I wanted to cap off our Easter celebration with a trip to Temple Square. It was gorgeous! Jeff patiently wrangled the kids and stroller while I dragged behind clicking away. Aside from the silhouetted temple shot (with lamppost and hanging branches), which I lightened in Photoshop just a bit, these images are exactly as I took them. I had a lot of fun.
The light was dimming fast, but I liked it -- for how the last glinting rays of the day's sun said goodnight to the statue of Moroni, how certain flowers stood out more brilliantly, how lampposts passed along the baton from dusk. A lone interior light on the south side of the temple captured my interest.
We visited the statue of the Christus. Samuel, as usual, wanted to walk his own path. He was vocally mad when I pulled him the other way to carry him up the ramp to see the statue. (That building has great acoustics, I must say.) When he stopped crying upon seeing Christ's representation, however, I thought, Wow -- he knows. But then he went right back to tantrummy Samuel, and we had to quickly flee.
I was most touched when Elise's usual loud commentary was hushed to a reverent, awe-filled whisper. "Mom!" she said, most concerned, "I can see the nails."
This year, perhaps more than any other, I am so grateful for Easter. I value Christ's atonement and the promise of resurrection more than I can say. I am so glad that families can be together forever.
It seems that all of my children, at one time or another, have clasped "I Love to See the Temple" close to their hearts as a favorite primary song. They seem to know, long before they even step through the temple doors, how special these beautiful buildings are. I don't do enough to teach my children how I love the temple, too. I need to improve.
