Youth Conference- Living the Restoration

Starting in around May the Stake began to talk to the youth about the upcoming conference- even doing an activity with a bit of a "preview" of what to expect. I was thrilled that Will's summer football schedule didn't interfere and that he'd be able to go. I also knew he wouldn't be thrilled about having to wear period clothing so I made sure he knew I would be going as well and we'd deal with that together! We met early that morning at the church before heading up east canyon to our Stake property.

 This was our group of leaders and youth attending. There's a few leaders missing in the photo because they were already up there.

 Here's Will and I ready to head out! Doesn't he look handsome in a cowboy hat?!!

 This is our Bishop and his wife! They went ALL OUT and had their daughter make their costumes! She works for Hale Theater Company here in the Salt Lake Valley and is extremely talented. They looked AMAZING! (And they won the costuming award on that first day there- not a surprise!)

 Once we said a prayer we were on our way! It only took about 45 minutes to arrive and begin our adventure in Manchester. That is where our adventure began- we would spend the next 3 days reliving Joseph Smith's life from a young boy through to his martyrdom and being driven out from Nauvoo.

This picture was taken when we arrived at Conference. The Stake had made journals and chapstick for each youth member with "Living the restoration 2015" on it and were given those as they arrived. Not long after this picture we were introduced into our camps and ran into a few preachers along the way inviting us to revival! (You'll notice we're not smiling in the picture- they didn't smile in photos back then!)

 There was 7 Wards involved and each had the opportunity to name their camp. Our Ward decided on the "Fitt Family Farm". The Stake made these beautifully wooden carved signs for each camp that the Bishops were able to keep.

 A talented woman in our Ward created our flag. She did an amazing job! I love the Moroni she made out of fabric!

 Our camp was made to look like a farm- complete with a red barn! You can't see it in this picture but it was just to the left of the sheep :)

We had cows and chickens too! As well as bales of hay. We even had a speaker with live animal sounds! It was awesome! Some talented men in our ward created all these animals! So cool!

 Each day there were several reenactments of events that happened throughout the restoration. The Stake didn't miss any detail in doing them. They were always powerful and the spirit was strong. But they also made sure to allow time for the kids to enjoy each other. This shot below was taken at the dance they had the first night. It was fun! (Can you see Will?)

And every night after the activities for the day we had the opportunity to go back to camp as Wards and discuss all that happened that day. The Bishop would lead the discussion and then end with a prayer before we would go to bed.

 The second day we were driven to Kirkland and directed to build the town. Several missionaries were called out by Joseph Smith and Will was one who was called- it was incredible to see that happen and him rise and go right away. Those missionaries were directed to prepare the town to build (they placed all the materials for us before we arrived) and then they built the Kirkland temple while the rest of us built the town. Each Ward was assigned a building and our Ward had the school house.

This is a shot of Will when he was a missionary building the Kirkland Temple.

This is a shot of ALL the kids and leaders that attended in front of the Kirkland Temple that was built that day. Not long after this picture a mob arrived and drove us out- just like our pioneer ancestors. That evening there were more reenactments right before we went to bed.

 The last day we were instructed to build the Nauvoo temple. This was HUGE job. This temple was two stories- over 20 feet tall and required heavy lifting, builders, painters and more to get it done. We were working on it from around 10am- roughly 3pm.

 This centerpiece was done by some of the talented artists in the Ward. What looks like bricks at the base are signatures of the 7 wards and their leaders that attended the conference. It was given a center space on the front of the temple and when it was done it looked marvelous! I was told that this centerpiece is going to be hung in the Stake Center.

This is our Ward in front of the temple. Each Ward took a photo with the temple and not long after they were taken Joseph was arrested and taken to Carthage jail.

 We witnessed his martyrdom. It was difficult to watch. It was very real.

