Utah Trip

Lila went on her second plane ride two weekends ago. We decided to go up to fly up for my mission reunion (I served on Temple Square in Salt Lake City) and my parents also went up so we could go to General Conference (our church's conference held twice a year where the prophet and apostles speak to us broadcast throughout the world). I felt so lucky my dad got tickets so we could go to Conference because there's always a special spirit when the leaders of the Church, special witnesses of Jesus Christ, teach us about his gospel and help us recognize ways we can come closer to him. I felt like it was a privilege just to be there. We also got to visit with my sister Kelsey who is going to BYU. It's always so much fun to see her.

The mission reunion was sooooooo fun! I just wish I could've stayed longer because I didn't even have time to talk to everyone I wanted to. I have so many wonderful memories of my time on Temple Square and the great sisters I served with there. It was a very special time to dedicate my life 100% to serving the Lord. I highly recommend a mission to anyone who is considering it! Here are a few of my favorite sisters:

Krista Cockerill from Scott City, Kansas. One of my three American companions and pretty much the kindest, most thoughtful people I've ever met. Plus she has a HILARIOUS sense of humor! You just can't beat that. She's going to BYU right now. I didn't know my "baby" (a sister I trained) was going to be there from Germany! When Kaja (Sister Trachmann) walked in we seriously ran over to each other like long lost family members or something! I guess it was a last minute decision for her to come and I'm soooo happy she did! We got to hang out at our hotel the next day too and can I just say, I love that girl! I trained her in my last transfer, so we only served together for 6 weeks, but I feel like we've known each other forever and we'll definitely be lifelong friends.Sylvia (or is it Silvia?) Ascione, from Italy, down from BYU-Idaho. She is an amazing pianist, has the most gorgeous accent ever, and was such a blast to serve with.
Lila did a great job keeping herself busy for the most part (with a little help from Byron). She sat on the middle of this table eating a slice of mango for a long time. Sister LeBaron, my mission president's wife, said she was the cutest centerpiece she'd ever seen : )

So many babies were there! I can't believe we're all starting our own little families now. I don't know married names (or even a few first names!), but here are Sis. Abe (U.S.), Sis. Lee (U.S.), Sis. Petion (France), me, Sis. Pong (Hong Kong), Sis. Maldonado (Guatemala), and Sis. Andersen (U.S.). They're all so beautiful and what a bunch of cute little ones!

We said a big prayer of thanks when we got home for a great trip and for a nice flight...Lila didn't cry at all! Truly a miracle.