For the First Time in Forever

For the first time, this week we attended the temple as an entire family.  Seven years ago, Maddie received her limited use recommend for the temple.  Jayd quickly followed.  Over the years, we have made it a point to take them to the temple as often as possible.  Most of the time, Jeff would take them since he was a priesthood holder and could participate in the ordinances as well.  It was a special time for the older two to spend with Jeff.  It was also a special time for me to spend with the younger two children.  While on vacation, we would often choose a few temples to do baptisms.  There were many occasions while traveling where we sat on the temple grounds, talking about the temple, and the work that was performed inside while we waited.  Allie and Gabe eagerly anticipated the day when they would be old enough to go inside the temple instead of waiting outside with me.
That day has finally come.  We attended the temple this week as a complete family.  It was a very sweet experience.  We were able to do some family file names.  We baptized a dad and his four children, two sons and two daughters.  It just felt symbolic to begin the process of reuniting that family while bringing our own family closer to heaven.  It was a great day at the temple, and a
fulfillment of one of my lifelong dreams, to be with all of my children in the temple.