Time in Utah before Wedding Day

THURSDAY!!!

We arrived in Utah around 10:30 am.  We went to get the rental car, and quickly realized we had way too many suitcases.  Luckily it is easier to upgrade than downgrade.  We were able to get a very nice van for the trip, and a day for free!  YEAH!

Jessica took us to American Fork to see the Mount Timpanogos temple first.  It's so beautiful!!!  We walked around looking for good locations to take photos.

Daddy's angels!  Marissa, Mom and Jessica

Marissa

Me

From there we drove down to Provo to see Tate.  On our way we stopped at the new PROVO temple!  It's quite impressive.  

Jessica took us to her new apartment to wait for Tate.  They were so cute when he arrived.  We had started on a short walk while waiting, but as soon as he pulled up, she was off RUNNING towards him!  They are so cute!!!  I thought I took a photo of Jessica in front of the new apartment, but I don't have that photo  - bummer!

It's a cute but small one bedroom apartment.  They are going to have to learn how to live in a small space together. :)  Tate had moved most everything in while Jessica was back in KY.  He had also fixed up some furniture - it was amazing.  He painted the coffee table, two bedroom night stands and a chest!  It looks amazing!!!

That night Jessica went with Tate for ... (it's a story) ... Tate's brother and sister-in-law were sealed in the temple today, so their family did family photos this evening... which is where she and Tate went.  

Mark and I had hoped to have time to spend getting to know Tate's parents while we were in Utah, but it doesn't seem like they have allowed any time to meet with us.  They were busy tonight!  Maybe tomorrow.

We took the kids to Cafe' Rio (it's tradition).  YUM - but now we are all stuffed.  

During the day Marissa received text messages from Amanda McCall (now Hanks) telling her about a surprise bachlorette party for Jessica.  So ... we had to stay around Provo to get Marissa to the party on time, and before Jessica arrived.  We arrived at Amanda's new apartment in time, but then Marissa missed her opportunity to sneak across the street.  Just as Marissa was getting out of the van, Tate was driving up the street with Jessica - YIKES!!!!  We hope she didn't see us.  We drove off.  Tate went around the block ... what to do.  We watched her go in - she was super surprised and then came out with Tate.  We gave him her luggage and Marissa's so that the two girls can spend the night in their apartment (Jessica's not alone).  

Mark, Robert and I drove up to Sandy, UTAH.  We stayed the night - actually the whole weekend with Mark's brother, Alan and his wife, Susan and her daughter Natalie.  Natalie is attending college at St. Mary's in Indiana.  We are very familiar with the college.  How coincidental.  Mark had met Susan at their wedding one year prior, but I had never met her.  She is wonderful.  So very nice!  She got us settled into our rooms.  They were so nice to let us stay with them.

FRIDAY!!!!

We slept in and then picked up Marissa at Tate's sister's house.  We took the kids to IHOP for breakfast and then went shopping for food for Jessica.  We realized she didn't have much food for when she and Tate got back from their honeymoon.

We went back to their apartment and put the food away, and tried to clean up.  Jessica met us there and from there we picked up her dress, I bought her a guarter, and then up to SANDY to spend the night.

Alan and Susan hosted a dinner for Jessica - Kevin and Shauna had come into town along with Jordan.  It was great to see all of the brothers together again!  We had a delicious dinner outside - WOW!  Utah weather is amazing!  After dinner we had each person share a memory or something special about Jessica - she is so loved!!!

It's the night before the wedding.  Jessica, Marissa and I did our nails and had some fun girl time before heading off to get our beauty sleep.

PS:  I still don't know what dress I'm going to wear - ugh!!!

Jess