Week 5!

I can't believe it's almost time to go home. Just as I suspected all along, there has been plenty to keep us all busy and happy while we've been in Utah. What I wasn't expecting was just how content the kids would be to do very low-key activities. No need for trips to the amusement park or water park or even the museum- they continue to amuse themselves with cousins visits, splash park days and discovering the fun and games at Grandma's house.

It's tradition to pull out my wedding dress and try it on. Leah looked radiant in it, I had to find solace in the fact that it fit the last time we were here (when I wasn't pregnant).

We took a trip to Temple Square and loved seeing the beautiful temple where Jason and I were married.

The kids were all so anxious to go inside the temple, and were pretty disappointed when the found out they need to be a bit older to go inside.

This is the bench where Jason and I decided we were going to get married.... He proposed nearby a few weeks later (the gates were already closed for the night so we couldn't get to the bench).

There is a beautiful statue of Jesus Christ at Temple Square that we love to visit-

As well as the tabernacle, where we enjoyed listening to the hymns and Bach played on the 21,000 pipe organ.

We had German puff pancakes with our friends Bea and her kids one morning- 

And I had a quick visit with my sweet friend Rachael who was out visiting from Indiana.

Visiting friends has been one of my most favorite parts about being in Utah. I think that part of the reason that I am in no real hurry to head back to Iowa is because I have no good friends there yet (granted, we did only live there for 7 weeks before we took off for this nearly 7-week adventure).  There are people I'm excited to get to know better, sure, and I realize that it takes time and effort to make real friends, but here I've had several opportunities to visit with many of my best friends of all, and it has been wonderful.

On Friday night Leah and I had a special date to see my little sister Allison perform in a scholarship pageant. She was just as adorable as could be, and Leah was completely enchanted by all of the beautiful dresses.

Saturday was the mermaid swimming party (coordinated by sweet cousin Sarah).

Swimming in the backyard has been another favorite highlight of our time here.  And now, before we know it, another week has flown by! Only one week left before we start the trek back east.