I Love to See the Temple

Temple Trip #15 - Ogden Temple

2009-12-31T19:08:00.000-08:00

The temple has been a place where we have received instruction from on high. We have found guidance and direction and strength as we have visited nearly every temple in Utah in 2009 (Monticello pending). These temple trips were made as opportunities presented themselves and babysitters became available. It became natural for us to think of how we could make a temple visit in correlation with other trips. Though each temple trip provided great peace and direction to our lives, this most recent temple trip came out of necessity due to recent trials where a greater eternal perspective was required.

Our faith has been tested in light of recent trials as we strive to have a family. Miraculously Melissa once again became pregnant. God's hand once again had been recognized and excitement and preparation permeated the holidays. The joy of the holidays was dampened with the news that the baby didn't have a heartbeat and that there was no growth in the 7 week old fetus. Needing greater strength provided only through the Lord, we traveled through the snow and smog to the Ogden temple. We found understanding and a greater perspective as we worshipped in the Lord's house.

This temple and each temple has taught us much in whatever circumstances we find ourselves in. How grateful we are for these sacred "schools" that educate us of God's ways and His plan for us and for our family.

Total miles = 370 heart-wrenching miles

Temple Trip #14 - Jordan River Temple -Happy Birthday Joseph - 10 years

2009-12-23T20:38:00.001-08:00

104 years ago this day the Prophet Joseph Smith was born. 10 years ago this day I went through the St. George temple with my family and Mark Corry and his family for the first time. Today we found ourselves remembering all that the prophet Joseph Smith had done in restoring the gospel by partaking of the blessings that flow from that restoration by going to the Jordan River temple.

In a way this was a birthday gift to the man who has done more for our family than anyone else, save Jesus Christ. The irony of this is that in giving this so called "gift" we got more in return by drawing closer to God, strengthening family by remembering covenants, and finding peace, joy, and revelation.

Total miles = 274 Birthday miles

Winter Wonderland

2009-12-23T20:37:00.000-08:00

Though the best experiences happen in the temple, tonights winter wonderland stroll on temple square was just that, a "wonder" to behold. Minus Parker, who was enjoying the comforts of Grandma and Grandpa, we were able to have some time together to enjoy the beauties of nativity scenes from around the world and lights galore. It had the holiday feel as a fresh new coat of snow had recently blanketed the city. Amidst the crowds of people and the occasional snow plow, we took time to listen to the story of the first Christmas and reflect on the reason for the season.

After enjoying the lights and holiday cheer, it seemed fitting to get a nice cup of "hot chocolate." My suggestion of doing this was misunderstood and interpreted by Melissa as getting a "hot pocket". After a laugh and some clarification we stopped by a nearby market only to find that the machine was broken. Though disappointed not to have got "hot chocolate" or a "hot pocket" we returned home having warmed ourselves in the winter wonderland that temple square brings this time of year!

Through the Fog

2009-12-20T13:45:00.000-08:00

A couple of conferences ago, one of the brethren talked about how we are really never lost when we can see the temple. Well what happens when you can't see the temple?

Such was our experience in our trip to the Logan temple. We found ourselves arriving in Logan in a dense fog, not knowing where the temple was in ideal conditions, let alone in foggy conditions. We were assured that "you can't miss it". Well, we were pretty sure that you can and luckily we didn't. Following Melissa's instructions to "turn right" proved to be the smartest thing I did all trip. We found the temple without much difficulty but learned a lesson in the process.

As we made the decision to "turn right" we were unsure of what we were doing but as we looked through the fog we could scarcely make out the temple. We kept driving in the direction of the temple until it came into full view. I learned that what happens in the temple and what we are taught within those walls helps us see through the "fog" that life sometimes is. When we keep covenants, we are able to see right from wrong and what direction to head. The more faithful and consistent we are in keeping those covenants, the clearer that things come into view. This was the lesson I learned that "clearly" taught me something I hope we never forget.

Temple Trip #13 - Logan Temple - Over the Mountain and through the fog to the Lord's House we go

2009-12-20T13:19:00.000-08:00

The warmth of the bed was abandoned early for this temple trip to Logan as we loaded the car at just after 5:00 AM leaving Parker in the ever eager and willing hands of Grandma, Grandpa and Aunt Brittany. Braving the elements of single digit temperatures and dense fog we traveled over snow capped mountain passes and through fog engulfed valleys. True to the spirit of the season we were traveling "over the mountains and through the fog to the Lord's House we go". As we entered Logan we were unsure where the temple was. We were told that we couldn't miss it. The hovering fog eliminated this possibility but after a right hand turn off of main street and looking through the fog, we were able to spot the temple.

