Tonight we all went to the Rexburg, Idaho Temple Open House. It was a beautiful experience. We assembled in the chapel of the nearby Stake Center until we were called to form a line that was taken to a classroom to view a video presentation about temples. Sister missionaries were there to host and introduce the presentation, and community patrons were there to direct all of the many people(some volunteers said that over 10,000 people went through the temple today!). After watching that we began our walk to the temple. Tents had been set up for shelter between the temple and stake center. These came in very handy since it has been snowing and blowing. Alexis, Mason, and Lily were very well mannered and behaved appropriately. As their mother, I was very proud of them! Olivia had a quick nap at the beginning and then woke up and was happy enough the rest of the time through. Alexis said her favorite part was the baptistery – because she was going to be going there soon. She also liked the sealing room. Mason's favorite part was also the baptistery. Lily was amazed by the chandeliers in the celestial room and also loved to learn about marriages in the sealing room and looking in the mirrors that never end. Olivia saw a picture in the women's dressing room of Mary riding on the donkey, great with child. She loved looking at it and continued to ask where Mary was. She also enjoyed all of the beautiful pictures of the Savior. Stephen loved the creation room, painted by Leon Parson. The Grand Teton is in this mural and the other parts reflect the beauties that surround Rexburg. As for me, I really loved just feeling the peace that the temple can offer – even if not dedicated yet. I felt overwhelmed with the reality that a temple is actually in my town – Rexburg, Idaho. My gratitude and anxiousness to attend was manifest through my watering eyes. I never would have thought! I loved being there with my immediate family especially – I am glad that we can be a forever family, I love them all so very much! All of the parker clan was there – except Stacie's family. And my parents were also there. I saw a painting of the woman at the well with Christ and it reminded me of how lucky I am. I have the living waters at my finger tips and I love that we can "drink and thirst no more!" The gospel is definitely the plan of happiness – it is comforting to know that I have a purpose and reason for being here on the earth. I am grateful that I have been taught what this plan is and that I can be with my family together forever someday! When we were finished with the tour, we walked back over to the stake center and refreshments of pink lemonade and cookies were provided. Stephen rewarded all of our family with a yogurt from Mill Hollow Frozen Yogurt because of our good behavior!