 Not long after that the mobs came again and destroyed the temple we had worked all day to build. There was holes all over it and the top had been pulled down. We were once again driven out and this time it was for good. We were directed to go back to camp and collect our belongings (just our small packs and a chair) and to leave Nauvoo. We hiked up to the highest place at the Stake property- a meadow with an amazing view. We sat as Wards, and with the direction of the Bishops had a testimony meeting to end the conference.

 The spirit was incrediblly strong that day. My chest almost felt on fire. These kids testimonies of the restoration are forever changed from this experience. Almost every youth from our Ward shared their testimony that afternoon and I was impressed with each one!

 I was glad that Bishop picked on Will a bit and asked him to share his thoughts. I don't know that he would have if not pushed (and Bishop knows him well enough to realize that). His thoughts were precious. His focus was on how much conviction Joseph Smith had. He had zero doubt and lived the gospel fully. He said he hoped to be like him someday. I was so touched by that.

I know this experience was for the youth but I think it strengthened my testimony equally as much. It is one thing to READ about, but quite another to experience. I know that what we went through is merely a sliver of the real thing and that just makes me appreciate them that much more! How grateful I am for the restored gospel, for Joseph Smith and his family and all those who followed and were faithful so that we can have all that we enjoy today! I am grateful!

Lagoon with the family!

On the Monday after the 4th of July the kids and I went to Lagoon with some of Chan's family. It's a bummer he couldn't go as well, but he was saving his time off for our big vacation coming soon! Anyway, Chan had Arizona family in town so we decided to go to Lagoon and also celebrate Myles birthday while we were there too!

 We got there a little later than we had anticipated because cute little Sophie had been up all night with an ear infection and Brooke had to get her to the Dr before heading up- which was fine with us- poor thing! But when we got there we dove right in! Brianne, Will & Kota are flying high in this picture above!

 It wasn't too long after we got there that everyone was starved so we headed to get some grub! I took the opportunity to get a picture with the older cousins! It's Brianne, will, Nicole, Ashley and Dakota! The funniest part about this picture is that we noticed afterward that they were wearing matching colors! How funny is THAT! Great minds think alike I guess! :)

 This group were the brave ones to tackle the ride where water was shot up at you! (Well, except little Sophie- she just wanted in on the photo!) But funny enough Will got away DRY! Lucky devil!

 This is the new roller coaster at Lagoon this year- it's called Cannibal! Unfortunately the line for it was like 2 hours long :( So we weren't able to ride it yet! Honestly, I'm not sure how many would have been brave enough this year! It is HUGE!!!! The only thing in the photo to show just how large it is you must focus on how tiny the car is you sit in! See what I mean! HUGE!!

Once again I didn't get as many pictures as I would have liked but I was VERY focused on my imessages with Carter that day. It was a Monday and talking with him is my priority!! But we all had a blast! We were lucky that it wasn't super hot that day and it also wasn't very busy. So other than the new ride we were able to enjoy most the rides we wanted! The favorite that day was the Tidal Wave! We broke up into two groups- the kids and the adults- and we did a shouting contest! I am certain the people around us thought we were ridiculous! We didn't care! We were having FUN!! Hahaha! Brianne ended up staying with Gamma so she could go on more rides and Will and I left because we had to get home to drop off our bags for Youth Conference. On our way home we got SLAMMED with a HUGE rain storm! I was worried about the family we left behind and that they got drenched! Thankfully the storm went around them and they never even saw rain! It was a great day and a whole lot of fun!! Thanks Kathy for inviting us!!

4th of July!!

Tammy and Matt left the morning of the 4th because Matt had to get back for work. So that left us with no plans and lucky for us the Skinner's didn't have plans either so they called us to see if we'd want to get together! YAY!! OF COURSE!! So later that day we all got together for a BBQ and to shoot off fireworks!  But before all that the first thing we did was put out flags in the neighborhood! Chan took the kids out at 7am and put some out and got them Starbucks when they were done :) Then he came home and hung a new flag on our house! Our other one broke off and the flag was old and needed to be retired. So Chan went and got us a new one and put it up! It looks awesome!

