Draper Temple Open House

Thursday we had the opportunity to attend the Draper Temple Open House. We had received tickets through the stake and were lucky enough to get the first day. Our tickets were for 2:40, which meant we had to take the kids out of school early, but I am so glad we did. We miraculously made it early to the parking lot and shared the large bus with only one other family. Daryl's sister Ginnie was a bus host (someone who gives a pre-prepared background about the temple on the bus as you drive there) at that parking lot, but unfortunately we just missed getting on with her. Ashlyn was disappointed that Ginnie wasn't our bus driver (I would have loved to watch Ginnie drive the bus), even after we explained to Ashlyn that Ginnie wasn't a bus driver.

When we got to the temple we exited the bus and entered the tent that would take us to the front doors of the temple. It was long, I am sure in preparation for the expected crowds, but we were the only ones walking through it. This is where I am so glad we took the kids out of school early. At that time of the day there were very few people and we were able to stop in each of the rooms of the temple and talk and explain things to the kids because there was no one waiting behind us. The 15th just happened to be the day that Grandma and Grandpa Glazier's stake was asked to volunteer. They were supposed to volunteer later in the day, but someone called them the day before and asked them if they could switch. What were the chances that we would there the same time and the same day. Daryl's parents were giving a small presentation in one of five sealing rooms. They watched for us and we were able to be put in their sealing room. I know that was a neat experience for the kids. During their presentation they mentioned what a neat experience it was to have their son and his family in the room with them. No one would have probably known who we were, except Madisyn covered her face when that was said and so we had everyones eyes on us. I know that this will definitly help the kdis remember this day. After making our way through the temple, we exited though some more tents that took us over to a church building where they served us cookies. They also had people playing hymns on the piano and violin. Ryan asked if I would dance with him and he attempted to do the waltz with me. (This gave me the great idea of signing Ryan up for ballroom dance lessons, but Daryl quickly squashed that thought).

The kids thoughts on the whole experience:

Ryan: I loved going to the temple

Tyler: I loved seeing Grandma and Grandpa and getting cookies

Ashlyn: The baptismal font and the beautiful crystal chandeliers in the celestial room and sealing room.

Madisyn: The oxen around the baptismal font ("Can people go down there? I would like to go and pet them and say hi!"), the telestial room and the chandeliers.

The only picture we got outside was with Daryl's cell phone right before the bus took off. Hopefully we will get one sometime with the whole family. Daryl's parents said that near the time they left the crowds started to form. So if you want to take some words form the "Y"s, go on a weekday in the middle of the day before people are out of school or work. We also found that they don't ask or check for tickets, so as long as you know of a parking lot to go to where you can access the shuttle, you should be able to get in when it's convenient with no problem.