Labor Day & Another Utah Visit!

Although here in the US the official end of summer is not until the 21st September, the Labor Day long weekend generally seems to mark the official end of the vacation period and the season.  True to form, the weather seemed to change seasons overnight literally.  After weeks of 'high' temperatures in the 90's F (over 36 C), a cool change blew in and the temperature dropped about 20 degrees to mild conditions with that little nip in the air, and has stayed down.  Autumn is pushing it's way in!  We have felt that summer was very short indeed, as there was still snow falling in the mountains in May, with lots of spring rain.  By the start of the holidays though the warmth was truely here.  After our back to back winters, I loved the summer warmth.  The 'heatwave' that was described on the weather channel was very different from what we would experience in Adelaide.  The sun has a bite to it for sure, but it's cooler in the shade and it cools down overnight.  We slept with windows open and sometimes left the 'air' on if upstairs got very stuffy.  But now it's over it seems!! (There is a push for school to start after Labor Day so the kids don't have to cope with the heat going to school!) 

On Labor Day weekend, 2-5 September, we were planning on camping overnight with the Mercer's at a property they know of in the mountains.  However, there was trouble locating the fire permit for the property and so we had a BBQ by a nearby lake instead.  The lake itself was very beautiful as the sun started to set, while Jeff organised the fire and Rick oversaw the BBQ.  Then storm clouds blew over and it rained on us!!  Undaunted and determined to enjoy the evening, we sheltered under a big tree covering the food with plastic cloths, and slowly the rain shower passed over and we dried off in front of a fire.  It was a lovely evening, roasting marshmellows and making 'smores', shared with our good friends the Mercer's.  We will greatly miss them when we leave..

The kids roasting 'weinies' on the fire!
L-R: Dillon, new aquaintance, Caden & Paige Mercer

Donna & Dillon Mercer

A beautiful sunset at the lake after the rain cleared

Monday was Labor Day.  A public holiday.  The thing about public holiday's that we have observed, is that many shops are still open!  The malls, supermarkets..  An oddity, but also convenient!

Trivia: The supermarket is open on Labor Day...

.. my attention was captured by the large sizes of the items!!  Huge!

We spent a relaxing day at home, I think we have exhausted our travel bugs for the moment, but did meet up with several families at Clement Park for a picnic potluck dinner.  And so, this was a very rejuvinating weekend, which needed to be because on Wednesday, after school, we left for Utah again!

Why? Well, the Denver Temple is currently closed for major renovations, and is not due to reopen until early October.  As part of Tom's mission preparation, he needs to go through the Temple.  At this time, his cousin Mitchell and Uncle Jamie are also arriving in Salt Lake so 'Elder Herrick' can also prepare to enter the MTC in Provo.  Mitchell has been called to serve in the Auckland Tongan speaking Mission and so is here for a couple of months to learn Tongan! 

We enjoyed a wonderful day on Thursday, 8 September, as we first met up with cousins Ben and Mitchell and Uncle Jamie at 'Missionary Mall' where we had some fun missionary shopping which continued into 'Mr Mac' both shops specialising in all the needs of missionaries!! Suits, shirts, socks, shoes, coats, bags and so on.  A one stop shopping experience!  Mitchell was able to get most of what he needed, and Tom now has the bulk of what he needs too!  We also picked up another pair of 'sturdy' shoes to send to Jonathon in France, as he has worn his out already.

Ben in the back, all of us enjoying these two young missionaries shopping!!
 These shoes are recommended to withstand lots and lots of walking!!

Hard work shopping!  Lunch at University Mall, Provo, before heading to Salt Lake.

In the afternoon, Tom went through the Salt Lake Temple with Rick & I, Jamie, Mitchell and Ben.  What a choice experience topped with one of the Apostles, Elder Oaks sitting behind them... (We all shook his hand later!)  In the Temple we learn more about what is needed to return to live with our Heavenly Father, it is a beautiful, sacred place of learning and peace.  We believe in the eternal family unit and it's here, that families can be 'sealed' together for eternity. 

Tom outside the Salt Lake Temple

What a great occasion, shared with family..

Our missionary!

Dinner at the Joseph Smith Memorial Building

There is a lot of information to learn and over the next two days we were able to also attend the Jordan River Temple, Mt Oquirrh Temple and the Mt Timpanogas Temple.  They are all very beautiful befitting the House of the Lord.  It was wonderful to spend this time with Tom before he leaves us for two years.

Outside the River Jordan Temple, Utah

The Oquirrh Mountain Temple, Utah.
 (Only seven minutes away from the Jordan River Temple!!)

 On Saturday morning, we met up with another cousin, Phil Bennallack and his wife Kaylee.  We attended the Temple and had lunch all together. They have just recently moved to live in Provo after living in Sydney.  It was really great to catch up with them too!

The Mt. Timpanogas Temple, Utah
L-R: Tom, Phil, Elder Herrick, Jamie
Front: Kaylee & Michelle

Elder Herrick & his Dad, Jamie. 
The start of a wonderful two years!

Kaylee & Phil Bennallack

Sarah meanwhile, stayed behind in Denver so she wouldn't get behind in her schoolwork or miss out on cheering training.  She is determined to keep her grades up, and one missed assignment seems to impact greatly.  If grades fall below a 'C', the girls are benched!! She stayed with the Mercer's and had fun with Kelsie.  Also, on the Saturday was their first cheerleading competition at Elitch Gardens.  They ended up coming third in their division, so a good start to the season!

We stayed with Ross & Pam Welch again. They are very generous to us.  Their boys are all away at college or working at the moment and so kindly gave up some rooms for us.  It was great to see them again.  We were all so busy however, that it wasn't until Saturday afternoon, while the cousins spent time together, that we got to spend time with them, then went out to dinner where their son Robbie works at the California Pizza.  A great night, with wonderful company.  We left to return to Denver Sunday morning at about 8am.  Many, many thanks Ross & Pam for your kindness and friendship!