are you sitting down?

You are never going to believe this!? Yesterday Brett had an early doctor's appointment downtown. I went with him & on the way home... we took advantage of another day (even though it was partial) together.We stopped & had lunch at the amazing

(even though I am a chocolate lover- my favorite desserts here are always strawberry & cream)
Gourmandise

* sigh*

then headed over to temple square.

We put 30 minutes on our parking meter & took that time to enjoy.

Temple square is always beautiful any time of the year.

Flowers & bulbs were set out ready to plant.

It got me thinking & I can't wait to plant some of my own bulbs! And.. about how blessed I feel to be a member of this church. I am grateful for temples that seal our families together eternally.

It's such a privilege to live so close to such an important place. I can remember year after year stopping by here on family car trips to visit my Grandparents-- and now I live 15 minutes away! crazy really

I love to see the missionaries & feel of their spirit & excitement for the gospel. I watched this older missionary couple & wondered if someday Brett & I will get to go on a mission- that would be awesome!

There is a fairly new exhibit in the south visitor's center.

It was my first time seeing it- (The kids spent a lot of time here during Brian & Laura's wedding ceremony inside the temple.) It's a model to scale, of the temple- set in front of the south side- cut open so you can see what exactly is in the temple. It's so stunning- I learned a lot!

When you go into the temple you just don't have time or even the opportunity to go in all those rooms- so this is a real treat to see more of everything inside. There are also interactive touch screens that take you through room by room & explain each room's purpose.

another great day... kind of raises the expectations for the rest of the week- huh?

columbus day

Brett works in the banking industry & had today off. The kids were in school so we had the day to ourselves!- wow that never happens.

Brett had the brilliant idea to drive up into the mountains & see what is left of the Fall colors.

We drove up Big Cottonwood Canyon to Solitude ski resort.


It was beautiful- absolutely beautiful

We missed the red colors but there were plenty of yellows.

and look at this-- even some snow!

We always talk about doing this... then don't do it! Why is that?

Well happy day- this year we did it.

stunning really

This lone tree in the midst of green was one of my favorite views of the day.

It's amazing to me the beauty of the mountains.

kind of a lame photo of the two of us... we were trying to get the mountain in the back ground- the sun was bright... I think I may have spinach or something in my teeth... oh lovely day.