Two days before we left, the Ogden Temple swung it's doors wide open for the beginning of it's open house. A two month long process where an anticipated 700,000 plus patrons will walk through this sacred building. 
The previous temple was completed in the 70's, but because of structural concerns it was torn almost completely down and re built. I loved the old Ogden temple, and I was a little disappointed when they announced the reconstruction, but after walking through today with my littles and seeing their eyes light up and answering questions, I'm excited I got to share the open house experience with them.
Grandpa Blake, Uncle Sean and Uncle Ryan couldn't stay around for pictures. It's ok, there will be a next time. In fact...As of yesterday, the Marturello family is officially scheduled for their very own sealing on December 27, 2014.
We struggled with the decision to postpone our sealing just so we could have it performed in Ogden, but I am so happy we did. I know a temple, is a temple, is a temple, but it feels so right to be able to be sealed in the temple where we walked through as a family and "picked out" our sealing room. Ogden is home and I can't imagine doing it anywhere else.
For those of you who haven't been to the open house I encourage you to go. Soon the temple will be quietly busy, and closed to the general public. If you have questions about the temple and what it's purpose is, now is the time to ask. There are so many volunteers just waiting to answer your questions.
We also took the time to visit the Daughter's of the Utah Pioneers museum today with our cousins. All that looking at "old stuff" made us hungry for ice cream. I don't think you can visit the temple and downtown Ogden without a stop at Farr's Ice Cream Shop. At least I can't!
I am so envious of their vintage ice cream signs and their minty green walls.
Hand dipped does taste better. Ben wanted proof of all the flavors offered. He's determined to try them all. Today's flavor choice? Egg nog.
Their sign is so groovy. This little ice cream parlor is an Ogden institution.
"For the temple is a holy place where we are sealed together.
As a child of God, I've learned this truth. A family is forever."
I don't know why exactly this post has brought tears to my eyes, but it has. The temple and family are such wonderful things.
ReplyDeleteDitto. I wish Dean had been there with us. Have you been yet? We really miss having a temple so close, and I know all temples are wonderful, but because Ogden is home, and with those mountains behind it...I teared up too.
DeleteI loved the open house. I too was sad that they tore down the old one, but the new one is so beautiful, and im so excited to have a temple so close again. We too had to stop at Farrs afterwards. The best ice cream around!
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