I have always been the planner in the family. Richard always told me he loved that about me. It was one of my strengths. And Richard was the one who would get us where we needed to go safe and sound, fearlessly. That was his strength. So often I think back to how well we worked together because we accepted each other's strengths and weaknesses. We were a very good match. I miss feeling whole. But this time it would all be up to me and I was feeling rather nervous about the whole thing. It is not an easy thing to have to worry about things you have never had to worry about before. But I knew I could do it and I knew it would be a wonderful experience for the kids and I, so on Friday, after school, we headed down to Utah. We were extremely blessed with NO traffic whatsoever on the way there. A friend told me that they left about 45 minutes before us and got stuck in traffic. Not a big deal, except that traffic makes me feel somewhat claustrophobic and extremely anxious. There were huge dark clouds all around us, but we were only hit with one small shower and seemed to stay ahead of the big rain the entire way. Another blessing since the blade of one of my windshield wipers had come unattached and basic car maintenance is not one of my talents.
We checked in and I wanted to take the kids out to dinner. They were tired and wanted to stay in, so we ordered pizza. The next morning we got up and headed towards the temple. There were huge lines waiting to park, but it was such a beautiful sight that we didn't mind. Once we found a parking spot we went over to the chapel next door to await our tour. Our printer wasn't working and I did not have our reservations printed out. The stand by line was HUGE! I told the sweet lady there that we did have a reservation and she let us right in. After the short video on temples we got in line and it was pretty long! A few minutes later the Homer family walked by and we were so happy to see them all!
The Payson temple is gorgeous and very large. We went through so many beautiful rooms. Once we got to the Celestial Room I was able to pull the kids aside and talk to them about their dad. I told them that their goal should be to return to the temple again and again. I told them the best place to feel of their father's spirit would be in the temple. We talked and cried together and I was so grateful we had made the trip. My family is so very precious to me and I feel so much gratitude that we were able to be sealed in the temple for time and eternity. When we left the line was snaking around the neighborhood next to the temple. And despite big dark clouds, there was no rain.
After we finished in the temple and chatted with the Homer's for a few minutes we headed to Walmart because both my kiddos had left their swimming suits at home. They both found one they liked and we grabbed some summer sandals for each of them too. We picked up Wendy's because that was what the kids wanted and we went back to our room. We ate and took a break. A while later we went swimming. The pool was warm and we had it all to ourselves the whole time. I love my kids and the close relationship they have to each other. Despite 3 and a half years difference in age, they really do love and enjoy each other so much...most of the time!
I love these photos, they show the kids with genuine smiles. I have found that often lately their photos have a hint of sadness in them. This is completely understandable. But I am grateful for the times they can let go of their heartache and have such a good time!
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