St. George

On Saturday we decided to take it easy and just hang out in St. George. We first headed to the St. George Tabernacle and had a tour of that. We could have seen many more pioneer buildings but the kids were done with "seeing things". Near the Tabernacle is a fun water feature for the kids to play in. So we let them take their shoes off and of course the two youngest got soaked. They enjoyed splashing in the water and getting wet.

St. George Tabernacle-This is the pulpit where the prophet Lorenzo Snow
did the talk on Tithing. (For all those who know the story)

Britton in the water

Brielle playing in the water

Ashlyn in the water


Treyson loved getting wet

Brielle Climbing the water feature

After that we decided to go to our friends the Layton's house. We were going to go to the Sand Dunes but it was so windy and wind and sand do not mix. So we hung out at their house. Our kids got along with all of there kids, so they just played and played. That evening we went to dinner at the Pizza Factory. We had 9 kids and overall they were quite good. At least we weren't kicked out. The food was yummy and we had a good visit.

Hanging out at the Layton's house

We then decided to go back to the hotel to swim. All the kids had a good time playing in the water and swimming. We then decided to have the adults go out for icecream why the two oldest watched the kids.

The kids swimming

It was a lot of fun to see the Layton's again. Steve was Scott's best friend growing up and I have known Sara since age 5. If it wasn't for them, I'm not sure Scott and I would have met. It was great talking and catching up with them. THANKS LAYTONS FOR ALL THE FUN!!!

Zions Canyon

After Bryce Canyon we took the drive over the mountains to get to St. George. We checked into our hotel. The kids were excited because it had 3 beds, a big flat screen TV and Cable. Yes, that's right. We don't have cable at our house. I think they were more excited to watch Disney Channel then anything. That night we went swimming, went to the St. George Temple Visitor's Center, had dinner and then slept. At the Visitor's Center our missionary that gave us the information was Mark Eubanks from Channel 5 news. He was a weather man in Utah for many many years. He retired this last year and is now serving a mission in St. George.

Beautiful Zions National Park

Eating Icecream

Another Beautiful Site

Our family on one of our hikes

We really enjoyed Zions National park too. It was a different kind of beauty than that of Bryce Canyon. We wished we could have hiked more but you have to remember we have a two year old and a 8 year old with a bad leg. He did so well hiking and didn't complain that much.

We enjoyed seeing the sites and just being together as a family. We spent all of Friday there and it was nice because it wasn't too hot yet.

Spring Break-Bryce Canyon

Our family decided to head to warmer weather this spring break. We left Wednesday, April 16th for Bryce Canyon. We arrived after nine so we hurried and checked into our hotel and went to sleep. The next morning we got up and headed to see the canyon. It was beautiful. I hadn't ever been there before and so it was amazing to see these wonderful rock formations.

The Kids

It was a very cold day. It was cold mainly because Bryce Canyon ranges from 7000 to 9000 feet above sea level. We were sure glad we had our jackets. Britton had a cool walking stick which meant we didn't have to use the crutches. Actually we are finally finished with them. He is walking (not all the way yet) and will continue to go to physical therapy for a few weeks.

General Conference

President Thomas S. Monson

This weekend was General Conference. I love listening to the apostles and men who have been called of God. A few months ago I was talking to my sister in law and told her I had never been to Conference before. Her father is President Charles Dahlquist from the General Young Men's organization. She told me she would try to get us some tickets. Well thanks to her and her father we were able to get some to the Sunday Afternoon Session of Conference.

Conference Center

Let's just say WOW!!! Scott and I left early so we could find parking and get seats. Our tickets were in a section really close up. We were right in front of all the wives of the Quorum of the 12. We could see facial expressions, people fall asleep, and cute gestures such as Elder Scott giving a thumbs up to one of the speakers. It was so neat to be so close to these wonderful people. When President Monson told his story about not being able to use the microwave and the other appliances in his home, we were able to see his sweet wife's expressions. When Elder Ballard talked about his wife we could see her laughing and enjoying his talk. WOW!!!

We were on row 5 of our section which was right up in front. When the Quorum of the 12 and First Presidency left at the conclusion of the Conference, they all stopped right in front of us and waved goodbye. That was neat. It actually looked like President Monson looked right at us.

I enjoyed seeing how as they walked by where the wives sat, they each stopped and waited for their spouse. They went in order of their place in the Quorum. Even those whose wives have passed such as Elder Wirthlin, would stop and wait his turn why the others waited for theirs.

I love that our Church has order in all things. Including respecting each other.

Before the Conference started we were able to see many of the 70's, and General Auxillary members talking together. It was fun to see how they mingled and talked with members of the Church.

The Conference Center

My favorite talk was by Elder Ballard. He talked to the Young Mothers in the church. Since I fill that role the talk was especially important to me. I also loved President Monson's humor and I know that the mantle or prophet is now on his head. He will make a wonderful prophet and I was grateful to be able to sustain him.

I was just awe struck at the opportunity to be at Conference this year. A huge thanks to Heather and her father. I was able to talk to both her mom and dad after Conference. Her dad even hopped over two rows of seats to get to us.

Thanks so much to them for letting Scott and I have this opportunity.

I am so grateful to be a member of this church and to know that a prophet of the Lord is on the earth at this time. I fully sustain him and his counselors as they go about the Lords work.