Trip to St. George (Feb. 29 - Mar. 1)

Sitting in the oversized chair somewhere on the way to St. George.

Anyone know where this is? I can't remember.

Man, it fit all four of us (Emily, Christian, Mom E, Dad E)

Don't ask Greg who locked the keys in the car...he is just enjoying his ice cream :)

Was it Debra?

Hiking in Snow Canyon was beautiful!

The father/daughter pic

How about this for a cool pic.
I love being able to see the reflections of the clouds in this small pond.

Another cool picture. Shapes like these were all over

Where's Austin? This is the Highland Rugby Team

...and this was only on the way down!

my thighs were never big enough.

Dreams Do Come True

On August 23, 2008 Emily Edmondson and I were married in the Salt Lake City Temple at 3:00 PM. But let's set the stage at least a little...

How do you describe the best day of your life? Well, women have been dreaming of the day since they were young girls and us men, though we may not spend time looking at cataloges or magazines, I have to confess, I too have been dreaming of this day for some time. Both Emily and I are getting married a little later than we expected, but looking back on our paths that led us to one another, we wouldnt have it any other way!

One of my favorite moments of the day was arriving to the Temple. After parking at the Joseph Smith Memorial, Emily and I were able to stop by the Lion House Cafe in the Joseph Smith Memorial building for a quick snack before we the ceremony and busy afternoon began. With dress, temple bags and all in hand we sat down for some sandwhiches and drinks in a table that had us facing west looking toward the temple.

As we sat down, in that moment it seemed that all of the hustle and bustle of the previous weeks had paid off. Both Emily were able to enjoy the peace of knowing we were suppose to be together forever. We were both impressed with the beauty of the day, the temple and the marvelous feelings of peace we felt before being sealed together. We both feel that this was Heavenly Father's moment to pull us aside from the events of the day, help us feel peaceful and prepared for what would occur within the next few hours.

Soon enough we were in the temple and being led in our different directions to be prepared for the sealing. Ironically, the temple couple that was escorting Emily and I were Brother and Sister Skousen - next door neighbors of my Dad while he grew up. While I waiting for Emily, Brother Skousen told me some pretty good stories about my Dad-they may come in handy ;)

Before we knew it we were in the Temple with the ones we loved. We wish we could have fit everyone in there but will never forget how special it was to have those that were with us. Not only did we have our immediate family with us but also close friends. I was particularly impressed that my close friend Brother Judd King was able to make it! Just two days before the sealing had donated his kidney to a cousin yet determined he would make it to the sealing got special permission to be there though he was in a lot of pain. Thank you Brother King. It meant so much to me to have you there!

There are fewer things on this earth that are more sacred than the feelings felt and words expressed during a sealing in the LDS temples. Elder Carmack who had served as my Mission President in the Porto Portugal Mission and also knew my grandfather Lorry Rytting sealed us.

The sealing was an unforgettable experience. The sealing is a ceremony in which one given the sealing power through the priesthood seals a couple together for all time and eternity rather than just mortality. In the beauty of Heavenly Father's house we made promises to each other which, if honored, will help us ensure that we return to Him, together. We both appreciated the clarity with which he spoke and the importance he expressed to the promises and blessings offered. In fact, those who were there will attest, this was one time where I may have beat Emily according to the number of tears that were shed.

After the ceremony we enjoyed greeting our family and friends but in those quit moments as we took pictures and walked around the temple grounds together, we knew that the most important event we had both dreamed about had already taken place - we had been sealed together for all time and eternity! The pictures, reception, we just the icing on the cake. I still find it hard to describe how wonderful August 23rd was for me.

While I can simply say that it was the best day of my life, it's simply impossible to describe through words how special this day was! As we reflect on the paths that led us to each other, we know those paths led us to the journey we are now starting together! We are excited and couldn't be happier to be together!