We found warmth in all of its forms as we entered this pioneer temple. We were well taught and grateful for the chance to serve those who have passed on ever mindful of the significance of this sacred work.

Leaving the temple and back into the brisk Logan temperatures we traveled home stopping a few times to do some last minute Christmas shopping and a visit with family.

Total Miles= 459 frigid miles - temps ranging from 0 - 32 degrees

Touching the Temple

2009-10-20T21:35:00.000-07:00

We have often heard the following story

“Early in the week, Elder Thomas S. Monson of the Quorum of the Twelve suggested deep spiritual meaning in the physical presence of the temple. He recounted the late Elder Matthew Cowley’s story about a grandfather who took his small granddaughter on a birthday visit to the Salt Lake Temple grounds. With permission of the groundskeeper, they walked to the large doors of the temple. He suggested that she place her hand on the temple wall and then on the door, saying tenderly to her, ‘Remember that this day you touched the temple. One day you will enter this door.’ His special gift to his granddaughter was an appreciation for the House of the Lord. Likewise, counseled Elder Monson, ‘As we touch the temple, the temple will touch us.(’In JoAnn Jolley, “A Shining Beacon on a Hill: Jordan River Temple Is Dedicated,” Ensign, Jan. 1982, 77)

We took this counsel as we recently visited the Salt Lake Temple.

One Grateful Husband

2009-10-20T21:15:00.000-07:00

Saturday's mean football games and yard work. They are days to get caught up on all that has been delayed and needs to be done. It is a day to relax and enjoy stress free time. This was what I thought Saturday's were for until my dear wife taught me otherwise. Saturday's are days to be found in the Lord's house. With the recent fall and surgery of Grandpa Gus and no doubt much on her mind she woke up early and did a session in the Salt Lake Temple with her dad. Having been home alone all week and anticipating her return I anxiously called her hoping for a quick arrival only to get her mom on the other line telling me of their early morning trip to the temple (Saturday October 10).

How grateful I am that I have a wife that loves the temple and goes there often. How thankful I am that she goes there when the turmoil of life is pressing down on her. How appreciative I am of a loving wife who sacrifices the Saturday pleasures to be serving in the Lord's house.

As for her experience in the temple, I am going to leave that to her for the telling but in my case her actions have spoken louder than words. Her actions echoed the words, "I love to see the Temple".

Feels like Home!

2009-09-21T13:48:00.000-07:00

Being back to the Manti Temple was a wonderful experience. As we entered on Saturday, September 18, it felt like coming back home again. I love Manti for that reason. We were able to load up the car with Heather and Tommy Eden, their kids, and of course our little Parker. We first headed to Price to drop off Parker with Grandma and Grandpa, then on to Mt. Pleasant to drop off the Eden kids to their grandparents house. It was worth going the extra few miles so we could have them watch the kids.

We pulled into Manti and just the site of the Temple makes me happy. It was such an amazing spirit as we went through the session with the Eden's. I was so overjoyed to be sitting by Heather and know that we were in the right place. It was a wonderful experience that I will never forget! The temple is such a sanctuary and a privilege to have one so close to be able to experience a little piece of heaven on earth!

Tara's Temple Trip

2009-08-24T13:57:00.000-07:00

On August 15 my dear friend, Tara Sullivan, entered the House of the Lord in St. George, UT to receive her own endowment. I love this girl and was so ecstatic to hear of the news. I wouldn't have missed this session for the world. She is one amazing sister and I love her. She is so true and faithful and has made it top priority to be back to church and serve! It was a gorgeous day and so amazing to see her in white. I love the purity and equality of the temple. We are all children of our loving Father in Heaven! Each time I attend I am reminded of the worth of our souls in His sight and I want to strive to be with Him and my family and friends forever!

Temple Trip #12 - Oqirrih Mountain Temple Dedication

2009-08-23T16:50:00.002-07:00

What do you do on a rainy August Sunday? If you are Dr. Seuss you invite The Cat in the Hat to play. If you are a baseball fan, you sit in a rain delay. But if there is a temple dedication with all of Utah invited you put on your Sunday best and make a trip to the dedication.

