Once unloading and visiting for a bit, we made the short twenty minute drive to see the Manti temple. I remember several summers sitting below the hill, watching as my cousins performed in the annual Mormon Miracle Pageant. Matt also remembers coming down to see it with his youth groups. The last time we made it down was to see my cousin married, eight years ago. Both of those occasions were among large crowds. This day, as we wandered the grounds as a family, things were much more quiet. A beautiful way to spend Memorial Day's afternoon!MANY pictures follow. Those included would have certainly filled an old-fashioned 35m roll of film. Thank goodness for the digital ability to take COUNTLESS shots and choose the few that turned out. But, even then, this visit has a large load. Too many sweet moments and cute memories to not include. So, either enjoy as if you are a friend stuck on a couch as I flip slowly through a family vacation album, or scroll thru quickly and make the visit yourself someday. Although, after so many angles, you may just be content visiting vicariously through us. For now...
We parked up around the side of the temple, and started from there. I thought it was interesting how this wall just butted right into the mountainside. I also thought the multi-colored stone, quarried from the hillside it sits next to, was especially beautiful up close.
There were MANY stairs to climb. This large case lead to the upper side. There we found two smaller staircases. The girls were quick to the top of the left stairs. Brother not far behind. Matt and I tried to take a break atop the right stairs. Brother, again, was not far behind!
Returning back down to ground level, the girls found a rock area to sit atop. Each smiling in front of a beautifully crafted window. We continued around the other walls, and back.
I love this picture of Matt and Tyler. Sweet boy. He has become especially clingy lately. He did find a secluded corner of the walls to wander independently into, tho. Wasn't long before his hideout had to be shared with his sisters. Second picture shows him gesturing "come." Third shows all three "surrounded by the temple" as Matt pointed out.
Then, of course, a visit to the Manti temple cannot seem complete without rolling down the large grass hill. The girls were off as soon as we said go. Tyler took their actions in and then made an attempt of scooting down the slope backwards, as he does stairs. Matt ended up helping his to the bottom.
There were MANY stairs to climb. This large case lead to the upper side. There we found two smaller staircases. The girls were quick to the top of the left stairs. Brother not far behind. Matt and I tried to take a break atop the right stairs. Brother, again, was not far behind!
Returning back down to ground level, the girls found a rock area to sit atop. Each smiling in front of a beautifully crafted window. We continued around the other walls, and back.
I love this picture of Matt and Tyler. Sweet boy. He has become especially clingy lately. He did find a secluded corner of the walls to wander independently into, tho. Wasn't long before his hideout had to be shared with his sisters. Second picture shows him gesturing "come." Third shows all three "surrounded by the temple" as Matt pointed out.
Then, of course, a visit to the Manti temple cannot seem complete without rolling down the large grass hill. The girls were off as soon as we said go. Tyler took their actions in and then made an attempt of scooting down the slope backwards, as he does stairs. Matt ended up helping his to the bottom.
I sat midway down the hill. From that vantage point, I could see the girls start again from the top (Can you see them as itty-bitty spots in the lower left of the second picture below?). I could also watch as they ran wild on the flat field below. This visit turned out to be wonderful. Beautiful weather. Up close angles. Open space to run and laugh. And, nearly alone!
Utah Temples to Tour:
BountifulBrigham City Draper Jordan River Logan Manti Monticello Mount TimpanogosOgden Oquirrh Mountain Payson Provo St. George Salt LakeVernal
(*On our drive home, we stopped for a park and lunch in Payson. We found the overgrown field that has been announced as the spot for Utah's 15th temple. Over half already visited! This whole temple-visiting-challenge we've set has given me the chance to better understand exactly where the temples in Utah are and the numbers of local members they each are serving. Also, I'm realizing random details like the fact that the Manti temple sits on a spot once infested with rattlesnakes.)
No comments:
Post a Comment