I Don't Think She's Coming

Tuesday, we decided to go to the Draper Temple.  We were hoping since 4 of my mom's 6 kids were together in the temple that maybe she would come say "Hi".  We sat in the Celestial Room basking in the calm, reverent, and peaceful spirit ... waiting...  & waiting... Ashley quietly whispered "I don't think she's coming."  We know she is busy and that is okay with us.    

(Ashley & Manda)

We changed and headed out the front door of the temple to be greeted with this most beautiful rainbow on a gorgeous warm and DRY day (no rain in site).  

Some may think we are just "looking" for anything, a sign, proof that she is close, even imagining that which is only coincidence... but whether YOU believe it or not - WE Do.  

We were grateful to serve in the temple that morning.  

We were grateful for the opportunity to strengthen our testimonies.  

And we were grateful to know that Mom is close, busy, and aware of her children.

We're Pooped

When Manda comes - we PARTY!!
It is non-stop fun.
The other day, Aaron came home from work and this is what he saw.
 It made him laugh.
We must be getting old.

A Walk Down Memory Lane

Monday we went to the Salt Lake Cemetery.  

Several of our relatives are buried there.  My dad gathered us around each head stone and shared pictures and stories of our family members.  Some stories were familiar and some were new.  It was a sweet experience for many of us.  The kids listened more then we expected and even asked questions as to how they were related to the people we were talking about.  They also etched some of the names on the headstones as we took a Walk Down Memory Lane.  

Our Grandma Ruth & Grandpa Earl (Dad's parents)

Our Great Grandparents - Grandma Ruth's Parents (Dad's grandparents)

Our Great Grandparents - Grandpa Earl's parents (Dad's other grandparents)

Uncle John (Aunt Carole's husband)

Our Great Grandparents - Grandpa Ralph's parents (Mom's grandparents)

We also visited several Prophets graves.

President David O. McKay

President Gordon B. Hinckley

And also the Christmas Box Angel

A Western Welcome Woody Style

Saturday was a day off... at least for the Hall family.  Manda went and visited a close friend in the afternoon and then went to Josh & Megan's for a BBQ but it was CHILLY!!!  

Sunday we had another party (themed: Welcome Back to the West)

Mackenzie made me a larger-than-life Bullseye. 

She never ceases to amazing.  

Aaron BBQ'd hot dogs &  hamburgers.  Of course the weather turned cold for our OUTSIDE games.

Of course we played games.
"Let Loose Cowboy" ~ lasso the horse with a hula-hoop

 "There's a Snake in my Boots" ~ a rattle snake toss

But then it got too cold and we finished our games inside.

"Hey Etch...Draw" ~ Toy Story Character Pictionary

"Who Said It?" ~ Toy Story Quotes

The Allens won and got first pick in the prize bucket.