Temple #11 and Temple #12

We left Las Vegas early this morning but not before having breakfast with my best friend from childhood--Lynnette Beyer Williams.  She and I were also roommates in college.  It was so much fun to see her again and to get caught up a bit.  We didn't take any pictures--Bummer!

We decided to take a longer drive and add the San Diego Temple to our trip today.  What a beautiful temple.  It looks like a castle sitting next to the freeway.  This is the view from the freeway while driving up to the off ramp.

This temple has a very unique design.  It is in a figure 8 shape only with angles instead of curves.  In the middle, there is an atrium where flowers are always planted.  There are seats there for quiet contemplation.  The atrium is surrounded by glass so although the flowers are outside, the seats are inside, thus allowing for enjoyment of the air-conditioning.  

It was a beautiful day in San Diego.  The temperature was 73 with a slight breeze.  We were enjoying it immensely.  We happened into a grocery store for a few minutes and one of the customers said that it was nice to be in the store since it was soooo hot outside.  Really?  Our short stay in San Diego was perfect.

We hit the road again and drove to Redlands for temple #12.  The Redlands Temple is very similar in design to the Sacramento Temple.  It was nice to know where things were and how to get around. 

We arrived in the early evening and stayed until after dark so we got some nice pictures.  The landscaping was especially beautiful.  There were several crepe myrtle trees in bloom.  

Just behind the recommend desk is a stained glass window depicting the First Vision.  Here is a history of that window.

After the first chapel was built in San Bernardino, Calif., in 1933, a large art glass window depicting the First Vision and over a dozen small windows or icons showing various aspects of Church history were installed. . . .

In 1960, it was deemed necessary to sell the building — windows and all — because it had no off-street parking for the growing wards.
Once the building was sold, San Bernardino Ward Bishop Charles W. Eastwood tried to buy the First Vision window but the pastors of the Protestant faith that had bought the building would not allow its removal. Finally, in 1978, after repeated requests, a new pastor allowed it to be taken if it would be replaced with amber glass.
Some time later, the icons were also obtained and put into storage.
Brother Eastwood and his wife, Laurie, became the custodians of the window and began to search for an artisan to restore the dirty and broken panes of art glass. Sister Eastwood, daughter of famous Latter-day Saint artist Minerva Teichert, had a special interest to see these works of art preserved. . .

The First Vision window was finally installed in the Pacific Chapel in San Bernardino and unveiled on March 7, 1979.
When the Redlands California Temple was announced, Sister Eastwood initiated efforts to obtain the window for permanent display in the temple.
"I felt impressed that this exquisite piece of art should be in the temple," recounted Sister Eastwood. "In the temple thousands will enjoy its beauty and message."