As if we hadn’t had enough of planes up to this point, we hopped on another one on Monday and headed to Utah. Thank goodness it’s only an hour flight!
We were only in the Provo area for less than 24 hours, but it will always be a memorable time!
We started off our time meeting up with some friends from London. They recently moved to the states and just so happened to be in Provo during the same time. We had less than an hour to meet up but it was so great to see Andre’ and Ginny . . . and be on BYU campus again!
Our Family with Andre’ & Ginny
Then we were off to meet up with my sister, Eliza, and my parents, who had just flown in. We were all together to be with Eliza as she went through the temple for the first time. We were so excited for her decision and wanted to be there to support her. We had a great evening catching up over dinner at Brick Oven.
Tuesday morning we all arose early and went to the Mount Timpanogos Temple. We were so thankful for Liza’s roommate who offered to watch the kids while we were gone! We had such a special morning and it was wonderful to be at the temple with Liza, reminding me of what it was like when I went through for the first time.
Chris, Becca, Liza, Mom, & Dad
It was also great to see so many of Liza’s friends (and co-workers) as well as family friends who had come to support her, even some who had traveled quite a distance for the event.
We had a great time catching up with everyone over lunch afterward. I even got to talk to one of my best friends from growing up in Indiana. I think the last time I saw Emily was when I came out to walk at BYU graduation in 2002. Since then she’s gotten married and has the cutest set of twins. So, it was great to meet her husband and her kids.
Emily & Becca
On top of that I got to (re)meet the couple, Mike & Gail Wilcox, who introduced my parents to the Church and baptized them in Northern Maine. My parents reconnected with them a few years ago, but I hadn’t seen them since I was about 5 years old. When my parents did visit them a few years ago and were catching up, they discovered that Gail’s maiden name is ‘Stephenson’ and was not-so-distantly related to Chris! My dad called me after that visit to let me know Chris’ family was making sure we’d meet up eventually by introducing us to the Church. We are eternally grateful to them, but now we are even more so. They are amazing people!
Mike & Gail Wilcox with our Family
We will always have a special place in our hearts for the Provo area as that is where Chris and I attended school and met, but now we’ll also remember that we came to be with Liza at Mt. Timpanogos for her special day! Congratulations, Liza! We love you!
What an adventure! Next year we have to get together while you are in CA. Not that you don’t have enough going on while you’re here, but I LOVE to see you and your family, and for you to meet mine.
The Mt. Timpanogos temple is so special to me. It was the first temple that I saw after being baptized (the open house was not too long after) and from the moment I walked through I just knew I would be married there, and I was! Isn’t it just beautiful. I am so excited for your sister, I too remember going for the first time and all the joy and blessings that have come from that decision.
Hope you are settling back in!
I know I’m about six days late, but I’m just catching up on some blog reading. Thank you so much for taking time out of your vacation to be there for me!