Wow! I've been so blessed! I have had the most amazing experiences throughout my life! Traveling the world, meeting incredible people, learning at the feet of my parents and so much more that has truly made me who I am today. And this weekend, was one of those incredible, life-altering moments.
Friday night, Ryan's mom said that she could take the kids that night and we could drive to Las Vegas and spend the night there so we were ready for our flight the next morning. We were just planning on leaving Sat. morning, so that was so nice! We went to a wonderful italian dinner at Caesar's and then went over to the New York, New York hotel (of course - where else! LOL!) and spent the night there. They upgraded our room too - it was so nice! Ryan and I met in NY and had our honeymoon there so we have such a special place in our hearts for New York! We just love it. It was fun to be there without kids too!
Saturday we flew to Santa Ana, CA and got our car and drove over to Balboa beach, the Peninsula. It was so much fun! We walked on the pier, took lots of photos, walked up and down these awesome streets, had the best pizza ever and had such a great time together! We needed this time together so badly! It was so wonderful! We then went to the hotel, got ready, and went to the 'Pond Arena', where the Mighty Ducks play. We were escorted to a private suite and enjoyed the member meeting. My dad conducted, mom spoke, dad spoke, President Faust and then President Hinckley. It was so incredible! Then, we went and had dinner with their families...got to say hello to them, so special! Then we went in for the Youth Celebration that was just amazing! They had been working on that production for 2 years - and all that youth - it just took your breath away! The importance of the youth! Wow!
Sunday I woke up sick! Yuck! So, we missed the cornerstone dedication at the temple. But, as soon as we got there they let us go up - last people - me and my sisters/hubbies and we got to put mortar on the cornerstone, take photos. It was really cool! Took photos at the temple...such a beautiful temple! It's amazing to me how every temple has such amazing stories about the stone and how it came to be! It was so beautiful! We then went in to see the second session of the dedication of the temple. I got to see my mom and dad before cause I went to the bathroom - still not feeling well! (; The session was incredible! Wow! To sit right there, 4 feet in front of President Hinckley is just amazing! Elder Faust spoke, my dad and President Hinckley! Just amazing! Overcome with emotion - it felt good to be there! I wouldn't of wanted to be anywhere else at that moment!
Went in my parents room afterwards and talked and then we left as they had another session. Wow! What a weekend! Ryan and I then went and walked around Balboa Island where he went as a little kid - he grew up in Huntington Beach so they went down there a lot so that was neat for him and neat for me to share it with him.
We got on the earlier flight home. Yeah! Kids were asleep - they did great. I was so happy! What a successful, special weekend! One our family will never forget! I have so much journal writing I need to do - I don't want to forget all the special and touching thoughts and things that happened! It'll take me weeks! LOL!
So, I'm back. Back to the grind of life. What a great break - although it was short - it was just perfect. Madi has school today and I need to do laundry and clean up a bit. Not sure if I'll get into my scrap room - well, of course I will - I do every day on the hour! LOL! I've got some new things coming in the mail and new stuff always inspires me - love that!
I had a bunch of cool, random thoughts that I'll share later. Need to get going for the day but I wanted to post about our incredible weekend at Newport Beach! What awesome people there! I'll never forget it! Here's some photos: