Paris Temple

The temple is a very important and sacred place to our family. Just like God's people had temples in ancient days, we use temples today. Typically, only members of our church that hold valid temple recommends (a pass representing our worthiness, or efforts in keeping all of God's commandments) are able to enter into a temple. But before a temple is dedicated to the Lord, an open house is held for anyone of the public to enter and tour through.

The Paris temple was recently dedicated and is the first LDS temple in France. This is a huge deal to many people and will allow many to be able to go to a temple more easily and regularly. A new temple is always exciting to me.

Koen's favorite room in the temple was the baptistry as he's getting super excited for his own baptism later this year. Hadley got a little tired of walking and having to be quiet, but all kids did a good job at being respectful and trying to be patient.

We went to dinner afterwards at probably one of the most American places available: Buffalo Grill.

The kids decided to try something "new" for dessert: Papa's Beard... which turns out to be cotton candy, or as the English call it, candy floss.

Now we can look into the future and see how a fluffy beard appears on Koen.

Macie was very hesitant to try it. I think she may have eventually tried a tiny bit after a long wait and it when it was about time to go.

We weren't allowed to take pictures inside the temple, but I've included photos the church made available.

There's a beautiful, grand staircase in the middle of the temple. But the best part of it is the view looking up at the stained glass.

I can't remember what flower it is, but the flower pictured in the stain glass is a flower of the king of France.

The baptismal font is where we perform baptisms in place of ancestors who have already died without being baptized. The font is placed on top of the backs of 12 oxen that represent the twelve tribes of Israel.

The Chapel.

People wait here before doing sacred work.

The Brides Room.

The photo doesn't show you the detail on the wall very well. It looks like wall paper, but was hand painted very beautifully.  The carpet was so soft and giving

A Sealing Room.

This is where couples and families are sealed together for all eternity. It's either my favorite, or one of my favorite places in any temple. What happens here makes me extra happy.

Truly... I LOVED the beautiful stain glass art in this temple.

 The Celestial Room

This is the other best spot to be in, in the temple. When you enter, you feel a little closer to Heaven.

Detail in some of the inside temple columns.

I love this, and Him.