Salt Lake Temple Exhibit & Temple Square

Steven and I went to Temple Square a couple weeks ago to see the miniature Salt Lake Temple replica. We went on the perfect day. It had just stopped raining and the weather was wonderful.

The replica was so amazingly detailed! It's like they cut off the side of the temple and let you look inside. VERY cool to see.

I had no idea that the corner spires were staircases. But then, how else would they get from level to level years ago? Crazy cool! Now we are spoiled with elevators and escalators inside.

Of course I remember (and most of you will too) this room the most. I spent many a mutual night doing baptisms for the dead at the Salt Lake Temple through my teenage years. Brings back lots of memories. Especially two bishopric members baptizing me who were about a foot shorter than me. You learn to "crouch". :D

I was amazed at the attention to detail of the Celestial room. It looks EXACTLY like this! I love this room for it's beauty and the peace I've felt while sitting in there. I've sat and talked with my mom in here for hours. I love the Celestial room. I've never felt more that we are all brothers and sisters and Children of Heavenly Father than I have while in the celestial room with my family AND many complete strangers. Man, I need to go again! Everyone should, it's a wonderful place to be.

Here you can see about how big the replica is. They have touch screen TV's around the exhibit that tell you about each room and show you up close pictures of them all. Everyone should see this exhibit! It's in the south visitor's center if you're interested!

They have changed the whole upper floor of the building to relate to temples and tell about their history, specifically the Salt Lake Temple. I loved the Angel Moroni and the exterior close up displays.

We walked around the temple for a while afterwards and just sat and stared. Being on the temple grounds is just so peaceful and makes you ponder everything. I love being on Temple Square!

This is the tree my parents sat on the day they were married. Now it's chained off and supported by metal rods, and they placed a chair in front for people to sit on.

The flowers and landscaping are spectacular. I especially liked this cluster of flowers and really want to find out what they are.

We were leaving just as the sun was setting, and the reflection pool was glowing gold and making the temple shine.

I think the Tabernacle looks great since they refinished the roof. And don't forget the sister missionaries! Temple square wouldn't be the same without them. Steven and I "get" to talk to them every time we go. He knows what I mean by "get" :)

I don't think I've had a better time at Temple Square my entire life. Of course it helps when you have someone's hand to hold as you walk through. That makes everything there that much more amazing.

Curfew......what curfew?

After the YSA summit carnival and dance, Rachel and I drove downtown to browse temple square a bit. It was 11pm, very dark, lots of weirdos(including us), and very entertaining. For me at least.

While I was trying to take some pictures, Rachel entertained herself by swinging on objects, running around wildly, and making the occasional "whoop" noise. I pretended not to know her

I tried to get some symmetrical and close up pictures of the temple, but there were millions (ok, like 5) couples glued together in their smushyness practically making out, all of them of course in the way. So Rachel and I trekked off to find a better place with no PDA involved. We found a secluded spot by one of the church's office buildings.


We even got rained on a bit. We didn't mind though, it got rid of some of the overly affectionate couples.


It's been fun visiting all the temples in the valley. Last night my parents and I went to do a session at the Jordan River Temple. We're so blessed to have so many temples nearby. I need to go more often. So should you all. guilt............


Rachel took the camera. Again she succeeds in taking the worst picture of me possible. I don't know how she does it.


Rachel had a thing for swinging on the poles that night. Right after this picture, she hit her head. She then moved on to the whooping at random cars. I have no idea where the insanity comes from.


This week for family night we drove off to see another work-in-progress temple. This one is the Draper. You have to climb quite the mountain side to get to it. It's surrounded by mansions and castles. I'm not even joking. Many were up for touring in the parade of homes. They were gigantic. I thought it was unique how the angel Moroni has a golden platform on this temple. Like they wanted to make sure he was extra tall or something..


We have the worst timing as a family. Each time we go see a temple, it's getting dark and I can only get couple pictures that are really dark. One of these days I'll go alon during the day and get some good ones.

Entrance at the conference center. Did you know the garbage cans along the doors aren't bolted down? I refuse to reveal the outcome of Rachel and I gaining that knowledge for fear of criminal charges. It wasn't that illegal.

All in all, it was a fun night with the carnival and then a couple hours downtown. We didn't exactly keep track of time and got home around 1am. We don't officially have a curfew at home. We never needed one because we were responsible teenagers. Just don't mention anything about garbage cans, random cars and a security camera to my parents and we'll be fine.