And so it was today. There was no rain delay and there was no cat in the house to play. The gloom of rain hovered most of the day but didn't dampen the spirit of this sacred occasion. Our friends the Eden's brought their kids over in the morning so that they could go to the dedication. Parker was in heaven as he colored and ate graham crackers with them. The favor was returned as we participated in the afternoon and final dedication in the church house in Orangeville.

The dedication was uplifting and enlightening as Sister Allred, Elders Zwick and Ballard, as well as President Monson each addressed us. President Eyring's reading of the dedicatory prayer sealed the session as Elder Ballard led us in the hosanna shout. Coming out of the building and out into a drizzle of rain reminded us of many valuable lessons that the gospel and rain bring.

1. A sense of freshness and a new beginning

2. Heaven's open with bounteous blessings

3. There is always a refuge from the storm

4. The Lord is the source of all blessings

Fittingly as we drove home we saw in the distance a rainbow, another reminder of God's love for His children. And so it was that on this rainy Sunday the heavens were opened in many wonderful ways.

Why Temples???

2009-08-02T22:16:00.000-07:00

Why temples? Need we say more?

Attending Mia's blessing was just another reminder of the importance of temples and covenants in our lives. Thanks Mia for the reminder!

Temple Trip #11 - Vernal Utah Temple - July 31

2009-08-02T21:39:00.000-07:00

As a seminary teacher it is our hope that all of our students have their eyes fixed on the temple and achieve that goal. It isn't always possible to know the outcome of all of our students but know and trust that they are in good hands.

So what happens when one is able to see their students go to the temple? Well this trip was one of those experiences. While Melissa was a senior at Carbon High School she had a seminary teacher that influenced her greatly by teaching her the the power of the atonement.

Brother Walton's influence continues as he teaches in the same area as us in Vernal. So, while on our way to Green River, WY to attend Mia's baby blessing, we stopped and visited the Walton's. We went to dinner to a Chinese restaurant followed by a sealing session with the Walton's in the Vernal temple. On our way home to rescue the baby-sitter's from Parker's madness we picked up some yogurt from Maverick. By the time we got home it had become soup. This was the least we could do for the brave baby sitters Rachel and Emily. They had discovered that the "only thing" that worked for Parker was a ride in the stroller. The night was topped off as Brother Walton and Melissa reminisced of their seminary days in Price as he pulled out old photographs.

We are grateful for those that have an influence in our lives and point us to the temple, and then pay them back by finding ourselves there (ironically we are the one's that are rewarded!).

Total Miles: 286 Temple Miles

504 Round Trip Miles

Temple Trip #10 - Oquirrh Mountain Temple - July 25

2009-07-27T22:16:00.000-07:00

After celebrating birthday bashes with both families the icing on the cake was a trip to the Oquirrh Mountain Temple Open House. This was Parker's second attempt at seeing the inside of the temple but apparently he chose to "ponder" his way through this tour as well. Having all of Melissa's family there made it nice, not to mention increasing the odds at getting more cookies at the end of the tour (this part Parker did wake up for though!).

After seeing the simple beauty that the temple has we walked outside where you could see two other temples in the valley (Draper & Jordan River). Melissa's dad put it best when he said, "Brigham would have been proud". Having now 4 temples in the Salt Lake Valley truly is a testimony of the strength of the Lord's kingdom here on earth.

Carter giving Parker a hug (After all this is his and Cali's temple)

As we drove home from the temple we discussed what we liked about this tour. It was unanimous, we both left with a greater desire to come back more often and to re-dedicate our lives to serving in the Lord's kingdom.

The trip was made complete with a stop at Great Grandma and Grandpa's house in Spanish Fork where he showed off his walking skills.

Total miles: 280

Temple Trip #9 - Mount Timpanogos Temple

2009-07-12T13:30:00.000-07:00

There is no better way to celebrate an anniversary than to be in the sealing room with your eternal spouse and that is where we found ourselves for our 5th year anniversary July 10, 2009. With a baby sitter nearby (Scott & Janice), we were able to sneak away to the Mount Timpanogos Temple.

Upon our checking in to perform sealings we had an insightful conversation with a temple worker that went something like this:

Temple worker: "How are you doing this day?"

Us: We're doing good.

Temple worker: "Of course you are you are in the temple"

Us: "Well how do we STAY in the temple?"

