EFY

As some of you may know, I went to the EFY (Especially For Youth) program in Buena Vista, Virginia at Southern Virginia University two weeks ago for a week and I had an amazing time. EFY is a program for LDS youth ages 14-18 to come together for a week to learn and grow in the gospel of Jesus Christ and to be around people who have the same standards as you. I met so many amazing people while I was there one being my counselor, Elise.

 Elise is a student at Brigham Youth University and an amazing example of righteousness. She always gave great lessons and devotionals and took the time to get to know each of us.

I also met a group of about 25 other youth who where in my company. They were an awesome group of people.

 I can honestly say that I love each of them so much. I grew so close to these people in a way that I never thought possible. I cannot tell you every detail like what their favorite food or color is, but we have such a strong friendship through the gospel. We all formed such a strong bond with each other and it was so hard of leave on Saturday, but just as promised we are all friends on facebook and chat with each other often. :)

While I was there, my testimony also grew immensely. My love for the Savior and my relationship with him was greatly increased. I now have a stronger testimony of my Heavenly Father's love for me and  the knowledge that he is always there for me, no matter what, if I just reach out to him.

EFY was an amazing experience for me that I will never forget. I have come back with a stronger testimony and a even stronger desire to share my testimony and this wonderful gospel with others. I can't wait to go back to school to where I have the opportunity everyday to share this amazing gospel with my friends. I love this gospel so much and I am so grateful to have been blessed to have it in my life.

Washington D.C. Trip

Washington Monument

World War II Memorial

Capitol Building

Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

Changing of the Guards

Pictures from some of the Museums

Blair House

Our Last stop the White House

Swimming Lessons

School's Out!

Which means no work, no homework and all fun, right? Well, apparently not when you are taking AP classes. I may be finished with this (thank goodness):

 But I have to do this, which I received before classes even finished:

And this which I had the pick up right after my global exam for this year:

So if you see me with a textbook at the pool with summer, you know why. Well I better get started, summer always goes by so quickly...

Father's Day

This year we also celebrated Father's Day (big surprise, I know). This year had big Father's and Mother's Day gifts. My mom received her new Kitchen Aid mixer and my dad got... and iPod touch! Here are some picture from this year's Father's Day. First, his gift:

Cards

No Father's Day is complete without handmade cards

Dad trying to be funny and shaking his presents to try to guess what is inside

A book... something to help put him to sleep

A CD... of

The Mormon Tabernacle Choir (awesome CD by the way, but then again, what isn't good when its the Mo Tab?)

And finally...

The iPod touch!

My dad still exploring his new iPod, but so far, I think it is safe to say he loves it.

So, this post if for you dad. Thank you for everything! Thank you for going to work everyday for us so that we can eat and have a house. We are so grateful for everything (including teaching us... me how to drive standard and being patient when I am freaking out because I stalled it). We love you so much!

Mother's Day

This year, just like any other, we celebrated Mother's Day. We had some yummy food and enjoyed that time together. Because my mother does not like pictures of her on the blog, I will respect her wishes this one time and only put one picture of her. Some other pictures from the day, some of her gifts:

Bath and Body Works

A Kitchen Aid mixer

Some lovely flowers

 

 

 

 And finally one picture of our mom:

We are so grateful for everything our mother does for us. From cooking, cleaning and taxi driving, she does so much for us and we tend to forget to say thank you. So this is for all of the things you did (and will do) for us that we never said thank you for. We love you, Mom!

Mormon Tabernacle Choir

Jonathan and I had a chance to go see the Mormon Tabernacle Choir
with the youth of our Stake. It was a great concert and a special day.