Pima Temple Open House

This past weekend we had the opportunity to go to the Pima Temple open house with my family.  I was disappointed that Jon Mark wasn't able to go with us.  I think he would have enjoyed seeing his children go inside the temple for the first time.  But, we couldn't seem to figure out a time when everyone could go, so we went with the majority.  As it turned out, everyone except for Jon Mark were able to be in attendance.  Joshua and Mercedes were a little too young for the trip (especially Mercedes).  They both woke up from their naps and realized that they were still in their carseats which made them very grouchy.  That grouchiness continued until we were just about to go into the temple.  Luckily, they did calm down, and I think they both enjoyed it.  Joshua was in awe when he saw the beautiful chandiliers throughout, and he enjoyed looking at all of the artwork depicting the Savior.  My niece, after seeing one painting of Jesus, exclaimed, "Jesus is wearing flip flops!".  Here are my kids just before leaving for the trip.  I'm glad that I decided to pack some sweatshirts last minute, because it was cold and windy in Pima and my kids would have frozen. 

This is us in the back of the temple.At one point, my dress actually flew up to my head because of the wind.  I guess I should be fortunate that my "underwear" is rather modest.

Mercedes got a little bit cranky towards the end.  Here she is with my mom.

Dad, Bekah, Mom, Mercedes, Lindsay, Elena, Brian, Ben, Lily, Vanessa, Casey, Joshua, Me, Tyler

Casey, sporting a blanket for a coat.

Mercedes and my mom.

This is Bekah and a kitten that she loved a little too much.  We had to teach Bekah that shaking animals was not okay and neither was carrying it with her hands tightly around it's neck.  That poor kitten kept trying to get away. 

It was a good little trip.  Joshua loved seeing his "new" cousins, and being in a "castle" (my uncle and aunts house that has very high ceilings), and Mercedes loved all of the attention.