The pictures in this post are all in reverse. I have no desire to go back and change them for right now! I just spent a wonderful 5 days in Utah with my dearest friend Gina. When I arrived we ran errands and talked non-stop (well, that is what we did every day). Wednesday night we went to Provo to enjoy 2 days of a spiritual feast. We went to Women's Conference at BYU. We stayed in John Hall. We shared a joining bathroom with 2 women from California.
Thursday we got up at 6:30am and went to the Cannon Center to eat a great breakfast. We then headed back to our dorm to get dressed and ready for a very long day. We went to 5 classes, eating our lunch in between each class. Their were so many women at the conference it was incredible. After our last class at 5pm, we headed back to the dorm to change and go to a service project. At the service project we made a new friend named Angie. We all went to dinner together and then an amazing concert with Hilary Weeks, Michael McLean, Dallin ?, and a couple of other performers. It was my favorite activity. I love good music!! We raced home and talked all about the day.
Friday we woke up early again and got all ready. We headed to the Marriott Center and listened to an amazing talk. We then shuttled across campus to the Joseph Smith Bldg. Every class this day was so good. We listened to talks on prayer, marriage, temple service, revelation, pathways, arming ourselves, last days, and trials. We again ate on the run. We finished in the Marriott Center with Elder Neil L. Anderson of the Quorum of the 12 Apostles. After class Gina and I went back to the dorm and then returned to campus to get last minute things for the kids.
Saturday we awoke and went to the scout store to get things for Carter. Then we went to Salt Lake City to eat and look around. We were both so exhausted that we spent our last 3 hours together in a warm car sleeping and reading. Gina then took me to the airport and I arrived home to see my wonderful husband and beautiful children. It was a great week. Mom and Dad Newell stayed with the kids for the 5 days and the kids loved it. Thank you so much mom and dad. You are the best!
Standing in front of the Salt Lake City temple.
Can you see the bride across the pool of water?
We ate at Kneaders for lunch.
It was so good. Outside it was beautiful but oh so cold.
We were glad to stay inside and talk forever.
Tulips are my favorite flower. The temple grounds were beautiful.
We went to the International Art Exhibit next to the temple.
I loved several pieces of art. This was one of my favorite pictures.
A 24 year old woman painted this piece of the Savior growing as a tender root.
BEAUTIFUL
This is a picture of Mary and Jesus as a young child.
It was titled "The smell of a kiss"
This picture does not give this quilt justice.
Swarovski crystals covered everything on this quilt.
Everything on the grounds by the temple are so beautiful.
You just sit there and stare at the beauty.
Gina and I by the temple.
The Tree of Life. This is bicycle chains, re bar and clear magnetic balls.
Amazing.
Friday night after everything ended, I highlighted Gina's hair in the dorm.
The Provo TEMPLE
I love being on the campus of BYU and feeling the Holy Ghost.
It is a wonderful place.
The final night. It was pretty outside but very cold.
The women in the Marriott Center.
After the music concert, the weather was cold and rainy outside. Gina, Angie and I hung around hoping for a break in the weather but it didn't come. Finally I found a card board box for Gina and I to cover our heads. We started to say our goodbyes to Angie and head to our dorm. Angie started screaming to me that Hilary Weeks was right by the door. I had told Gina and Angie that if I could get a picture with Hilary my night would be made. I listen to Hilary's music all of the time. In the concert we were able to sing out loud as an audience to her songs. I LOVED IT!! My kids hear Hilary's songs ringing through our house regularly. Anyway, I ran back to the door and sure enough it was Hilary. I jumped in a short line and waited to hug her. It was wonderful. She probably thought I was crazy but I didn't care! Awesome experience.
Waiting for one of our classes to start.
Up on a bridge on campus.
Do you see the Y in the background.
At the service project in the Smith Field house.
Angie, Gina and I.
Gordon B. Hinckley Center.
Our dorm room
When I arrived in Utah we went to Adam's arrow of light ceremony.
Way to go Adam.
I highlighted Elizabeth's hair the morning before we headed to Provo.
Doesn't she look beautiful!
