fun with Lily (the cat) and she bit him on the arm.

 Grandpa had a good time entertaining Kory. He spoiled him and let him play with the cell phone (which for Kory, always includes some drool).

 When we got back from Edgewater, we just had another calm evening. Cassie and I encouraged Kory to be on his hands and knees. He's starting to rock back and forth now. The adventures usually end in backward movement, but I'm happy he's making progress. We had fun trying to get him to walk too!

I Love to See the Temple

We had a primary (children ages 3-11) activity at the temple today. While Cadence is still a little young for these more mature activities, our family all came along because the Young Women (girls ages 12-18) were asked to talk about doing baptisms inside the temple. Since Amy is the Young Women President, we were there in a supporting role to the primary.

So handsome and these pictures make him look so grown up!

 

Here is our “station” with Alisha testifying about her temple experience. 

Cadence really does love the temple. We are so blessed to live so close! He always points it out when we are driving past. His favorite primary song is “I Love to See the Temple.” He knows both verses! I think I’ll have to tape it sometime. I hope he remembers these special experiences and always looks to going to the temple.

Manti Temple Trip

The Relief Society in our ward planned a temple trip to the Manti temple. I automatically shut the idea out of my mind, I mean, I’m nursing! There was no way that I could drive 1 1/2 hrs, to do a 2 1/2 hour session, and leave my nursing infant.

Yet, for some reason, I brought it up to Austin anyway, just telling him they were having one, but I wouldn’t be going. He immediately said he thought I should go, and worked out a way. We’d bring the kids down so I could nurse Kory right before going in, then nurse him when I got out.

I dragged my feet. It was so much extra work, when we have a temple right here in Provo! I had to pack lunches, get ready for the temple, and get the kids ready for the trip. Then Austin decided that he would take the boys swimming…more work for me!

On top of it, the night before was horrible with the boys (I know – STILL dragging my feet). Austin commented that it being a hard thing was actually good for me (and that’s just what I wanted to hear).

Well, you’ve probably guessed it turned out to be a very enjoyable temple experience. I was grateful for the Thompson’s coming down with us! That made it even more fun! We took some time after looking at the different pioneer sites in Spring City. I wish we could’ve seen more down there! They go there every year, but we’ve never had a chance to go with them. Next year we’re hoping to have a trip together, without all the boys. I’m excited for it!

There is something about struggling to get to the temple. There is something about it being hard that makes the blessings that much more intense. Revelation flowed so easily during this temple trip. I know it’s because of the great sacrifices we made to go.

Even more, I’m grateful for friends (Melanie and Elise) who supported me in going and showed excitement, even when I was grouchy! Most of all, I’m grateful to Austin, for “making” me go. No wonder God gives us each other! I am closer to Him today because of them.

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