Weekend at Bernies

We had an exciting weekend and got to travel to Utah for some appointments and family time. But first...proof that it really did get very cold last week here in Cowley, WY

That was the temperature in my car when I drove my children to their schools. It got down to -35 while I drove, but I couldn't stop for another picture. I do, however, love the way our home looks in the snow. Nothing is more cozy to me than a white roof, a roaring fire, a good book and some hot chocolate.

After those cold days we headed to Utah, and the highlight for me (besides seeing Alyson) was taking Emily and her friend, Maria, to temple square. I always like the feelings I get when I visit, and then I remind myself that we really should bring our children here more often. It was peaceful, beautiful, and as always, thought provoking. I felt like I had to force myself away since I would have been content to wander there for hours.

My favorite bulding that you can visit on temple square is the Assembly Hall. That stair case is unreal. I'm thinking I want one or two of those in my Heavenly Home!!!And the pipe organ...I know the tabernacle pipes always get the mention because of their grandeour (how to spell it?), but the pipes in this building are so beautiful. I especially like the carvings at the top.And stained glass windows are the greatest. I love the colors as the sun streams in...yes I think I'll take a few of those in my Heavenly Home also! Love that building, but of course this building is number one in my life..

This view is from the 10th floor of the Joseph Smith Memorial Building, as you can see, it was a beautiful day ( yes I know I've used beautiful way too much, but it just seems to go). John and I were married there, my parents were married there, my grandparents were married there, and I have ancestors who worked hard to build it there.

The rest of the time I savored every moment with Alyson. She loves her life at Utah State, and I couldn't ask for anything more. We played games, went to a movie (Inkheart!), and had several nice talks. It's nice to see her growing up (grown up?) and so happy.

Here she is enjoying Rock Band with her roommate LuLu, friend Justin (on guitar), Lucas (red hair)and brother Michael. I would say that Rock Band was Michael's highlight of the weekend, but he got to go to a USU basketball game with Aly that was very close and we ended up winning. He was pretty high on that for quite a while. In fact, I'm sure that will be all he thinks of when he thinks of "college life" for a very long time.

Our time with John's family was fun and calm, nice after such a bad drive to get there (bad roads). They were very gracious and good to all of us. We celebrated John's mother's birthday with his brother and his family and had fun listening to cousin Matt describe his upcoming wedding. Lucky for us, we get another Emily Bernhisel on 9-9-09!