Fires, Family, Fun, and Food

The saying goes that time flies when you are busy and this has been a busy week.  Sunday at about 9:30 PM Bob and I were out on our balcony when we started smelling smoke and seeing it gather and get thicker.  Soon the fire engines were coming like crazy.  There were at least 4 huge trucks and several smaller trucks and police cars.  They were right across the street on West Temple and 2nd North.  A field was on fire right in the middle of apartments and homes.  I didn't know there was any room to even have a field.  They got it out quickly and I can only think they were prepared in case a house or apartments caught fire.  It was a great place to gather (with our masks on, of course) and talk to the other missionaries that came out of our apartments for a little Sunday Night excitement.

Fire trucks above and below the fire putting it out.  They are on West Temple above 2nd North.

A huge ladder truck on 2nd North on the stand by.  Luckily it was not needed.

We did our regular enrichment classes all week, but also prepared for the Full Time Missionaries that we will be training this coming week.  First time on line with WebEx.
Tuesday Night, or should I say Wednesday morning, Heidi, Wynn, Alea, and Weston pulled in at 1:15 AM.  We quickly set them up and crashed for a short nights sleep.  We took a hot walk in City creek Canyon/ Memory Grove after the 1PM class, and loaded their car with boxes they took home for us.  Hopefully we will be able to get the rest of our things in our car in a month when we return to Mesa.  Wednesday we took Alea and her things to Highland and visited a bit more.  It is so good to have our kids come visit us, and of course play games.

Alea cooling her feet in City Creek

Wynn, Debra, Heidi on a bridge in City Creek Canyon.

Our Christensen Family, Weston, Wynn, Heidi, Alea at Memory Grove.

Our walk in City creek Canyon July 8, 2020

Weston rock hopping in City Creek

The construction continues on the temple.  The whole North side ground are pretty much taken down.  It truly looks like a bomb hit Temple Square! It is sad at the same time glad that it is moving so quickly. 

Looking South from North Temple and Main.  

The Chapel and recommend area gone.

A Claw like machine squirting water to keep the dust down, pulling down the annex part of the temple.

Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights Sherry and Richard stayed with us as they continue to work on the West Valley house. In the evenings if they have any steam left in them, we played games. Bob and I helped a little, but cannot put in the 12 hour days that they seem to do.  Bob put in lights in several rooms and I did blinds, cleaning, and assisting him in his electrical work, and hanging mirrors.  We do make a good team.  Friday July 10, was Lynda's birthday, but try as I might I could not get a hold of her.  It is her 76th birthday.

Troy Jensen (nephew) Debra, Sherry, Bob on the ladder installing the kitchen light at the West Valley remolded (or should I say reconstructed) home.

Friday July 10 was our oldest grandchild, Brenan Mayhew, 21st birthday.  They were on their way back to Mesa after a 10 day vacation to Bear Lake, Yellowstone, Snake River.  The Christensen's along with the Mayhew's had a great time.  Brenan chose Sushi for his birthday dinner.  I guess someone has to like it!

Brenan 21 at his favorite sushi place in Provo, Utah.

Saturday, at the last minute, we decided to drive to Promontory Utah to see where the Union Pacific and Central Pacific Railroads met and drove the Golden Spike.  It is out in the middle of nowhere, but we were very lucky to be there on a day and time when the engines were out and running.  They really are beautiful trains and I learned a lot about the history of the building of the two railroads.  The sun was hot and both Bob and I came home with sunburns.  After we stopped in Brigham City to eat a late lunch a Maddox's, a very yummy restaurant.  We drove straight to the West Valley House to see the almost "finished" product.  Now we just hopes it sells quickly for them.

Debra with Union Pacific Engine 119 Golden Spike National Historic Site Utah

Bob with Central Pacific Engine, Jupiter.  July 11, 2020

Bob and Debra at Promontory, Utah.  Site where the two railroads connected.

The boilers getting ready for the journey.  119 fueled by coal, Jupiter fueled by wood.

Debra with the large buffalo statue outside the visitor center at Promontory, Utah July 11, 2020.

  Sherry and Richards boys surprised Richard with an Alaska trip to start today, July 12.  He was very surprised.  Sherry and the boys had made all the arrangements and He is now on his way for a fishing trip with their sons.  We are hoping for some fresh Salmon.