On Friday we decided (actually Tyler really was the one who wanted to go)on going up to Salt Lake and attending President Hinkley's viewing. Many thought we were crazy because it was snowing and we had heard the lines were very long but for some reason I just kept feeling like we should still go. I don't think Brent thought it sounded like much fun taking 3 little kids to stand outside and freeze and I have to admit the thought didn't sound that entertaining to me either. Needless to say we left around 3:30 and decided to ride trax, which the kids loved, and arrived around 4:30. When we arrived at the Conference Center I was amazed to see how many people were there. You would have thought at that point we would have said forget it, but once again for some reason we decided to get in line. We ended up waiting outside for almost 2 hours and Brent and I kept looking at each other and saying, "well should we go, this is crazy?" The weird part was my kids were as happy as could be playing with other kids in line and taking turns going to the visitor's center at Temple Square. We also really enjoyed talking to so many people from all over the place and sharing each other's memories of the Prophet. So we finally approached the doors and when we stepped in they informed us that we would probably have another 1 1/2 - 2 hour wait. By now I thought I don't think these kids will make it but when we mentioned that we might leave, my children were very determined that we stay and see the Conference Center and our Prophet, President Hinkley. So once again we looked at each other and said well I guess we have made it this far and at least we would now be warm. My kids loved being in the beautiful Conference Center and we were able to watch a tribute on President Hinkley. There was such an amazing spirit that filled the room. There were all ages of people very young and very old and so many sweet people that helped entertain my children. It was such a beautiful and emotional sight to walk down the hall of the prophets and see our beloved Prophet lying there so peacefully. We finally left the Conference Center around 10pm and Sydney said to me, "Prophet Hinkley looked like he was smiling in his coffin." I told her he probably was. I love the faith of these little children. They are such great examples to me. Had it been up to Brent and I we might have missed this amazing experience. I hope at least Tyler and Sydney will always remember a little bit of the feeling they felt on this day. I am so grateful to have these sweet little spirits in our home who are great examples to us of what it means to have faith.
I was sad that we didn't get many pictures, in fact we only have a couple of pictures in trax so here they are. I think we were too cold outside to get the camera out or too busy chasing McKay and then once we were inside they didn't allow pictures. Bummer:) If you have never taken your kids for a ride on trax, I recommend it. McKay especially loved it because I think he thought it was so cool not to have to ride in his car seat!
