Before leaving Vivi with the baby sitter, we packed blankets, water, and snacks. We brought hats for the sun and sweatshirts for the cold following sunset. We stopped on the way there to pick up pizza and crazy bread.
We arrived at the Mesa Temple ground around 5:30, 2 and 1/2 hours before the show actually started. It was perfect timing. Many people were already there (I can recall groups from my singles ward going as early as 2:00 to save seats), but we snagged ideal seats for us. They weren't too far back - about even with the entrance to the Visitor's center. And they were on the end of aisle, making it easy for us to get up and move around.
As we got there, clouds passed in front of the sun, cooling the otherwise hot day. It was perfectly pleasant as we ate our picnic dinner.
After dinner, Kevin took Bridgette to the Visitor's center. I read from my ipad outside, while they did the whole tour. Later, I walked with Bridgette around the Temple grounds. She cartwheeled (her standard mode of movement) on the lawns and in front of the reflecting pool. I briefly shared my testimony with her as I gave her hug - though I doubt she'll remember that with everything else going on.
Finally, the pageant itself began. So, lovely. My favorite part were the Angels up high, trumpeting their joy. I also loved the dancing of Mary and later the Ten Virgins (though it is a parable I still struggle with). Bridgette too watched raptly throughout, asking questions about how the Angels got up there, and was that a crane holding Jesus up? (Yes, it was).
But at the end she reiterated the story that matters. Jesus died, and then he lived again.
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