Mini Fam Vacation in Bismarck: The Temple

For the attending the Temple part of our vacation, Brett & Shay went to the 6 o'clock session and the Larsen's went to the one at eight on Friday night. It worked out perfect because it just happened that one of the families in our Ward were going through the Temple for the 1st time tonight. Brett & I got to be there. There were quite of few people from our ward on the session (including the entire Bishopric and their wives). It is always fun when you see people you know. We are so proud of the Burckhards and their decision to go to the Temple. Congrats guys!

After our session, the Kid Swap occurred in the waiting room of the Bismarck Temple.  The kids were fabulous! When someone goes through for 1st time, the Temple workers have them wait until the very end. So- we were all waiting in the Celestial Room for them. Brett & I definitely wanted to give Rita & Joe a hug so it took us a bit to get out to the kids. The Temple Presidency was great at keeping an eye on them. When I got out there, they were all very reverent, reading the Friend magazines and feeding Sophie snacks. Thanks guys- you are such great kids! When Brett finally came out (a little background info... when Brett was growing up and his family would go swimming- Brett was always the last one out of the dressing room. And let me remind you that he has 7 sisters!! I love that crazy man- although we can blame this one on the Bishop- he does like to talk. LOL!), we took them outside to go touch the temple. It's one of our favorite traditions and we hope that the kids always love the Temple and feel it's special power.

"As we touch the temple and love the temple, our lives will reflect our faith. As we go to the holy house, as we remember the covenants we make therein, we will be able to bear every trial and overcome each temptation."- President Thomas S. Monson

Then. we tried to get everyone loaded in the car but some of them wanted to walk all the way around the Temple. We let Liberty watch Baby Sophie in the warm car and the rest of us went on a little chilly trek. It was really dark by then but the kids loved it. They LOVED rolling down the big hill until they were completely dizzy! What fun memories!