Salt Lake Temple, one last time before the renovation

Today, Mom and I traveled to SLC to meet Erika at the Salt Lake Temple.  We knew it would be the last time we would be able to visit this temple before it closes for renovation for FOUR YEARS.  It was wonderful to be there again with my sister and mom.

Things I want to remember:

Tons more women than men.  Probably 3 to 1 ratio.
Moving from the Creation room to the Garden of Eden room, then upstairs to the Telestial World room, having to wait here in this room before going next door to the Terrestrial Room (because the group ahead of us was so big I would guess), then finally into the Celestial Room, where there were literally 100 people.  Not kidding.  I've been in the Salt Lake Celestial Room probably a half a dozen times in my life, and never have I seen it so busy. It was amazing !

After we got back down to the dressing room, mom came out (after she had changed her clothes)  with mud? on her shoes......... so strange.  She hadn't tracked any in, and then when she came out?  It was all over....... so strange.

Finally, as we were in the elevators taking us back to the parking garage under the Conference Center, we passed a women (going into the elevator) as Mom and I were coming out.  I thought she looked so familiar !  I told mom, "I think that is a General President.............of something or another".  As I looked back, I saw Erika who was still in the elevator (headed down another level), look at the woman intently.  I knew that SHE would know who she was.  Sure enough when we got back to our car, Erika had left a text message.............not a General President, but Elizabeth Smart's MOTHER.  Of course, Erika struck up a conversation (no surprise :)  I'll have to ask her about it at Thanksgiving.