


Olivia's hair was sopping in bubble's after Emmy was through with her.
The other problem is I haven't taken many pictures at all in the past month. The weather has been beautiful so we've started up swimming every day at least once, sometimes 2 or 3 times. On days that aren't too hot we hit up some of our favorite parks, so we haven't been up to anything too crazy just our usual lives, which doesn't give me much motivation to bust out the camera too often. The other excuse I have is the sun comes up ridiculously early here, like 4:30, so we've had to move Olivia into the computer room at night because it stays much darker in there. She was just getting up way too early so we had to choose computer time at night or more sleep in the morning and usually the sleep in the morning wins out. So, there are my excuses. Now on with the blog.


This past weekend The Gila Valley Temple was dedicated. Since I'm in Young Women's the leaders were asked to help chaperon the youth who were participating in the cultural event the Saturday before. The youth had a bunch of dress rehearsals Friday and Saturday morning to get ready for their big performance that night. Turns out they didn't need us leaders near as much as they thought, okay so not really at all. So we had a fun little weekend getaway. I didn't feel too guilty about Aaron home with the girls since they had been rubbing in all their plans for their fun Daddy daughter weekend. When I woke up Friday morning they asked when I was leaving so they could get on with it.


The night of the performance was unbelievable! Youth from 7 stakes participated. After watching some of the dress rehearsals I was curious to see how it would all come together. They did a phenomenal job! President Monson, President Eyring, and Elder Holland attended the event. We happened to be sitting right where their golf cart drove up. It was an unforgettable experience to be so close and to see the excitement and spirit they brought especially to the children. I've never seen children be so attentive, many had tears rolling down there cheeks. One little boy couldn't help but break the silence as President Monson went to shake his hand, the boy about 7 years old said holding back tears " I love you President Monson" then President Monson pulled him in for a big hug. A similar incident happened just as the prophet was about to step into the golf cart another boy, maybe 5 years old had so many tears streaming down his face and ready to gush out his eyes, was standing close bye watching, immediately President Monson stepped over to him and picked him up and held him tight while whispering in his ears. All the parents of these kids were in tears. It was just amazing to see the impact he had on the crowd and on me. I wanted more than anything to have my kids with me to witness this unforgettable night.

These were some pictures my friend took, no zoom required.