Temple Open House

We truly felt so blessed to live here during the Fort Collins Temple open house. I went five times, Jeff went four times, Lily went three times, and the boys went two times. It's so neat that every time we pass the temple now, the kids are so excited to know they have been inside. Lily loved the bride's room with the full length mirror. Max liked the temple, but did not like wearing the booties. For awhile, that was the main thing he talked about afterward, that he didn't like the booties and was happy to throw them away at the end. Jeff had them look at the mirrors in the sealing room and explained how we are all connected. We talked about the celestial room, baptisms, looked at the beautiful paintings on the walls, and just enjoyed the beauty of the temple. What a truly unique experience, one I hope the kids will remember. 

The first time we went was with Sarah, Michael, Diana, and Sarah's co-workers. Norma has two daughters and they acted like they were all best friends. They were inseparable and held hands walking through. It was pretty sweet. 

We went to get ice cream after and the kids had fun putting toppings on.  

The next time we went was with our neighbors, Paige, Jake, Leah, Taryn, and their friends who live close by. It was very nice and they asked a lot of questions and really enjoyed the tour. Jake is a builder and said that they just don't make buildings like this anymore.

Lily, Leah, and Taryn

Another time we took Lily's old preschool teachers, Miss Anissa Brand and Miss Debby Onda, from RCS. They loved seeing us again and were just in awe of the beauty of the temple. I was so impressed they made time to come, and they were grateful to have gone through before the dedication, since they drive past it all the time.

Another time we went with Lily's friend Olivia's mom Courtney Briscoe. She loved it as well, asked a lot of questions, and thought it was so beautiful. I forgot to mention that the video showed before the open house was really well done with a great spirit to it. Jeff had been out of town when I went the other times, so this was his first time to go and he just loved it.

Jeff took his home teaching family, the Fords, one night. They just loved it and wanted to make it a goal to go as a family. Jeff said it was a wonderful, powerful, and spirit filled night.

And finally we got to go as a family! Since the kids had gone with me before, they had a great time going through with Jeff. He was so patient to explain and point out things to them. He also held Max most of the time too because he didn't want to wear the booties again. I can't say enough how treasured this experience is for me and our family. We were truly blessed! Jeff went one more time with a friend from school who lives in Fort Collins, is from India and Hindu. It was an interesting experience, but it always feels wonderful sharing our beliefs and sacred places with others.