Draper Temple

Today we went to the open house for the new temple in Draper. We had planned to take the whole family, but DJ and Lindsie were both throwing up, so we decided to just go ahead and take Jarod. He had overheard us talking to DJ a few days ago about how he was going to get to see inside the temple, but not actually do any temple work. All Jarod has talked about since then is the fact that he gets to go to the temple and he doesn't have to do any work! First we went to a nearby church and watched a video about temples. Then they put us on a really cool "luxury" bus to get us over to the temple. Jarod thought that was really cool. He loves riding a bus, and this one especially.

We were hoping to get some pictures outside the temple, but they took us straight from the bus to these big long tent things that led into the temple. At the end of the tour, we went into some more tent things that led to a church across the way where we got to have cookies and water. Then we left the church into more tent things that took us straight to the bus. It was kind of funny -- we were never outside! Here's Jarod, waiting for the bus to come and get us. He was so well behaved and reverent. We were really impressed with him today. He thought the coolest part of the temple was the matron's office. Go figure.

Here is a picture of the temple from the bus window. The bus going back wasn't so cool. It was a boring UTA-type bus and we had to stand because it was crowded! I guess they want you to arrive in style, but once the tour is over they just cram you on the bus to get rid of you! :)

The whole time we were there, I just kept wishing so badly that the people of Mongolia had a temple. We have so many here in Utah. Couldn't we just ship one out there so the temple blessings could be available to them too? But then I suppose they value the temple so much more because they have to sacrifice to get there. In Utah we just get lazy because it's too convenient! We'll have to do better.

Good night, sleep tight

Lately, Jarod has decided that his room is too scary to sleep in. We have been letting him sleep in DJ's top bunk instead. But no matter how many times I go put him back in the top bunk, as soon as I leave DJ whispers for him to climb down into his bed. This is how I find them in the morning. Don't know why they want to crowd both of them into one tiny bed, but they sure look cute. Too bad they don't look so sweet when they are awake arguing over who gets to play Wii first! Actually, they are becoming quite the little pair of buddies. Most of the time they love to hang out and play together.

The Dentist

DJ had to have some work done at the dentist this morning. He had two cavities and two tooth extractions (pulled 'em out!!). Not much fun. Guess he'll learn to brush his teeth better!! The dentist decided to just pull the two teeth because they are baby teeth that should have come out 2-3 years ago and they had good size cavities.

Here he is in "THE CHAIR." Our dentist is cool. He has flat screen TV's installed on the ceilings of all his rooms. So DJ just kicked back and watched a movie. We are actually related to this dentist (sort of). Let's see if I can get this right, his wife's father is Cindy Geilmann's brother. He knows John quite well. Small world.

Check out these teeth!! Especially notice the length of the root of the first tooth!! By now the roots should be gone so the tooth falls out naturally! No wonder this tooth stayed put!! Our poor DJ is in a little pain this morning. Bad news -- he has to go back in a few weeks for two more teeth to be pulled! Darn those stubborn baby teeth!

Mr. Independence

I found this yesterday after I came downstairs from taking a shower. Jarod had gotten out a TV tray from the basement, set up a plate, bread, peanut butter and jelly, and made himself a sandwich. He also got himself a drink. Then he brought down his crayons and color book, turned on his favorite show, and settled in. Oh, by the way, he is not supposed to have food downstairs. How could I be mad at such independence? Peanut butter and jelly all over my BRAND NEW leather couch and BRAND NEW carpet don't matter as much as a little one learning to take care of himself. Right . . ? 1..2..3..4..5..6.....

Academic Team

This year Lindsie is co-captain of Brockbank's Academic Team. Here she is in her latest competition, holding the sign she made. The team is currently undefeated!! Not too long ago they were national champs (before Lindsie was there). Were rooting for a repeat!!!

Mom and Dad Run Away

This is the room we stayed in this weekend. It was called "Rich's Drive-In."

This is a real truck. I'm dying to know how they got it in the room. It was fun, but the downside -- there was no carpet anywhere. Pretty cold on the feet in the morning. Notice the stairs for climbing in and out of bed.

We slept here in the back of the pick-up. It was fun, but quite a trick to get up to go to the bathroom in the middle of the night (which of course, I suddenly had to go twelve times!!)

Here is the "snack bar." It came stocked with popcorn, candy, banana splits, hot dogs (with a hot dog cooker), and of course you can see the soda machine. We ate way too much food, but loved every minute of it. If you look REAL close, you can see me hiding in the closet. It was morning and I had bed head. I didn't want to be in the picture.

One last photo. It has nothing to do with our little escape, but it is cute so I included it. Here's Jarod at his latest basketball game. Notice the tongue action. That is what you call serious concentration!!

Jarod wants to read you a bedtime story

Jarod is becoming a very good reader. When he asks me to read him something, I can't fool him anymore. He counts the words and recognizes enough sounds in the words to know if I don't read it EXACTLY right. He is in Mrs. Wallis' high reading group.