Sabin Howard Presentation

Corey and I just got back from another Sons of Utah Pioneers ("SUP") thing (Temple Quarry chapter) that we went to this time to represent Abi, who was awarded a scholarship from them. I'll talk about that in a sec, cause the real highlight of the evening for us was the program tonight, where we enjoyed the coolest presentation by Sabin Howard! I didn't know his name until tonight, but he recently moved to Utah and is neighbors with the SUP President elect Chad. Sabin is a sculptor who made the World War I monument in Washington DC called "A Soldier's Journey". They had a short video presentation about that, and then he shared his story of how he became a sculptor and how he feels called to do this work. He was about two minutes into his speech when I though to hit record on my phone, so I'll come back and transcribe a few parts of that that I loved. Then he talked about a new sculpture, Grand Liberty Arch (video about it here) that is going to be on the grounds down at the Utah Capitol. When it was first proposed, they liked it and said they want it but only if it can be ready by the 2034 Olympics hosted in Salt Lake. Sabin said he could do that! 

He had a 3D printed version of the statue on display that we were able to go up close and see after his presentation.

He knew he wanted to make this monument of telling the story of America’s Journey through freedom: 56 figures that tell of liberty, equality, democracy, respect for the rule of law, and patriotism. Though he had the vision of this monument, he didn't know where it would be. He was in Texas looking at places there but didn't get enough support. He didn't share too much of what led him to Utah, but after a few fortunate meetings and willing helpers, he told his wife Traci that "This is the place" to have the monument, not knowing that that is a famous little saying in our state! We all smiled at that!

It was super cool and I said I'd love to join their cause and help anyway I can, or have my kids help if they need live models or anything!! So kids, here's your notice that you have been volunteered. There will be a monument unveiling (I think it's free) on July 6, but unfortunately we won't be able to go to that cause we'll be on vacation in Newport. 

They're in the process of finding a warehouse to buy where they can work and sculpt each figure and panel with live models. The end stage is when it goes across the Atlantic to the UK Pangolin Editions Foundry where the figures are cast in bronze. (You can see Sabin's Shell Shocked soldier at minute 2:19 of the flying visit vimeo video of the foundry half way down at their website). Sabin said making the World War 1 memorial was a 4 year marathon, and I'm sure it will be for this Grand Liberty Arch as well. I'm seriously hoping we can get involved some how and help, even if I'm just one of the janitors for the studio. I am really glad we were able to come tonight and see this presentation. Thanks to our friend Laird for treating us to the dinner and event tonight, and also for reaching out and inviting Abi to apply for this scholarship. They took our photo during dinner with Laird who I think is the chapter President? and President elect (?) Chad Mortensen who is the neighbor who knows Sabin and invited him to present tonight. 

There were two other girls there who were awarded scholarships, and they each spoke as well. Abi did not speak because she's gone at youth conference. Last month we told Laird that she would be gone, so she recorded a video to say thanks and accept the scholarship. We went into the room for the program where Corey was able to play that video of Abi. They have a good historian who takes lots of pics for their records. 

So after dinner and Abi's acceptance video, we got to listen to Sabin. It was a really great evening. Other than that it was a mostly normal summer day. Today's chores went well again. Peter is a sweet and faithful little worker.

After chores, I took the kids to the library. Katharine played in the toy kitchen, then put on a puppet show for her brothers.

Puppet Theater - 

We didn't spend too long there, cause after 10 minutes they already each had an arm full of books. Edmund is in the back setting his pile on the ground and trying to re-balance his stack, I think he got 14.

We checked out almost 40 books! It was 38 or 39. I hope we don't loose them. Right after that, we drove to the Temple Quarry to show that to Edmund. The boys each had a K'nex rifle. They've been making guns the past two days. They are big tough boys. Katharine is sweet little girl and thus holding any weapons. 

The boys were running around climbing on rocks, "shooting" stuff, yelling, etc. Edmund said he was going to do a double back flip off the rock, which made Daniel nervous. I had to whisper to Daniel that  it was ok, I was positive he was just talking and was not actually going to try it. 

More boulders to climb. 

The one the boys are on here is a very safe and possible boulder to climb, even for old ladies (last pic). Katharine could have done it with my help, but we were both content to stay on the ground. Katharine and I found a rock to be our "bed" and then a cave to be her house.

K and I strolled along. They boys went to the river and we followed behind. I helped her climb the rocks, and as we walked, she was concerned that they were getting too far ahead. 

I reassured her that we would find them and that I knew where we were. We all met up at the east of the path, and that was where K and I decided to leave the boys and walk back to the car. They were going to play for a bit and then would run and catch up to us. K seemed concerned again that we were leaving them. "It's ok, they are fast and they'll catch up. Cause boys like to run. We like to walk." "Yeah..." "And boys like guns and to shoot. We like flowers!" "Yeah..." and then Katharine asked "Why does Peter like bad animals??" Haha, yes, Peter likes T-rex dinosaurs and sharks and anacondas... I guess they could be considered dangerous or mean, aka "bad". Peter was not far behind and I asked him "Yeah! How come you like BAD animals, huh!?!?" Peter's defense: "I just think they're cool!" It was a fun little kid hike with the boys and my princess.