After he hung the flag I left and went to Home Depot for flowers. I hadn't planted any new annuals and my yard really needed some color! So I went and purchased a few and spent the morning planting and making the yard look pretty!

 The yellow flowers are perennials and I LOVE them! They get bigger every year and I did have lilacs too but the flowers had already fallen off by July.

 I loved these- not sure what they are called but I loved the colors! They brightened up the area around my lamp post!

Now the front yard looks more colorful! Our grass is a bit sad this year, but oh well! We'll get back on track next year!

Meanwhile on Snapchat...

The kids were celebrating in their teenage fashion! Hahaha! Love it!!

Later that afternoon the Skinners arrived and we grilled up some yummy hamburgers, cooked up some baked beans and grabbed some chips and we were good to go!! It had been a while since we all got together so it was nice to sit and chat and catch up. Brittany was studying a lot to take her bar exam, James was working up a storm as a Lehi police officer and the kids are all over the place with their jobs and activities. We were talking that it doesn't seem that long ago that we would sit out in our yard and watch the little kids run around! Now we've got two 18 year olds (Mallory just graduated too) and more in high school! It's nuts! Time sure flies! I am glad that through it all we have remained great friends!!

Once it got dark enough it was time for fireworks!

 Sparklers are always so fun! The Skinners brought a fun box of all kinds of different fireworks and some were better than others!

 The parachute ones were a bust because it was just too windy and they kept going on the roof or in the back yard! Oops!

 The girls were getting creative with the photography on their phones! Brittany and I just watched and hoped the sparks didn't catch their hair on fire! Haha!

 Once the firework box was empty Chan decided we needed another BIG firework- so off he went for a BIG FINALE FIREWORK! And boy was it ever! It had about 14 bog shots in it and it was LOUD and AWESOME!! We ALL loved it!

The finale picture was all the kids holding a sparkler! Well, we are missing Carter, but everyone else was here! Our kids are so dang cute and fun friends! I am sure this picture will be a treasure for years to come! Happy Independence Day!

Tammy & Matt visit!!

The first week of July Tammy and Matt came up to visit for a couple days! I am kicking myself that I didn't take more pictures because we really had a fun time! Matt has family that live up here so some of their time was spent with them having a BBQ and going swimming with nieces and nephews. I was glad that they spent some time with them. One day Tammy, Brianne, Will and I went to the mall to shop! (I know, no big surprise there) We didn't do a ton of shopping but I did need to get a couple things for the kids for school so I was glad to do it while she was here. And Tammy spoiled the kids by giving them each some $ to buy something for themselves.Then we went to the grocery store and Tammy bought food to make US a meal! We have always done that when we stay with her and she really wanted to return the favor. It was SCRUMPTIOUS too! She made chicken Parmesan lasagna rolls and a yummy Italian salad! YUM!! I had no idea she was such an amazing cook! She said she didn't have a reason to cook until she got married! Hahaha! Then one of the days Chan didn't have to work because of Independence day observance so we decided to go bowling, but before we could go we had to drive up north to meet a lady to pick up....

This little puppy right here! They named him Flyer, after the Dixie High School Flyers, where Tammy works. The name was Matt's idea and I think he nailed it! Dixie is close to Tammy's heart and it was the perfect name! He is a labradoodle and is adorable! This picture doesn't do him justice! He is only a few weeks old too so it will be like have a new baby at home!

 After we got flyer, hit the pet store for supplies, we took Flyer home and left to go bowling! There's a great alley in Draper that has yummy food and a great arcade so off we went! We had so much fun! Bowling is so hit or miss- one minute your a bowling rock star and the next it's gutter city! Well at least it's that way for me! Back in my Bowling league days I was much better, but now I am not consistent anymore!

This picture turned out very dark! Oh well!

 After bowling a couple of games we hit the arcade to blow off some more steam! Chan and Will really liked this new pilot game! It was really neat!

