We headed out Friday after school, taking the 3:50 ferry to Seattle and then riding the light rail train to the airport. Our flight was supposed to leave at 7:30. We got there extra early, "just in case." As it turned out, our flight was delayed and didn't leave until after 8:00, so we had plenty of time to get something to eat at the airport and then sit and people watch, read, buy some snacks, do some homework, and wait.
We arrived in Salt Lake City at 11:00 PM, got our rental car, and drove to our friends, the Caine's house. I felt so bad getting there at midnight. They were very gracious and welcoming, gave us a quick tour of their beautiful home, and sent us to bed. I woke up at 6:30 to go for a walk with Margit; I was her visiting teacher for several years when her family lived on Bainbridge and we became good friends. It was great to catch up. When we got back, she made us delicious waffles and then Jillian and I set out for Temple Square. It was beautiful! Sunny, blue skies, 85 degrees, beautiful flowers blooming everywhere, conference broadcast over speakers all through the square. We went to both visitor's centers, walked around the temple, sat and listened to some of conference, and enjoyed the peaceful spirit of Temple Square.
The only disappointment was that since it was conference, the Legacy theater wasn't showing the Joseph Smith movie I really wanted to take Jillian to see. We really enjoyed sitting in the visitor's center and watching the new "I'm a Mormon" ads, though.
After our Temple Square tour, we went back to the Caine's for lunch, swimming, and the afternoon session of conference. This was the first time I've ever listened to conference while sunbathing by a swimming pool! We actually got too hot (and the kids got a little too rowdy in the pool) so we only listened to the first talk outside.
After conference, we went to visit two more friends who used to live on Bainbridge, the Mosses and the McBrides. I was Madeline Moss and Maren McBride's Sunbeam teacher about four years ago, they've grown up so much!
Emmy, Ruth, Maren, Brenna, Madeline, Charlie, Margit & Ethan (back row)
Jillian, Peter, Ava, Me, Kathryn, Hannah and Brandon (front row)
(baby Charlotte was napping and missed the picture)
Margit, Me, Kathryn & Ruth
Kathryn was Jillian's Faith in God leader when was in our ward. Jillian cried when they moved! We ate a yummy dinner and visited for a while, then it was off for another visit with the Hosmans in Bountiful. I'm so bummed I didn't get any pictures with them. Jillian and Danny Hosman are exactly the same age and were good buddies when they were toddlers. We got to visit for about an hour and then Tammie had to run kids around.
Sunday morning was the highlight of our trip. We got to go to the Sunday morning session of conference, which is preceded by Music and the Spoken Word. There is such a beautiful spirit in the Conference Center. Listening to President Monson in person was amazing! He spoke about keeping the commandments, being morally vigilant, and standing in holy places, such a powerful message.
We visited my cousin, Donna, and her family for lunch and the afternoon session of conference. Their house is always full of people; this time 7 of their 8 kids (their oldest, Josh, is serving a mission in Washington D.C), my cousin Debbie's daughter Cassandra, two friends, Martin's niece and her husband, plus me and Jillian! Even with all the people, Donna and I were able to have a great conversation. I've always looked up to her, and not just because she has 8 kids and runs marathons! One thing we talked about has really stuck with me. We were discussing kids and how hard it is to let them make their own choices. She said, "I find myself asking all the time, 'What would a woman of faith do?'" That's why I look up to her. We also found out that Martin and Bill Caine went to high school together, and Martin is the school superintendent for the Granite School District where the Caines go to school. Small Mormon world!
For dinner, we headed back to the Caine's to join them for their traditional Sunday grilled salmon and more visiting. Jillian enjoyed hanging out at their house and by Sunday evening felt very comfortable there.
Monday morning, I woke up early again (5:00 this time!) for one last walk with Margit before we had to leave. We left at 7:30 for a 9:30 flight and timed it just about perfectly. Waiting in line to go through security at the airport, we talked to several missionaries who were leaving for their missions. One group was going to Germany and one couple was going to the Dominican Republic. We made it back home by about 2:00, pretty tired, but happy!
It was hard to leave the 80 degree, sunny weather and return to 50 and rainy, but the next day Margit texted me a picture of snow at their house! So I won't complain too much. I'm really glad Jillian and I had the opportunity to make this trip together. She was a lot of fun to be with. I told her I want to take her to the Salt Lake Temple when she's old enough. I was telling someone about our trip and she said one of her traditions was to take her kids through the Salt Lake Temple before they went on their mission, so maybe we'll have to do that, too!
It was hard to leave the 80 degree, sunny weather and return to 50 and rainy, but the next day Margit texted me a picture of snow at their house! So I won't complain too much. I'm really glad Jillian and I had the opportunity to make this trip together. She was a lot of fun to be with. I told her I want to take her to the Salt Lake Temple when she's old enough. I was telling someone about our trip and she said one of her traditions was to take her kids through the Salt Lake Temple before they went on their mission, so maybe we'll have to do that, too!
What a fabulous trip! And you, my dear, are a very talented photographer with your little Lumix. I'm glad you had such a great time. Thanks for posting the pictures of our dear friends. I miss them all.
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