Temple Square

On our last day with Ben's brother's family, we spent time doing Church Tours and seeing the sites.  We started off at the Humanitarian Center, where we saw the variety of ways the Church makes efforts to help people.  I liked the map that had a dot on each country where the Church has given humanitarian assistance - over 170 countries.  I also thought it was interesting to learn that Deseret Industries sells just 15% of the goods they receive from donations.  The rest of the goods are used for humanitarian purposes.

As part of the tour, we watched a really touching film about the Church's humanitarian projects.  There really are so many opportunities to serve in the world.  And we really have it so good.

The next stop was Welfare Square.  Jack had lots of questions during the tour, some of which were pertinent, and others (such as "Where is the playground?"), not so much.  It was cool to see a large Bishop's Storehouse, working bakery and dairy, and huge grain towers.  At the end of the tour, we were given samples of cheese and chocolate milk.  They were yummy.  Jack was particularly pleased with the chocolate milk - he refilled his sample cup at least 4 or 5 times.  Quite likely, it was more.

Next was the kids' favorite place on Temple Square: The Church History Museum.  I missed all of the fun in the children's area because I was in the car with Luke while he napped, but I've been told that they kids had a great time.  They also enjoyed some of the displays in other parts of the museum, such as the podium.  When Eliza got her first chance to speak, she cleared her throat, grabbed the mic, and said "Cat is being mean to me.  (Pause)  Now I will sing a song.  I am a Child of God...."  Later she preached a lengthy sermon, which included a reminder that we are all sheep and Jesus is our shepherd.  Cat enjoyed preaching lengthy sermons as well.  Jack was as interested in the mic as he was in running circles around it.  (Literally,)

The last stop was the Conference Center.  It's always cool to be in that awesome auditorium.  And I enjoyed seeing the original Book of Mormon stories paintings by Arnold Friberg.  Going up to the roof is always cool, too.

Then it was time for our visitors to leave.  We hated to say goodbye, but we're so glad we were able to do some fun things together.  We're so glad they came!