Utah part 3

To continue our trip...we went to see the Provo tabernacle.  A little while ago this tabernacle burned.  It was so sad.  This is a beautiful building.  I have many memories of this place.  We had many high school functions here including our seminary graduation.  At first talk was that the building was destroyed and they would tear it down.  I was sick about it.  I am so happy that the church authorities were willing to spend the money to salvage the outside of this building and turn it into a temple.  It will be beautiful.  Maybe one of my own children will be married there.  (: 

 We went to the Strawberry Days Rodeo in Pleasant Grove.  It was hot and dusty  while we waited but...

 You can solve almost any discomfort with a cup of  fresh strawberries and cream.

 The next day we went to Seven Peaks.  Cameron had been begging to go here.  We had to cram it in so we will definitely be going back on a future trip.

 Don't let Cameron fool you.  He is a total maniac.  He headed straight for the highest tower and the steepest fastest rides.  He couldn't be bothered to wait for anyone else.

 That night we headed to the Manti pageant.  There is such a feeling of peace anytime you visit temple grounds.  I loved spending time in Manti with my children.  They loved the pageant and it was actually exhausting trying to answer all the questions that they had.

 A pageant tradition for us is the fry bread and sno cones.  Lauryn ordered grape.  Its her favorite but it is also my Mom's favorite.  Once again I found myself really missing my parents.

 Here are some of the cousins with Ammon and a Lamanite dancer.

 Just because I think it is  beautiful to watch the temple as the sun sets I included some pictures.  I think they are beautiful considering I used my crappy little camera and was trying to avoid a light pole.

 What a beautiful backdrop to watch a presentation on the restored gospel.

 The last day of our trip...I ran a 5K with my brother. (I can't find the picture).  The girls were in the Strawberry Days Parade.  They got their hair  done.

 and their makeup done.

They were the second to last entry in a two hour parade so it was BLAZING hot by the time they came by but they were in heaven.  Clara waved both of her hands in the air the ENTIRE time.  Thanks to Aunt Bethany and Ava for letting them join you.  They thought everyone came to the parade to see them.  

We had a great trip.  My sisters in law planned tons of fun for us.  We loved spending so much time with all of our cousins.  I am so blessed to have incredible siblings who have always been my friends.  I am so grateful that they married people who I love to spend time with.  I was worried that by the time we left they  would all be sick of us.  Two and a half weeks is a long time to be in someone else's way.  They were all very patient with us and my kids have really missed their cousins since we got home.  Something I have noticed.  No matter how many friends they have or how often they see these friends or how much they have in common with them, at the end of the day there is no one they would rather play with than their cousins and for this I am super grateful.