Phoenix Temple Open House

We went to the Phoenix Temple open house with our neighbors Jim and Gisela Decker and our new missionaries Elder Wilson and Elder Merrill.  It was gorgeous!  And the warm, peaceful feelings of the Spirit were abundant in every room.

No cameras are allowed in the temple but the temple website has a great gallery. http://mormontemples.org/eng/phoenix/phoenix-arizona-craftsmanship

Here are a couple of my favorite rooms.

The Celestial Room, truly a bit of heaven

The baptismal font, I love how the mural of the river looks like it is flowing into the font.

The tour was wonderful.  Jim and Gisela loved the art work and craftsmanship  and had lots of questions.  Jim works across the street at the base ball park as an umpire and had walked through the temple several times during construction.  He had a career in construction and walked through as though he belonged and no one questioned his belonging there.  I love that guy! 

It was really weird to be there without Sam, but look at all these handsome fellas I had with me!

We like our new elders.  They seem on the ball and super sweet.

Of course we had to get a silly face pic too.

Here is Richard with Jim.

And me with Gisela checking out the displays.

It was a beautiful experience.  I can't wait for the Tucson temple open house in the next few years.  It is wonderful to have my family in the temple together. 

My Little Princesses

We went to Kenzie's baby shower which had a Halloween theme.  Susanna and Laney dressed up as Cinderella and Snow White.  

I love these pretty little ladies! Precious.

They had fun watching the gifts be opened, helping to hand the gifts to Kenzie.  They loved all the yummy treats and cupcakes too.

Wendy found the picture of Aubrey and Kenzie as Snow White and Cinderella.  Such cute cousins!

Ipad Beauties

I found these lovelies on the Ipad. Fun times!

Goodbye to Elder Boyce and Elder Fackrell

After only one transfer together, both Elder Boyce and Elder Fackrell were taken from us to serve in new areas.  They came by to say adios the night before transfers.  We got some amazing pictures. Ha!

With Elder Boyce

With Elder Fackrell

Everyone attempting to make an Elder Fackrell face

Elder Hall came by with them and spent time playing the piano with the little girls.  It was so cute!

Return With Honor

This is what Sam left for us on our family chalk board.  We change the quotes when ever any of us come across something we want to share.  However, since Sam left, no one has touched the chalk board.  We have pictures of it on almost every camera and device in our house, but it is just so sweet we can't erase it.

A Few Fun Days In Utah

We had a few days in Utah before dropping Sam off at the MTC.  The Sunday that we were there they had the re-dedication of the Ogden Temple.  We were able to go to it with our good friends, the Bytheways.  Then we went to their house for dinner and lots of talking. It was a fabulous evening. Sam got to say goodbye to all the kids and have his "big brother" talk with the girls before leaving.

Gosh, I love that lady.

This was how John posed for the picture.

Kim, the photo bomber

The real John and Kim with Sam and Ashley

Monday, we did some shopping and then we went out to dinner with two of Richard's mission companions from the Adelaide Australia Mission in the early 90's. 

Elder Lewis, Elder Alger and Elder Vuki reunited!

After dinner we stopped by to see the Bountiful Temple and right across the street we saw the TARDIS!  Of course we had to get pictures.  Hooray for Doctor Who!

The Bountiful Temple

Tuesday, we went to the Salt Lake Temple and did a session there.  The outside of the temple is beautiful, but the inside is INCREDIBLE.

We went to The Cheese Cake Factory for dinner.  Sam had never been there and was super excited.  He was not disappointed.

My dinner

Sam's dinner

Richard's dinner

They were all so beautiful and delicious!

 Wednesday morning was torture!  Sam was dying to get to the MTC, but his check in time was not until 12:30 pm.  

They said to do our farewells before going to the MTC, so we had ours before getting in the car.

Sam was done and ready to go!

This is our last few moments with our boy.

All grown up and ready to serve the Lord for 2 years.

And he's off

It felt strange as we pulled out of the MTC parking lot.  We didn't get emotional, but we both felt a little queazy. Sam was so ready for this day we couldn't be anything but excited for him, but it is an uncomfortable feeling leaving your son, knowing you won't see him for 2 years.  We couldn't be more proud of his decision to serve a mission.

We did a little shopping and then went to the Mount Timpanogos Temple.  We hadn't ever been there before. We tried to get a selfie with the temple but didn't get anything very great.

That night Richard took me to see She Loves Me at the Salt Lake City, Hale Center Theatre.  It was wonderful.  The theater is in the round and has amazing sets that come down from the ceiling and up out of the floor.  This is our second time to that Hale Center, it will not be our last. 

Thank you so much to Aunt Marilyn and Uncle Randy for housing us.  We love staying with you and visiting.

It was a bittersweet trip, but mostly sweet and wonderful.