Although a small space, the visitors center is SO beautiful and has a peace you feel the second you step through the door that only the Spirit can bring. It's filled with interactive areas equipped some sweet technology. It kind of reminds me of a spiritual OMSI :)
The kids really enjoyed selecting Books of Mormon in different languages that would automatically start to read aloud in that particular language and they could follow along on the TV screen above.
We saw the film on Families and all the kids (minus JJ--who doesn't sit still unless he's sleeping) were captivated by it the entire time. I love how the Church can create an 11 minute message that can be so moving and more edifying than 20 full length movies combined that come out of Hollywood. It truly is amazing how you can see the Lord's hand in everything.
Here we are at the statue of the Savior, right inside the entrance. He actually gives a short but compelling message to follow Him. Again, all the kids were alert and attentive while they listened to the voice from above. I appreciate how the screen behind the statue isn't just clouds or a blue sky. It's a beautiful backdrop representing the northwest. The kids were able to give Jesus a hug and feel the nail prints in his hands, feet and side.
And this...well...this is pretty much the Houghlings in a pictorial nutshell. Jake being the sweet big brother and holding JJ. Cooper smiling in the background. Karcyn doing her unprompted girly pose. Calvin always needing to the be center of attention (and insisting that his foot remain on the ledge of the statue so he can strike his pose). JJ smiling and reaching out to anyone who will take him. And interestingly enough...as they stand inside the reach of the Savior's arms, it kind of looks to me like He's smiling. And saying, "Here they are. Love them like I do." A good reminder for me.
We didn't do everything in the visitors center due to attention spans and the fact that it was past their bedtime already. Plus we wanted to go outside and look at the temple. The staff at the visitors center gave us a scavenger hunt for the temple grounds. There was one for the visitors center on the back of it, as well. So cool! We told the kids we could do that the next time we came.
This is MY favorite picture. For a couple years, Calvin and Karcyn have requested that I sing them the primary song "I Love To See The Temple" before bed. What a wonderful thing for them to finally see the temple up close with their own two eyes. You just can't help but look up when you're there.
Can you guess what Karcyn's pointing at? Yup. Angel Moroni. She wanted to make sure Calvin saw him too.
It was a gorgeous, perfect evening to be on the temple grounds. We only wish we could have stayed longer and part of me wishes we had come sooner, but we'll be back with our kids again.
4 comments:
I need to take the kids there. Phoebe was just asking the other day when we would go see the statue of Jesus. I thought she was referring to the Cristus in Salt Lake, but now I'm wondering if someone told her about the one at the visitor's center here?
Love the pictures and it sounds like you all had a wonderful evening. Wish we could have been there too. Thanks for the recap of JJ's first year. Loved those pictures of him. Mom and Dad
It's fun to see your family after few years, it has gotten bigger :)Congarts :)
That wa actually me leaving a comment...Bobby was still signed in. Congrats I meant to say :)
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