the draper temple . . .

or as reagan calls it "the open house temple." she still hasn't figured out that it was the draper temple open house, and it's so cute we aren't in a hury to correct her!

last night we had the opportunity to attend the draper temple open house with the lowder's. we have been preparing the kids for this night for a few weeks. you know getting them excited, letting them know what to expect, letting them know what a great opportunity this would be - that they get to go into a temple, to see the rooms that mom and dad get to go into when they go on "date nights to the temple." isaac struggled trying to understand that it was not yet dedicated, so that is why he was able to go into the temple.

even ethan was so excited to go to the temple. but on friday night, we had an elder's quorum party and some of the moms that were there told us that it is a lot of walking and overall kindof a long night, so we decided to leave ethan and davis with their cousins. (by the way - thank you christy - that really worked out for the best!)

of course in my hurry to get out the door on time, i forgot the tickets. but it wasn't until we got to brenda's to drop off the kids that kyle asked me if i had them and we didn't want to be late, so we went without them - knowing full well that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints would never turn anyone away (and the didn't). so we found the church house to meet in before we went to the temple. they showed us a beautiful movie on temples, specifically the draper temple and some of the blessings that we can receive from being worthy to enter the temple, from making our own covenants in the temple, and from doing service in the temples.

then came time for the highlight of reagan's night . . . the bus ride to the temple. she has never been on a bus before and when she found out that she got to ride a bus, she couldn't wait. she was beyond excited.

the temple was absolutely beautiful. but we didn't expect anything otherwise. the church seems to take such great pride and care in choosing all the details for these beautiful buildings. i loved all the detail in the woodwork and the way it got lighter as we worked our way up to the celestial room. and of course all the paintings of our Savior were absolutely beautiful. the kids were so excited about the painted lilies on the ceiling of the celestial room. grandpa had told all the kids about this, so they were so excited to see this.

reagan was so excited to get through the temple (and we went on an incredibly busy night) and she is little enough that she could just push herself right around and through people. finally we told her that she had to stay with us and she had to stay in line and we had to wait our turn. she told us "if i stay in line, i can only see the man with the green shirt's bum." it was a really busy night, but it was good to see so many people taking advantage of the opportunity to be in our Heavenly Father's house. there was a beautiful spirit there and i am grateful that the kids got to see the temple and to feel of the spirit. hopefully they will listen to president monson's words "when you touch the temple, the temple will touch you." i hope that isaac and reagan never forget the special feelings from their night in the temple and always have a desire to return there and to return often.