Safford Trip

This past weekend we made a trip to the Gila Valley. The purpose of the trip was to visit the Gila Valley LDS Temple Open house. We also wanted to visit the grave of the pioneer ancestor Cyrena is named for. Here are the pics of the big trip.

The girls and I headed out to Mesa around 2 so we could pick up David at work by 3:30. Both girls fell asleep on the way to David's work. We spent some time at his office meeting everyone then we were on the road.

We checked in, got some dinner then got ready to swim. However we realized the pool wasn't really 'heated' as advertised. So here's our "getting up the nerve" picture.

The girls and I braved it. We were shivering the whole time but what can we say, we love to swim!

Then we settled in for some ESPN time for David....we don't have cable so he was happy

popcorn girls

Natalie couldn't wait to wake up Cyrena the next morning

We were in room 206. We'll never forget it because Cyrena chanted it over and over and over again.

We then headed over to the Safford City Cemetery. Luckily, thanks to my aunt and uncle who had already found the plot last spring, we were able to locate it quickly. Here they are looking at the individual headstones. Cyrena, her husband Philemon, and two of their children are buried in this plot.

This monument is in the middle of the plot

So if any of you have ever wondered why we spell Cyrena's name this way it is because of this incredible woman. She was a strong, dedicated pioneer who gave all she had for her membership in the church. We've always hoped that our Cyrena will learn from her example and live a life dedicated to the Lord's church.
This was a really special experience for me, one I will treasure. David loaded the girls back into the car then came back to stand with me by the plot. We were in awe of these amazing pioneers and all they worked to accomplish. We know they are rejoicing to see a temple in the midst of what they established.

My aunt gave Cyrena this little covered wagon charm and she's been pretty attached to it. It's really cute.

She had to be in on the picture taking

After some lunch we headed over to the temple open house. It was very crowded but still a great experience. It was fun to share that time with Cyrena, explaining to her the significance of each room and what David and I do when we go there. And also for her to see a room similar to one that we were married in was neat. It is a beautiful temple (as they all are). I can't wait until the other 2 temples are built here in the valley so we can attend their open houses also.