Temple worker: "You keep repenting" and then he followed up with this statement, "you know the temple is a place of sanctification!?"

After performing some sealings and spending some peaceful time in the celestial room reflecting on our 5 years we returned to rescue Parker from his baby sitters. Finding all well and not believing our luck at their willingness to watch him longer we ventured to Pizza Factory for a nice dinner.

The night was topped off with a game of Bocce ball in Scott's backyard and a trip home kept awake by singing along to some sappy love songs.

Total miles: 236 "lovely" miles

Highlights:

Pre temple Cafe Rio Trip

Post Temple Pizza Factory

Bocce ball at Scott's

Reading book on the way up

Sing along on the way home

Game of "coins while waiting for dinner

Temple Thought - In the mouth of babes

2009-06-14T14:51:00.001-07:00

On the outside of each temple is the phrase "House of the Lord". This lesson was taught to me in a simple yet profound way.

I was babysitting for an enrichment night and was taught a great lesson from a three year old girl Audrie. In the primary room is a picture of the temple. I asked her what it was a picture of and she replied, "That's where Jesus lives."

Lesson learned. Thanks Audrey.

Temple Trip #8 - Manti Temple

2009-06-14T13:50:00.000-07:00

In the recent General Conference Elder Richard G. Scott (April 2009) gave suggestions to members that can help us get more out of our temple experiences. One of those suggestions was to take off your watch. This counsel seemed to hit home for us as we have had other things occupy our time as of late (Youth conferences, master's degree, etc.) and it was nice to be able to "take our watches" off for 6 hours and have a temple experience. This "taking off of our watches" also meant leaving Parker at Grandma's for 6 hours, a feat that we had never really faced.

Melissa described the trip best by saying that it brought "peace" that we needed. A sack lunch for the return trip home, a quick stop at the Malt Shop for their infamous shakes, and dodging deer driving through the mountains highlighted the remainder of the trip.

Temple trip stats: 249 miles

Travel Log - Faith in Every Footstep

2009-04-25T21:23:00.000-07:00

We find ourselves nearing the end of April having successfully had 7 temple experiences. Though the temple experience is the highlight of the trip, the travel to the temple has been enjoyable and memorable. The furthest north we have been is Bountiful and to the south St. George. In the process of our travels we have went 1341 miles. To put that in perspective, that would be like going from Salt Lake City, UT to Chicago, IL (hello President Obama). We have traveled through 10 counties, 29 Cities (Lawrence, Huntington, Price, Helper, Spring Glen, Spanish Fork, Springville, Provo, Orem, Lindon, American Fork, Lehi, Salt Lake, Bountiful, Clawson, Ferron, Emery, Salina, Gunnison, Manti, Richfield, Monroe, Joseph, Beaver, Parowan, Cedar City, Kanarraville, Washington, and St. George.)

Also rewarding from these trips are the people that we get to see and spend time with. We have been able to see old friends and spend time with family. This also includes the crazy trucker that followed us on Highway 6 and the many friendly Utah drivers that pack the I - 15.

The fine dining that comes from these trips would make your lips smack (or maybe even have a heart attack). Cafe Rio, Wendy's (drive through), Panda Express, and snacks in Gas stations top this list.

To compare such travels to those of the early saints crossing the plains would be impossible and should never be set side by side, for the comforts that we have and enjoy are merely the fruits of those faithful saints. But as we travel the state in the comforts of our Dodge Durango one can't help but think of the sacrifice and toil the saints endured. For each mile we travel we are grateful for every faithful footstep that those saints imprinted for our benefit. It is in their footsteps that we desire to follow, not the roads and highways that get us to the temple.

Temple Trip #7 - Provo Temple

2009-04-19T16:59:00.000-07:00

In the church we do a lot of things in "two's". Companionships on the mission are in "two's". Home and Visiting teachers go out in pairs. Pinewood derbies take two to make the winning (most of the time). Two counselors are assigned in a presidency, and at least two people do their home teaching each month! It was this memory of "two's" that entered my mind as we entered the Provo temple on Friday April 17th. My early recollection of the Provo temple is going there weekly with Elder Clark, my MTC companion. These were great and sacred experiences but entering the Provo temple this time with my "eternal companion" was more rewarding and more enjoyable. Joining us in the session to our surprise and delight were the Fauvers from our ward (it being ward temple night).

"Sister Pollastro's" MTC experience included temple trips with her companion but found that it had different scenery (Sao Paulo Brazil).

