Elk Hunts, Fall Leaf Hunts, and General Conference

On September 29th, Luke went on a pre-elk hunt scout trip in Scofield.  I had to stay home for a Primary Program practice but later the girls and I were anxious for something to do. (I decided I hate when Luke is gone on a Saturday. It makes it feel like a week day... but worse because I KNOW it's not and I want to be together. Yes, I am selfish like that.)

We decided to drive up Payson Canyon and hike up to The Grotto. I could NOT believe the beauty of the leaves. I had never seen so many red trees together in all my life! 

We decided Daddy HAD to come back up there with us. 

3 Days later for FHE we drove back up the canyon to hike all together. 

It was amazing how many less leaves there were! It wasn't nearly as brilliant as before, but it was still gorgeous and we had a fun little family outing!

Dinner!

Last weekend we had General Conference and went to Scofield.  It also was the opening of the elk hunt.  Luke, his parents, my dad, and a family friend all had cow tags. My 2 brothers, our brother in law, and another friend all had spike tags.  It was quite the hunting crew! 

The rest of us got to relax and enjoy listening to Conference back at the cabin.  I love the refreshing spiritual feast Conference always is. It helps me get out of my apathetic stupor and realign what is most important.  It is such a blessing to be taught by the true servants of God. 

It was especially neat to be watching while such a huge change to the missionary program took place. Now Elders can leave at 18 instead of 19 and Sisters can leave at 19 instead of 21. I was covered in goose bumps. This is just a further testament that the work needs to progress even faster than ever. 

It was very powerful when Elder Cook spoke about the need to raise our own standards in our homes to help prepare these future missionaries.  Tianna was thrilled to hear she can leave on a mission even sooner because she always says to me that 21 is too far away! I love that she wants to serve a mission--  I honestly never had that desire, even when I was 6.  I am proud of her for wanting that.  We as her parents need to work even harder to prepare our children because before we know it, they will be old enough to go. It's a daunting thought though. 

I loved so many of the other talks too, but the one that stands out most to me right now is Elder Hollands powerful talk on "Do you love me?"   Just as Christ asked this question of his disciple Peter, he will surely ask us this question at the day of judgement.  

It was very powerful to me. I know there is so much more I need to be doing. 

A few other gems from the weekend. 

Adelia fell asleep on my parents bed while holding hands with Uncle James. So precious!

Between Sunday's session my awesome sister took a few pictures for us in the pretty fall leaves. Adelia is only 9 months old and Tianna is only 3 in their personal pictures on our living room wall. It is past time for some updated ones since now Adelia is 3 and Tianna is 6! While we were at it I wanted a good old Maternity style family picture and one of the girls with my huge belly. They turned out so great! I can't wait to show them off :)

 We loved being able to spend time with both sides of our families at once! It really was a wonderful weekend in a beautiful, relaxing place. 

Now, can't wait until Wednesday night to go right on back to the cabin. Luke has 2 days off for the hunt and it just so happens to be Tianna's school fall break. 

WIN-WIN!