Vancouver BC temple trip

So, we were able to take a quick trip up to Canada to attend the Vancouver BC temple, in Langley. British Columbia is where J served his mission. He has fond memories of the area, and the BC temple is now in my parents temple district. It's a beautiful, fairly quick drive from their place....except for the border crossing. Going into Canada was fairly quick. And, amazingly we were there in no time. Isn't it beautiful. It is a small temple, but still something like 20,000 sq feet. ;) There is also a brand new chapel beside it...with a stake center (or much larger chapel) just down the road. Pretty interesting.

For the tour, we went into the new chapel and waited. We really only had to wait a few minutes...barely long enough for a 'washroom' break, and then it was our turn. I think they had tours going out ever 3-4 minutes, and they were taking about 25 people through each group. They then take us in a classroom and show a video about temples and the history of the church in that area.

Then we get the grand tour. they had the sidewalks over to the temple covered..which was very nice. There were volunteers at the entrance giving us booties and even assisting in putting them on. They are used to keep the carpets clean. I saw a girl all growd up that I knew when we lived there. That was awesome. There ended up being quite a few friends working that day that I had the chance to see.

While we were walking over to the temple a guy started a conversation with Kaleb...asking where he was from and such...He then mentioned that he and another guy there had served their missions in the area. I told them J had also...and after a bit of talking they all realized they were in the mission together...just at different locations. So, of the thousands of people attending the open house...3 missionaries serving at the same time....some 17 years ago...were in our small group of 25. it was crazy! and awesome.

I can't seem to be able to post a link...but if you go to lds.org

go to the newsroom

go down to the article on the Vancouver BC Temple open house

there are pictures of the inside of the temple.

It is very beautiful.

they used local artists, with artwork depicting the area. and featured the area flower in the decor. It was very beautiful. Jessie said that when Jonathan went through he noticed how you could not see any nails or nail holes..that were covered. He's done a little construction..so he had a keen eye for the minute details. Anyways, as all temple are, it was gorgeous...

After the tour, we were invited back to the cultural hall in the church for cookies. I can't imagine how many cookies they had to purchase for the open house. They appeared to be costco cookies.

I heard that just last saturday there were 6 thousand visitors...and this open house went on for 2 weeks. that's alot of cookies! :) they also served lemon water and cucumber water, which I had never tried before. It was good. I saw some other friends working there. ;) (I love my Bellingham people!)

It was a wonderful experience. I am soo glad we were able to go, and bring the kids. As is the custom for Temples, Only active, worthy adults may enter the temple after it's dedication. Youth 12 and older are able to go, only to the baptismal area, to perform baptisms for the dead. So, this was a great opportunity for our kids to see the inside of the temple.

The entrance. I am sorry my photos aren't very good. It was raining...or had been...I didn't put alot of effort into them...just got the necessary ones done. ;)

family shot.

Everyone walking back to the car.

Jessie taking photos also.

We saw this cool bridge near the temple site. I forced J to take us over it just so we could get a better view.

the golden eagle is represented

isn't it cool?

We wanted to stop and get souveniers, but I couldn't find anything convenient...so we didn't even stop anywhere else.

When we got back to the border crossing, it was quite a bit longer. .8 miles to be exact...thanks to our GPS! the kids in the back...and Lilah...she doesn't stay home yet...

we're getting closer....our frustrated driver.....

Jessie, Mom and Amber came along for the ride. It was going to be a short visit...They'd been earlier in the week at different times, so could tell us how their tours were different. Amber looks a little grumpy. I don't think she was...just didn't realize I was taking a shot I guess. the kids messing around in the back. I love having the suburban, and being able to carry a car load of people. :)

getting even closer....time to get out all our documents...3 birth certificates, 4 enhanced licenses, 1 passport, and one rabies paper! there were 4 or 5 booths open, so they were moving along pretty good, but it still probably took us 45 minutes to get through that .8 miles of vehicles.

The rest of our trip was just as quick. I forgot to mention, we only got to Bellingham late, friday evening....and had to leave Saturday afternoon. It was a very busy, beautiful, hectic, weekend.

Now I am excited for J and I to be able to do a session up there. :) Hopefully this summer sometime, while the kids are up there for Karate.