Making this experience possible were my brother Scott and his wife Janice who willing sacrificed a date night Friday night to watch Parker. Scott threatened to have Parker crawling by the time we came back and seemed to look enough like me to trick Parker into not crying for the whole time. Mckenna was singing us praises as it allowed her to stay awake later so that she could play with Parker.

Miles: This up and back trip tacked on another 169 miles. Thanks to some sour worms we survived a late night trip arriving home shortly after midnight.

Temple Trip #6 - Bountiful Temple

2009-04-12T18:09:00.000-07:00

Friday April 10-Saturday April 11

Easter celebrates the Savior conquering death and triumphantly declares His power to save and to heal. Evidence of this can be found within the walls of Holy Temples which stand as a witness of the Living Christ that boldly declare that families are forever. Traditionally I would spend my Easters hunting for colored eggs and anxiously await the arrival of the Easter bunny. Not neglecting tradition but adding to the spirit of Easter was a trip to the Bountiful Temple. We decided to do sealings together. It was a wonderful experience where we could reflect on what our marriage means to us and the covenants that we have made. This marked the first time since Parker was born that we have been able to do sealings. The previous time Melissa knelt across the altar pregnant. While Parker was in mom's stomach on the previous trip, this time he was in the watchful care of Grandma and Grandpa, eager cousins, and aunts and uncles. In each case it reminded us of the importance of being born in the covenant and the reality of eternal families made possible by the glorious Resurrection and atonement that we celebrated this weekend.

In the spirit of family we spent the remainder of the night celebrating Carson and Christian's birthdays at the "Blue Iguana". It was fun to be with family and to create memories.

Saturday April 11

The "family fun" wasn't complete without participating in the MS walk in downtown Salt Lake. Parker's MS experience was more of a "stroll" with Grandpa Carl. Right after the MS walk we had lunch with Brittany at "Rumbi's" and stopped and visited Scott, Janice, McKenna, and Spencer before returning home after this whirlwind family tour. But hey, isn't that what Easter is all about anyway?

Total Miles: 318 Miles

Temple Trip #5 - St. George Temple - Saturday March 28th

2009-04-01T20:53:00.000-07:00

For our fifth temple trip we headed south where our temple trips ultimately began. It was like taking a step back in time to a time when Melissa and I were dating. If my memory serves me right we would do a session together early on a Saturday morning and I would wait patiently on the temple grounds waiting for Melissa to complete her temple work assignment in the temple. It was during these moments outside the temple that visions of temple marriage lingered in my mind as I anxiously wondered if such revelations were occurring to Melissa. No doubt these trips brought much peace and stress. It's funny how revelation is a two way street.

Four plus years later we see a different scene. On the scene is now an 8 month old son and grandparents who graciously accepted the opportunity to stroll Parker all over St. George occasionally stopping to watch a baseball game or other sights around town.(This peaceful stroll came as a result of Parker's not knowing who was pushing him. No discredit to grandma and grandpa but Parker is a "mama's boy".) The weather was beautiful as signs of spring were evident all around us. Gone were the stresses of the dating scene and all that awaited us was a peaceful session within the walls of the Lord's house.

A trip to the St. George temple is never complete without a visit to the outlets and shopping. Lunch at Panda Express and some shopping bags completed a successful and rewarding trip to Utah's dixie.

Total miles: 510 Round trip

Travel highlights: Melissa throwing up in car 3 times on the way home. Going through a wind storm and a snow storm. Changing Parker on the drivers seat as he tried to hang like a possum from the steering wheel!

Temple Trip #4 - Draper Temple Dedication via Castle Dale Utah

2009-03-22T19:14:00.000-07:00

Temple in Castle Dale? Not as of yet but for one day we felt as if that were the case. After spending much time discussing and finalizing logistics for a babysitter we were fortunate to have our great friends the Jeffs watch Parker as we participated in the Draper Temple dedication. It was nice to join our neighbors and friends right here at home for this sacred experience. In the spirit of responding to President Monson's request to always remember this experience we will forever remember this experience as one where we felt to rededicate our lives to living a Christlike life.

To top off the experience the Jeffs treated us to some tin roof ice cream.

Miles traveled: 4

Temple Babysitter - Oh so close!!!!

