We made it to the D.C. Temple

The first item on our agenda in D.C. was to make it to the temple. Four years ago, when I was in D.C. with Paul we failed to make it inside the temple. We walked around the temple grounds late at night and that was it. That has been my regret for all these years. This time I wasn't going to have that same missed opportunity.

Jonathan (Paul's brother) kindly gave us a ride to the temple and dropped us off. We told him not to worry about us that we would find our way back. After taking a few photos, we entered the temple to be greeted by three men at the recommend desk. We were so thrilled to be here that we were full of conversation. And since it seemed like we were the only ones there, we took our time visiting with them. We told them were we were from and why we made the trip. They then told us that Glenn Beck had just attended the temple the night before and also the Saturday earlier.

We asked them for instruction in how to find our way back to the mall. They asked, "how did you get here?" We explained that we had a ride but wanted to find our own way back. One of them was very kind and offered us a ride to a nearby metro station when his shift was over. So we took him up on his offer and met him back in three hours. He happened to be Wallace Bennett from Rexburg, Idaho. He knows our Aunt and Uncle and his son dated our cousin, Niki! So we felt right at home from the beginning and I made him pose for a picture with Tonya. He was quite the fun character.

Tonya and I had a quick bite for breakfast in their down-scaled cafeteria. They closed the cafeteria and had a few vending machines. We were grateful for the food and surprised to be all alone in such a big space.

I loved view of the temple from the freeway. I have always heard that the D.C. Temple is breathtaking, especially at night. It looks as though it is floating above the trees. It is truly remarkable.

The temple was gorgeous. Tonya and I sat and enjoyed the peace and splendor of the Celestial Room and then we walked up two floors (I think it has six floors in all) to see the 12 sealing rooms! I am grateful for this opportunity, it was the right place to begin our trip.

After our temple work, we toured the Visitor's Center. We happened to be there while they had an exhibit called "The Healing Power of Jesus Christ". It was a stirring exhibit of sculptures depicting the ministry and healing miracles of Christ. Next to each sculpture was a plaque with an explanation and scripture verses.

In the following short video, producer Seth Adam Smith provides a fine tour of the exhibit as it appeared earlier this year in an outdoor setting at Nauvoo, Illinois. The video features a nicely chosen musical soundtrack.

Learn more about Angela Johnson’s work at her website, http://www.ajsculptures.com/. There is a slide show of her “Healing Power” sculptures, with a soft musical accompaniment, as well as links to her blog and her The Light of the World Garden web site.

Tonya and Kids Visit

Tonya and the kids flew in from Texas Monday night. We are lucky to spend some time with them and have them stay the night with us. I introduced Tonya to a little bit of freedom when I mentioned that her and I should go out to lunch at Costa Vida and leave the children home. We were the only patrons in the whole restaurant. By 11:00am I am hungry, especially when I forget to eat breakfast (which almost never happens but did that day).

Then we came home and feed the children and then we snuck out again for an hour. Porter was sure happy to earn a little babysitting money - and everyone was safe and happy once again!

Last night after dinner, the kids watched a movie while us adults played a few rounds of Monopoly Deal. Tonya and I braved Albertsons with all the children because she let them each pick out $1 worth of candy for the movie. Then Paul taught us how to play the game "Smurfing". It was a fun late night!

This morning Tonya and Ashlee went to get their hair cut and I took the boys swimming at the YMCA. Tonya was reluctant to let me take them but I promised that they would be safe and that I would give them my full attention. All the kids had fun and we made it home happy and well.

After lunch, Tonya asked what close we could organize! She loves to clean, dejunk, and organize. So I took her up on that offer and we tackled the girls bedroom and closet, which seems to need a deep clean every three weeks. It looks great now and feels good - I don't like knowing that closets are messy. Thanks Tonya for the help and extra push!

Porter has had a great time playing with Jesse and Jaren. They have pulled out the legos, the i-coaster, and the matchbox cars. Meanwhile Olivia and Vivian have been sharing Ashlee and loving all this cousin time.


We had dinner at Souper Salad. The kids loved choosing their own foods and filled up on icecream at then end - Olivia topped everyone with 5 servings!

I need to get a picture of Tonya and me - people can always tell that we are sisters and fiesty ones at that!