California–Temples

Finally finished going through all the pictures through August, so now time to post about our trip.  I felt bad looking through the pics we took….which were very few.  Most were off of Dan’s phone.  But then, how many pictures do you really need to take at Disneyland??
We arrived at the house in Anaheim on the first Saturday in August (the house was completely AMAZING!!!), did a BBQ, swam in the pool, and just hung out.  On Sunday, instead of doing church we decided to take the boys to see the Newport Temple, and then drive to the Los Angeles Temple.  It was a great Sunday activity, and I actually brought the camera.
First up: Newport, CA Temple

I had my boys touch the temple…a tradition that a friend of mine has with her family and I thought it would be a great way for the boys to physically remember the experience.  Probably didn’t, but at least it gave them something quiet to do.

Dan was great about doing an impromptu lesson about the temple, and the boys enjoyed strolling (running) around the gardens. 

My cute one year old that almost started walking.
Then we jumped in the car and headed up to the LA Temple.  The boys were excited to see where Grandma Rita and Papa Derek were married.
Los Angeles, CA Temple

They had an amazing garden on the side of the temple, so we spent some time taking pictures.

After strolling around the grounds we headed over to the Visitor’s Center and had the boys do the activities.  We learned a lot about the history of that temple and then about service.  It was a great discussion to have with the boys.  The loved being able to get so close to the statue. 
On Thursday we went down to San Diego to go to a Chargers game.  After the game we drove up past the San Diego Temple, and had to stop to take a picture.

It was a late night, but the boys loved seeing it lit up at night.  We got the traditional “It’s a castle Mom”.  We were so blessed to have this opportunity, and loved sharing our testimonies of the temple with our boys.