New York

   Weston and I have been in Philadelphia for almost 2 years now and we haven't been going to the temple, whether it be the Washington D.C or New York, as often as we would have liked. So about a couple of weeks ago we decided that we would just do it. We would take turns while the other would watch the kids. When I looked out the window the next day I had asked Weston if we should prepare for some rainy weather but he had reassured me that he had checked the weather online and the hour by hour forecast. It was going to be cloudy but overall a beautiful day. As we were driving in to New York, of course it was pouring rain, but we did not let it dampen (get it? ha!) our spirits. We went to the temple and had the best day.
      While Weston was at the temple I went with the kids to FAO Shwartz, my first time there, and I just thought to myself, this is the Costco for toys! It was amazing! Oliver even got to meet Spiderman AND Captain America. Oliver is so funny with superheroes. When we spotted Spiderman he was just ecstatic and was running trying to find the way to get up to him since he was on the second floor. When we got there he got shy and timid and wouldn't even talk to him. One of the workers asked if we would like to have a picture taken and when the camera man started asking Oliver to smile, he just stood next to Spiderman with a mixed look of boredom and I-just-woke up face. Of course when they were done he smiled the cutest smile and was jumping up and down and climbing on the rail to show his Spiderman moves. What a funny kid!
       When Weston was done he met up with us and we perused through the store together and we both felt like little kids. It was a lot of fun. And we had to look for the famous Big Piano which Oliver had a blast on. We then walked back to the temple to drop me off for my turn while daddy and the kiddos hung out at central park. I wasn't able to stay as long as I would have liked but it was incredibly rejuvenating. I felt my spirits lift! I had been having a difficult time with my patience and I would pray for help and I kept feeling like we just needed a temple trip. After I was done I could feel more strongly the Savior's love for me and the feeling that He was very much aware of me and that He understands. Just knowing that my Savior is aware of me and loves me and feeling that I wasn't alone, even though that's how I had felt on my bad days, has helped me be a better mom. I love my Savior and I love my family! And I am grateful that He helps me be a better person for my family, so that they don't have to deal with a grumpy mom and wife everyday, just sometimes :)

Bow Bridge in Central Park

     Overall, a beautiful and adventurous day with the family!