Sunday Outing: Memory Grove and Temple Squareness

Once a month, we have a Sunday with just our little family. It is something that was unique about living in Geneva--Sundays just with us. It is really nice to be able to get together with our parents, siblings and nieces and nephews for Sunday dinner. And it is also nice to have a Sunday where we take naps after church, go on a little outing, have a late dinner, and watch a movie together. Mmmmm.

Andy let me choose the outing. One thing I really miss from my childhood was driving downtown to have dinner at Grandma and Grandpa Choules' house. We would drive down 7th east past Trolley Square, arrive at their home on H Street, and race up to the front porch to twist their old turnkey doorbell. So, so, cool. I want one for my own house. Their amazing home was always filled with wonderful smells of turkey, Grandma's mashed potatoes with homemade rolls, and raspberry butter that she had put into butter molds. Everything was layed out on her lace tablecloths and we all sat down to a feast. And of course--raspberry sherbet for dessert, and German Chocolate cake when there was a birthday. We would play with their amazing toys, including the vintage dollhouse that Grandma had collected miniature antique furniture for from all of their travels. Such special times and special memories. 

Unfortunately, someone else lives there, but Andy indulged me and we drove past the house. It looks quite different now, but it was still nice to drive the neighborhoods and think about those happy times.

We officially waved goodbye to Summer weather by going on a walk through Memory Grove downtown. We hadn't done this walk for a few years, so it was fun to take B there. It is nice to get out of our normal neighborhood route. The evening was perfect, and B had a great time seeing all the dogs out for walks and laughing as Andy pushed him around in circles.

 Next stop--Temple Square. Andy and I came here on a date night around Christmas time, but we hadn't brought Bennett here yet. About time!
It was a short visit, but we walked the grounds, enjoyed the sunset and soaked up the peace of the Temple. I love it here. I have so many memories of coming down with my parents to watch General conference in the Tabernacle, or coming with Grandma Pinnock so we could meet up with Grandpa in his office. I also have memories of being here with Grandma and Grandpa Choules for my very first temple trip to do baptisms for the dead. Happy place.

Little B!

my Sweetheart and me:)

 We went into the Visitor's Center to see the Christus. Lots of memories flooding over me of the Oakland Visitor's Center! B seemed to like walking around and seeing all of the big murals.

 My favorite pic of the day. Christ just brings so much joy into our lives. Because He lives, so can we as an eternal family!

Afterwards, we headed home and made blueberry pancakes. Sounds like a lovely Sabbath to me!