Temple Square

A VERY sad event happened while on our vacation.  After spending a week at Lake Powell and taking over 1,000 photos with my brand-new camera, there was a glitch in my memory card and I lost almost every photo from that whole week.  That would probably not be a big deal to most people who don't take many photos anyway, but I love photography because of the moments in time that are captured.  I was so heart-broken that I immediately went to Best Buy where I had purchased my camera and had them look it over.  They told me sometimes glitches happen and that I should always download my photos after taking them (which I couldn't have done since I was on a vacation).  Ryan was with me and I told him I needed to go sit in the car and cry for a while.  I'm sure the other customers thought I was crazy, but I had to mourn the fun times we had at Lake Powell that will now be lost in my children's minds because I don't have them recorded.  Once I got home, I called a professional who is going to thoroughly check the camera memory to see if the photos were stored anywhere else.  Until then, I'm not touching the memory card that is having issues, even though many of the photos on the card were not erased.  This means I will have to start my vacation re-cap in the middle of the trip. I can go through later and put the posts in chronological order before I print them into a family book.

On Sunday, July 28th we all went to Temple Square with Ryan's parents.  I wanted the kids to have time to see the Visitor Centers and feel of the Spirit that is there.  When I was feeling depressed as a teenager, I would often drive my 1984 Toyota Tercel to Temple Square and spend some time people watching while soaking in the comforting feelings of the Holy Ghost.  When I got engaged, I chose to marry in the Salt Lake Temple partly because of the love I had developed for this area during those formative years.

These are some of my favorite pictures that were taken that Sunday.  I hadn't bothered to get ready that day because I was spending the afternoon in the car with all 4 children while I drove them up to Idaho.  I go for complete comfort while driving!  The 5 of us spent the next week in Idaho while Ryan stayed at his parent's house in Salt Lake and worked at PMI/PPS.

Brynlie stopped to explain to Logan what we were seeing and why these buildings are important to us.

Goodness, I could have at least put on a little make-up.  Logan's pose cracks me up.

The spot where I was sitting when Ryan proposed to me 17 years ago.

The gardens at Temple Square never cease to amaze me.  I want the gardeners to come spend some time working on my yard.

Joseph and Emma.  Although their love is sometimes dramatized, I have such a deep love for each of them.  Many people think Emma wasn't a faithful woman, but I will defend her fiercely.  I've studied her life and feel such a deep connection to her.

We toured the Beehive House, where this picture was taken.  The bookcase is original to the house, and the items on the bed were the ones used by my Great-Great-Great Grandpa, Brigham Young.

I love the intricate details, including the beehives carved into the staircases.

A wedding dress worn by one of Brigham Young's daughters.

Brigham Young was as imperfect as any other man, but I know that he was called of God to be the prophet for the world for the many years he served, and I'm proud to be part of his heritage.

The 4,000 pound bronze eagle that serves as a gateway to the Temple Square area in Salt Lake City.

Oh Lindsey.  On a busy street in downtown Salt Lake, she threw off her shoes and jumped into the water fountain.  I'm sure she wasn't the first child to be tempted by the cold water.

I love this plaque I found on Temple Square.  The gospel is being spread to the whole world through those who have read the Book of Mormon and know of it's truthfulness.  This plaque reminded me that God loves all his children, not just those who are lucky enough to be living in this free land.