Today, today, work with a will...

About a month ago we had the opportunity to help clean the temple grounds on a Saturday morning as a family. The morning started out early... had to be there by 7 and this is how all the kids looked till we got there...



This is a shot of Savannah and Ryan before the work started.



Before we were assigned a job, the temple president and his wife came and talked to us and bore their testimonies. It was awesome to see them! We also sang some opening songs and had a prayer. Ryan got to help some of the kids lead the songs.



We were the trash crew. Here is Nathan pulling the cart that eventually held all the trash. I think this was the happiest Ethan was all morning!




Ryan was so happy the entire morning. He loved that we all got a pair of gloves so we didn't get gross stuff on our hands. His didn't stay on too long but he was pretty thrilled initially.



I love this picture of the little boys. There is nothing more rewarding than seeing your children serve together. Ethan was very good to help Ryan steer the cart the right way.



There is no greater way to teach children than by our own example. Nathan was very serious about the work we were doing that morning. He told the kids that we should take extra care because this was the Lord's house. I am thankful for a husband who quietly leads with a strong example of what is right. All the kids wanted to work by him.



Savannah loved this part. She literally "dug" right in!



Ethan muscled through it but was glad when we were done!




Little Trooper! :)



Here is a shot of Garett, much like his dad, who worked quietly and diligently through the morning. With only a minor mishap in front of the baptismal entrance. Everyones kids fight... right?



Lead me, guide me...



Ryan and Garett... Sharin' the love!



All my kiddos minus Tyler. I couldn't stop thinking about him this whole morning and wishing he was there with us. We miss him so much.



A pic of the whole family after closing remarks and prayer. What a great opportunity and I am so thankful we could go. It gave us a greater appreciation for the feelings we have when we are on temple grounds. Those feelings are in part produced by the cleanliness of the grounds. That we were able to contribute was a humbling experience. I would love to go back!