TEMPLE SQUARE

Dear Family,

We had another day of great visits.  Brett Miller, wife and two children came up to say hello.  He was one of our great missionaries in Nirenberg and is currently completing vetnary school in Wisconsin. It was grea to meet his  wife  and his children.

Mike, Rayanne and all their kids came up as well.  It was another wonderful visit.  Mike and Rayanne helped Mom with the Christmas card list, some of the kids spent time in Oma's craft room.

Mike took us all down to Crown Burger for dinner. Salt Lake is packed at Christmas time; there is so much going on.  Traffic is heavy and there is no parking.  We found a spot right in front of the Temple Gates and went into the Square.  It was jam packed!

Above you see a picture that Rachel took of the Salt Lake Temple at night.  It was cold and slightly snowing.  The lights were everywhere and beautiful.  Here is a picture of the group, Oma and Opa, Mike, Rayanne and Family. It was a great pre Christmas night! I was bundled up with my Austrian hat, coat and German scarf just like on our mission.

 There is a ton of activity on Temple Square.  The Church does such a wonderful job of providing seasonal spirit. There was a huge nativity scen with lights and music. There were meetings and musical events in almost every building including the Tabernacle.  While the gals went on an extended walk checking out the lights, Mike and I slipped into the nearest Visitors Center to get warm.  There was this great presentation going on by the Bountiful Bells, a group that has been entertaining for 20 years playing Christmas carols with their bells.  The place was packed with families and there was good cheer in the air.

We went back to the car, back home where we warmed up with hot chocolate.  It was such a wonderful visit with Mike and his family.

Christmas Eve celebration at our home in two nights with the Nativity and traditional Christmas Eve dinner.  Clara wondered if I would wear my Lederhose.

Love and Cheer, Opa and Oma