Sunday, June 21, 2009

MEXICO 2009




FAMILY TRIP TO ENCENADA, MEXICO 2009
Top, left to right
Papa John, Mike Strong, Logan Curtis, Cole Strong, Sydney Rudel, Natalie Rudel, Nana Donna
Bottom left to right
Larry Curtis, Jay Rudel, Dresden Curtis, Savannah & Baby Creed Strong, Collin Rudel, Shannon Curtis, Nicole Strong
NANA & PAPA WITH THEIR GRAND KIDS
THE DOLPHINS GREETED US EVERY MORNING AROUND 8:00 A.M.

LA BUFADORA (the blow hole)

WAITING FOR THE WATER TO SPRAY UP!





THEY ALL LOVED IT!

EXCEPT FOR COLE!

ENJOYING THE FIRE OUTSIDE ON THE PATIO AREA


THE GRAND KIDS FAVORITE THING WAS TO BOGEY BOARD

I LOVE THIS PICTURE OF SAVANNAH
(all pictures courtesy of Larry Curtis, thank you, thank you)

COLE'S FAVORITE THING WAS TO PLAY IN THE SAND

WE WANTED OUR CALI FAMILY TO ENJOY OUR FAMOUS SPAGHETTI DINNER

INSIDE THE BAJA HOUSE

WE HAD BEAUTIFUL SUNSETS

The only thing that could have made this trip any better would have been if Brandt, Soupie and the girls could have joined us. We missed them and hope that next time we do this they will be able to be with us. It was a wonderful trip with lots of excitement along the way.

Monday, June 1, 2009

COME UP TO THE MOUNTAIN

I was privileged to be a leader that helped our ward youth get ready for the Draper Temple Celebration, which was on May 29th.

What an awesome experience! We only had two months to prepare for this task. But the youth pulled it off and might I add, they made it looked effortless.

Seven thousand youth (Draper temple district), ages 12 to 18 participated in this celebration. Each Stake had a choir and dancers. Our Stake was assigned the Farmers dance. We practiced Tuesdays and Wednesdays, so if a youth couldn't make one night they could come the next night or go to both. We practiced at the Conference center only a couple of times. Dress Rehearsal was the first time all 7,000 kids got together. What a site that was!

My favorite part of the celebration was the ending when the Temple that was hidden rises up in front of the mountain, then a woman and a man climb the stairs when they are almost to the top their children come out from behind some rocks and then the family finish climbing the stairs to the front doors of the temple. It was breathtaking to say the least, I cried, EVERYONE CRIED! What a testimony building experience for our youth!


The next night was Oquirrh Mountain's youth celebration. They had the same music, but they had their own dances and costumes, I wish I could have seen them! Carlee got to be a part of this celebration. I am so very proud of her! She was a rollerskating car hop from the 50's. She said she had a blast!






















President Monson was at both performances. We sang "We Thank Thee O God for a Prophet" as he entered the Conference Center. He spoke to the youth and all eyes were on him. As he left the center all the youth were waving to him, he stopped to talk to them. What an awesome experience for our Youth!