Our Spain and Switzerland trip ~ Day 5

The next morning, we flew to Switzerland for our fifth day of the trip. And like most
everyone in the world who has visited this incredible country knows, it is hard to put into
words. But our time driving around, visiting the Chateau de Chillon, seeing the mission
home Jacob's parents lived in when they were mission leaders here and driving past the
United Nations where Jacob worked after his mission for a few months were all just really
wonderful. But my absolute favorite part of the day (and of the whole trip) coming next.

And then...

{A little background on the second part of the day}

Twenty-five years ago this coming December, in what feels like a fairytale
dream whenever I think back, Jacob and I were married in Switzerland.

In order to follow the laws of the country, we were legally married by the mayor
of the small town of Chambesy, where Jacob's parents lived as mission leaders at
that time. And right afterwards, drove to the Bern Switzerland Temple in Zolikofen,
where we were sealed and united as a family, for this life and the next.

Going back to those two places on our trip isn't easily put into words for me. I don't know that
I ever thought I would return. And it was as wonderful and sweet as I could ever have imagined.

Being married to Jacob Allen for eternity is, next to the Atonement
of Jesus Christ and the companionship of the Holy Ghost, the greatest gift
God has ever given to me. I could never thank Him enough.

But I will keep trying.

Always, always, always.

Our Spain and Switzerland trip ~ Day 4

 We spent our fourth day in Barcelona and it was a really sweet Sunday.

The ward we attended first thing was one of the most tender experiences I have had when visiting another
church congregation. I can't stop thinking about those faithful and darling people and mostly, the incredible
youth that sang to end sacrament meeting. It brings tears to my eyes, just typing about it.

After a long walk back to the hotel so we could see more of Barcelona, we spent the rest of
the day at La Sagrada Familia. We were told how incredible it was, but were definitely not
prepared for how we would feel or how, no matter how much we learned about Antoni Gaudì,
it didn't feel like enough. We were intrigued and inspired and I don't know, it just doesn't feel
like something I can't adequately explain. None of us will ever forget it.

It was a beautiful day in Barcelona. I was sad to see it end so quickly.

PS. That third to last photo is in the top few favorite photos I've ever taken. I'm a Jesus girl.
Through and though. Always and forever. Oh I love Him.

Our Spain and Switzerland trip ~ Day 3

 Our third and last day of Madrid was truly wonderful. Between discovering Joaquin Sorolla,
a new favorite artist, and the beautiful Thyssen museum, it was a good art day. Never mention
more walking of this gorgeous city that I truly and completely fell in love with. And then our train
ride to Barcelona. (Have I ever mentioned that I absolutely love trains? Because I really do.)

It was the happiest of days. I loved it so.