More From Utah

The last half of the week was just as much fun as the first half. We went hiking, played on the beach at Bear Lake, visited the Golden Spike monument, attending the Brigham City Temple open house, learned how to bat, and walked around the Salt Lake City Temple. While all of that was fun, I have to say the girls loved just hanging out the house and enjoying their grandparents' company, playing with their toys, eating everything they could find in the backyard garden, and taking walks around the neighborhood to say hi to all of the neighbors. Our trip was fun, relaxing, and just what we needed.

 We drove up the mountains to a place called Tony Grove where we hiked, fished, rock climbed, and ate a delicious picnic lunch. The view was beautiful and the weather was perfect.

 After our hike at Tony Grove, we drove over to Bear Lake where the kids played on the beach and we slurped down raspberry milkshakes - the town's specialty.

 So, what is the Golden Spike? Well, back in the day there was no train that ran from the west coast to the east coast. So, some brilliant people decided it was time there was and began laying railroad tracks down - the Union Pacific Railroad Company started in California and Central Pacific Railroad Company began in Nebraska. They met at Promontory Summit, Utah in 1869, completing the Transcontinental Railroad. 

 The trains at the monument now are not the original trains, they are replicas.

 With those great lassos grandpa made, Ryan became the horse. The girls LOVED roping Ryan!

 It was pretty amazing to be able to go to the Brigham City Temple open house as a family. I loved that the girls finally got to see what the inside of a temple looks like and this one is beautiful inside - like they all are.

 Batter up! Grandpa got Ella swinging and hitting pretty good before we left town.

 Before heading for the airport in Salt Lake City on our last day in Utah, we stopped off at Temple Square to go to the old tabernacle, the visitor's center, the Salt Lake City Temple, and then across the street to the new mall. I always forget that it took pioneers 40 years to complete the SLC Temple. I guess I shouldn't complain that our Philadelphia Temple will only take two years to build. I can't wait.

Do you see Ella up there in grandma and grandpa's backyard tree?

 There's nothing better than eating tomatoes right out of the garden, as well as apples, grapes, and whatever else the girls could find in the back yard. Kendall wiped this entire tomato plant clean of tomatoes the first day we were there.