St. George & Youth Conference

 We had a quick trip to St. George this weekend for Hallie's soccer tournament.  We have been down a few times in the past for her tournaments, but this one was extra fun because we got to go with our friends/neighbors the Gyllenskogs. Their two daughters are just older and just younger than Hallie and play on United teams sandwiching her, coached by their dad Kirk. Hallie's coach, Nick, asked Kirk to come help coach his team this weekend and he agreed as long as Mollie and Josie could play. So, while the weekend was really for soccer, it also doubled as fun with our friends. We took just Hallie and Lizzie, who gets along great with Gyllenskog's youngest daughter Gretel. We left the rest home, Jace for youth conference, and Mishell to watch Flor. 

I was only in St George a day and a half or so and then drove home to be here for Saturday's portion of youth conference. Hallie's team only won when I was there, so that must be saying something. Devin stayed for the Saturday games and then when they lost, he drove home with Hals and Lizzie. The Gyllenskogs also had one of Mollie's teammates with them & she was so much fun and I really loved getting to know her. 

In my short time there, we hiked to Scout's Cave (minus Kirk-- don't ask where he was), Devin and I went to the temple early Friday morning (darn goals- one may or may not involve the temple this year). It was fun to see a different temple. I had never been in this one before. I then met up with  my friends/coworkers Cami, Bridi, and Cindy for breakfast. Nevermind that we see each other all the time, we were all in St. George so we thought that would be fun. I was back to the house just about the time everyone was getting up and going. :) 

The girls played great that day and won. It was so warm and just so great to be in the sun. We went to dinner all together and I took the girls for Swig, promised to them if they won, then headed home. 

Youth Conference: 

Our ward also held youth conference this weekend. I missed the fireside portion Friday night, but heard it was amazing and the speaker really inspired the youth. Saturday was a day full of fun with the Amazing Race organized by a couple in our ward. They did such a phenomenal job. The kids were divided into teams and had 15 clues throughout the day that led them to several stops, including an assisted living, the family history library, Station Park (they had to ride the train there), a park, and several clues at the church. It was a mix of games, scavenger hunts, and service projects. It was awesome and so well done. They had the check in mat, actual clues in clue envelopes, clue boxes all over town, a gnome, penalties for messing up, and all the real-deal Amazing Race stuff. The kids had so much fun and performed a lot of service throughout the day, including making blankets and wigs to donate. There was a lot of competition as well, which was really fun to watch. Jace was team Orange, and while his team didn't end up winning, they had a great time. We had lunch at Station Park and a baked potato bar back at the church for dinner. It was so well done. I love working with the youth and interacting with them. Devin got to stay in St. George and watch the rest of the soccer games and then he headed home. We made it home about the same time last night after our busy days!

Whoever won each leg of the journey got to have the gnome for that leg-- it was a real privilege! Jace's team got it a few times.