Temple Square

Sunday evening, as we were sitting at the dinner table, Lyle asked if we wanted to go downtown and spend the day at Temple Square.  Well, of course we did!  So, we got up Monday morning and headed off!  We didn't have any plans set, we just parked the car and started walking.  Wherever we eneded up was fine with us.  We came out in City Creek and made our way to Temple Square.

 

The first building we visited was the Tabernacle.  I'm not sure if Sean has ever been inside before, but I don't think he has.  I love this building.  I've been to countless General Conferences there, as well as State Choir while I was in High School. 

As we exited the Tabernacle, I noticed something on the Temple that I've never noticed before.  Every time I go to the Temple, I come away with some type of new knowledge.  Usually that pertains to the session or what happens inside the building;  today, it was something on the facade.  Do you see it?  The Big Dipper constellation is on the side of the west facing wall of the center spire.  I've never noticed that before.  I'm positive it represents something...but I'm not sure what.  Not yet.

We headed across the street to take a tour of the Conference Center.  Lyle and I have been inside for various functions, but Sean has never been inside.  So we figured today was the day.  He was very attentive to the Hostess and asked numerous questions.

This scuplture of President Monsen was recently unveiled.  It's such a great work of art!  Looks just like him!

After the tour of the Conference Center, we went across the street to the Church Office Building to see off the observation deck.  Sean was extremely apprehensive about being that high, but I tried to reassure him that there was no danger of him falling off the building and that it was essentially surrounded by tall windows.  He was still nervous, until we got up there, and then had a great time.  While grasping tightly to my hand for the first few minutes.  LOL

The one and only picture of me that day.  And it's not even one I'm particularly fond of.  However, over 12 years ago, I married this wonderful man inside this Temple in the background and I could not have made a wiser choice.  He is my pillar of strength, my best friend and my soulmate.  Yes, I believe in soulmates.  Love him.  So much.

We headed over to the Beehive House next.  In all my years of living in Utah (my entire life), I've never been inside the Beehive House.  It was such a great building!  It's amazing to see the woodwork and the type of skill that was involved in regular buildings during that time.  You just don't see it anymore.  I loved the curving staircase.  And the various levels.

We finished our day on Temple Square by watching the Joseph Smith movie in the Legacy Theatre.  As we came out of the theatre, the sun was setting and the lights on the Temple were on.  There was such a peaceful feeling that settled over us and Lyle and I took the opportunity to stand by the reflection pond and discuss with Sean the impact the movie had on him.  It was a great teaching moment as we urged him not to take the gospel for granted, to recognize the Savior's and Joseph Smith's sacrifice for us and how eternal families are the ultimate goal of this gospel and our time here on earth.  Lyle and I both cried as we bore our testimonies to him.  It was a teaching moment for us as well.

We ended the evening by eating at Wingers.  It was such a great day.  There was no arguing, no fighting, no stress.  Just a warm, fall day, filled with the Spirit and the people I love the most.