Such a good day

Cole's off-track time was dwindling and we hadn't done a whole of exploring. Val had been up to the capitol and said that the blooms were looking awesome so we decided to copy her idea and head up on a Friday. Amy was opening her mission call that night at 6:00 so we had plenty of time to enjoy the gorgeous weather.

Cole had been to the capitol recently on a class field trip and was anxious to share all of his new-found knowledge. He knew way more about it than I did. Time to brush up on my Utah History {and knowledge of how the heck the government really works}.

I love this panoramic picture. Cole looks like he's 8 feet wide with a tiny head.

Val wasn't lying. It was a fantastic sight. The blossoms were falling off and floating down to the ground right before our very eyes. Stunning.

I let Cole take my phone for a few pictures and promised I put them on the blog.

While heading towards the car, we ran into Brooke Wolfy taking pics of her kids. I offered to take a picture with her in it. She's got a killer camera. Cole snapped this without me knowing.

After walking around the capitol for a while, I promised Cole we'd go to City Creek so we went through Temple Square to get there. It'd be a shame to be downtown and not go to Temple Square.

PC: Cole

We stopped into Deseret Book {another must} and got some raspberry honeybutter and rolls. I sat there in the plaza enjoying our snack and was so full of gratitude for this life that I have and these people that I get to share it with. 

While heading to the car, we saw a homeless man with a sign asking for money. I'm the first to admit that I don't typically give money to panhandlers but I've done it on occasion if I had some cash or if it felt legit. Cole is usually in the car with me when it has happened and has developed a real soft spot for people who are in need. He asked me quietly as we passed him if he could give the old man one of the rolls from the Lion House Pantry. I told him of course and I snuck out my camera, turned it on silent so I wouldn't make a big deal of it and snuck a couple pictures without Cole knowing. I just want him to remember that he has a big heart and cares about others. As we were loading up in the car, he commented on how good he felt to be able to help that old man. It was one of those moments where I felt like I was a pretty decent mom.

We were stuck in awful traffic getting back to West Jordan. I should have timed it better but Caleb snuck in a nap and we made it to Whites in time to see Amy open her call so all was well.

She cried, I cried and many of the others cried. I'm so excited for her to be able to witness the awesomeness that is Honduras. The humble, beautiful people, the awesome food and of course--to be able to represent Jesus Christ as one of His ambassadors. What a gift. I told her she had to work extra hard to make up for the 6 months that I missed from coming home early. She agreed :)

It was fun watching her roommates all crowd around afterwards and check the explosion of social media responses from her call announcement.

Honduras! It's sinking in...

Danny and I are so excited for Amy. She is valiant and strong. She is a spiritual force to be reckoned with and with rock the socks off of Honduras. We couldn't be more proud. It's funny how nervous Danny is for her. He was never this way with his brothers but having a little sister leave on a mission has somehow turned him into this big softy. I'm nervous and excited for her for obvious reasons. I feel like she's my little sister too and how fun for her to be experiencing the same things that I got to. Oh how I wish we could go pick up her when her mission is done.