2009-03-22T19:09:00.000-07:00

One of the great challenges of getting to the temple just might be finding a babysitter. It isn't due to the fact that there aren't any willing, its the parents willing to give their son to somebody else. So after a few successful babysitting experiences we ventured twice to get young women in the ward to baby sit for us as we went to the Manti temple this month. When success seemed eminent something came up or in Melissa's case literally came up (from her stomach) that prevented us from having a couple of more temple experiences. Despite these few setbacks we continue to muster up enough courage to continue to ask for babysitters, though at this point it feels as if we are the boy that cried wolf. All in all we are grateful for willing babysitters who are eager to serve.

Temple Trip #3 - Draper Temple Open House

2009-02-16T09:27:00.000-08:00

Valentines was appropriately spent where Love has no bounds and where families are eternal. This Valentines was spent with Devin's parents, his brother Scott and his daughter McKenna. This trip also was Parker's first temple experience. Feeling of the solace and serenity of the temple and having seen the baptistry, Parker was soon fast asleep in the stroller he "borrowed" from his cousin McKenna. Truly he is already catching the spirit of the temple! This trip was highlighted by watching a video at a nearby church building and a bus trip up to the temple. Being in this house of the Lord led to awe and wonder at the beautiful paintings, murals, and wood work that filled the temple. The Celestial room left us with a sense of wonder and amazement at the beauty and reality of eternal families. The completion of the open house taunted sugarless parents with refreshments in the cultural hall of a nearby church. Luckily for us they also had water.

Just waiting and waiting...

Wahoo! No car seat!

Preparing for future temple trips!

One happy family!

The trip was only complete with a Valentines shopping trip and a night with our friends Chris & Ali, Dan & Laura, and Emily.

Total Miles: 190 Miles

Temple Trip #2 -Salt Lake Temple

2009-02-16T09:00:00.000-08:00

It took the pioneers sacrifice, hard work, and patience for them to witness the completion of this sacred edifice. After 40 years the doors were opened for worship and completion of sacred ordinances. We were the beneficiaries of these faithful pioneers as we entered the doors of the Salt Lake Temple on February 13, 2009. As a symbol of eternal families, it was only fitting that we spend time in the temple with family. Thanks to the convenience of Melissa's dad's new apartment we were able to walk the short distance to the temple on this cool night with Melissa's parents. Desiring to do a session but unable to due to overflow and timing, we resorted to doing initiatory. We are grateful for this experience because it allowed us to do work that we don't frequently participate in as often as we should.

Parker was left in the trusted hands of her Aunt Brittany at the apartment. This brought much peace and solace to mom who was still in hearing distance. Upon arriving home after the temple experience her peace was realized finding Parker fast asleep in her arms with a full belly.

We completed the night by filling "our" bellies with Cafe Rio at 10 PM.

Total miles = 150 fun filled miles driven by Melissa

Temple Trip #1 - Manti Utah

2009-02-08T21:18:00.000-08:00

Following in the footsteps of the pioneers and beginning where it all began for us, took us to our first temple destination . . . . the Manti Temple.

Leaving right after work and strapping in Parker for the 103 mile trek we joined our stake for Stake Temple night. Upon arriving in Manti, we dropped Parker off at our friends the Christensen's where he was taken under watchful parental care. The session was jam packed only getting in by playing the "I have a baby" card. Relieved at the kindness of the temple president we enjoyed a "cozy" session. After the session was over, we rescued the Christensen's from a screaming Parker which ceased at first sight of mom. We had an enjoyable visit with them and are grateful for their generosity.

The trip home was fueled by a stop in Salina at "Holly's Pantry" where we picked up some corn nuts (Ranch and BBQ). Not being able to fill up the precious "water bottles" due to their closing up we quenched our thirst at the next gas station. Another 103 miles and we found ourselves in the comforts of our home only to be welcomed by having six deer eating our lawn.

One down! Twelve more to go! Next up, Salt Lake Temple!

Total miles: 206 miles

Temple Tour 2009

2009-02-08T21:11:00.000-08:00

As we began the new year we decided that we wanted to spend more time in the temple. We also wanted to tour the state by seeing its many vistas and splendors. We combined these ideas and decided to visit each temple in the state of Utah. With great eagerness we went to work on planning each trip. Realizing the limits and difficulties that could arise during such a venture we go forward knowing that this will be a great experience that will create memories and strengthen testimonies. We look forward to worshipping in the Lord's house as well as typical road trip memories that will be inevitable.