Air hockey was also a popular game! I am bummed I didn't get a picture of Matt and Will playing! They were taking it SERIOUS!! And Matt won!! He was sweating up a storm- but he won!! Hahaha! Brianne and Bergan enjoyed it too!

After playing till our money was gone we headed home to eat some BBQ! Chan made a very yummy dinner and we enjoyed playing with the new puppy and chatting with each other. It was so wonderful to have them here with us! I hope they will come and stay often!

Father's Day

What do you do for an incredible Dad that has everything he could possibly need? Well first of all you find some thoughtful cards and write heartfelt messages! Then you go onto the Internet to find a gift that is inexpensive yet clever! Chan recently purchased an apple iwatch so I went on to Amazon.com to try and find a clever accessory for one thinking that there wouldn't be anything to get. Boy was I WRONG! There was actually several items to purchase as accessories but I found the PERFECT one! Here it is:

 Is that not COOL!!! It's a wooden stand that holds the charging cable so that your new watch isn't laying out all over the table! It's very nicely wrapped around the stand with the cord tucked away in a notch carved out of the side! He LOVED it and was SOOO excited to use it! He even takes it with him when he goes on trips! It's very light and small so that he can! I was pretty proud of my find! **pat on back**

 And of course the kids and I did a good job of letting him know how much we appreciate him! There is truly not a better Dad in the world! He would do or give anything to his kids! And they know it- you can tell by their sweet words to him!

Brianne's touched my heart- she just kept saying I love you!! Doesn't get much better than that! I am sure at times I don't tell my husband enough how fantastic he is. He is a giver and is always thinking of others. He's the first to offer to help, to grab you something on the way home, to insist you do something for yourself or to give gifts you couldn't possibly reciprocate. I am so thankful every day to have him in my life! Everything I have is because of him! I love you Chan! I hope you had a special Father's Day! :)

I am also exceptionally blessed in the Dad department! My Dad was the best example to me- I truly know it was his example that helped me find my husband! Watching him take care of us as kids and the way he treated my Mom spoke volumes! I wanted a man just like him! He serves continually, often at a detriment to his own needs, because it makes him happy to do it! I have so many stories I could share of him giving to others before himself! But my favorite thing about my Dad is that he is always there for me. He's a great listener and if I ask for help it is given- no questions asked. I know that I am loved and that is a special gift! Thanks Dad!

Chan's San Diego Trip

The end of June Chan was asked to go on a business trip down to San Diego. One of the companies that his job has as a customer is McKesson Pharmaceuticals. They were doing a trade show there and wanted Chan to be a part of it. Chan's company (Tomax/Demandware) are the ones who created their retail software. So they wanted him to be there to explain to the pharmacies how the new software works etc. He has been working with them for a while and has made 2 trips to their headquarters in Detroit. They trust him and knew he would do an amazing job.

 One thing I thought was funny was that they insisted that Chan wear a McKesson shirt! All of the people working the booth were wearing them. I actually REALLY liked it! I think he looks very nice in black! He sent me this selfie once he got it so I could see! They also insisted he wear a microphone which he HATED! But I can imagine that it was necessary so they could all hear him! :)

After the conference was over he met up with his parents who were also in San Diego for Chan's cousins daughters wedding! He figured since he was already in town that he would go as well! So his Dad picked him up from his hotel and he went over to where they family was staying. He had a blast seeing all the family from Arizona and to be able to attend Andrea & Joey's wedding.

 They both looked great and the weather was perfect for the ceremony on the beach!

 Chan's dad is really getting into the group selfies and caught a great picture of the family on the beach!

 These bags were on all the tables and had Twizzlers and Red Vines inside! It's been a long standing debate with Chan's family on which is better so Andrea decided to put them both in the bag with this cute note! I thought it was so clever and FUN!!

Chan and his cousin's daughter Andrea! She is adorable and a beautiful bride! I am so glad that he was able to go and to spend some time with family! Thank goodness for a perfectly timed business trip!