Sunday, July 31, 2011

~TEMPLE SQUARE~

On our way home from the family reunion, we stopped at Temple Square. It was a perfect end to a perfect week!


Conference Center


Saturday, July 30, 2011

ARCHES NATIONAL PARK~TAKE 2
As we were leaving Blanding, we decided to stop in Arches again to see a few more sights...
Landscape Arch
Landscape Arch

Darkness was starting to envelope us, but we really wanted to finish the hike. This section of the hike had a cliff off to one side. It didn't look too difficult until we were committed an unable to turn back. I was so scared that I made my children scoot on their bums, and hold tight to both me and Bryan. 


Thursday, July 28, 2011

ELKINGTON FAMILY REUNION
We arrived in Blanding on Thursday, July 28. Patty had planned an amazing weekend. Our theme for the reunion was: What are you doing with your time? Every night there was a devotional on the importance of time. Every day we focused on spending T I M E together. We filled our days with four-wheeler riding, swimming, eating, and exercising--simply having fun together. My favorite activity; however, was when I was able to go to the Monticello temple with my husband and sisters. I felt a bond grow between us as we served the Lord. I loved watching my sisters interact with the temple workers. I loved seeing their kindness and love--their example taught me and enriched my life. 

In general conference, Elder Uchtdorf said, "We build deep and loving family relationships by doing simple things together, like family dinner and family home evening and by just having fun together. In family relationships love is really spelled t-i-m-e, time. Taking time for each other is the key for harmony at home. We talk with, rather than about, each other. We learn from each other, and we appreciate our differences as well as our commonalities. We establish a divine bond with each other as we approach God together through family prayer, gospel study, and Sunday worship" (Of Things that Matter Most, General Conference 2010).

The last day we played a game with a parachute. Here are our adventures:








Wednesday, July 27, 2011

ARCHES National Park
Our second day of "vacationing" was spent in Arches National Park. Our timing was perfect--both my parents, brother, and sister (along with her family) also stopped at the park on their way to the reunion so our circle of family grew as we visited the park.
 I absolutely love God's creations. Every time I have the opportunity of beholding my Heavenly Father's amazing creations something stirs within me that brings me closer to my maker and to the people I love. The Arches National Park was no different--I was amazed as my eyes scanned each horizon within the park, and my soul felt a closeness to my family, and my God. I am grateful we were able to visit such an amazing place.

We were able to hike through many different terrains. Here are a few pictures depicting our adventures:

HIKE 1


My family is always goofing around. Here is a picture that illustrates just how "goofy" they can be.




Waterhole Amidst Desert


HIKE 2; Double Arches




HIKE 3; SAND DUNE ARCH




 HIKE 4; Delicate Arch

Tuesday, July 26, 2011

LAGOON; July 26
This year the Elkington family reunion was held in Blanding, UT. To break up the long drive, we decided to "vacation" along the way. Our first day of "vacationing" was spent at Lagoon.

I love family bonding. I love anything that promotes family bonding. Right now in our lives, I feel particularly blessed that (for the most part) my kids enjoy eachother, and our time spent together truly is a bonding experience. Lagoon was no exception.





Tuesday, July 19, 2011

Girl's Camp; July 10-22
 Girl's camp. Just saying this simple phrase brings a memory to every girl or woman who has ever had the opportunity of attending girl's camp. Memories of camping, hiking, swimming, and all out laughing. Girl's camp is a time of bonding. It is a time for growing both spiritually and physically. Girl's Camp. With these two words each and every girl and woman has to take a moment and smile.

This year girl's camp held many memories for me. Memories that were precious at the time, but much more precious afterward. It was two weeks after girl's camp that I was informed of my release. I remember sitting in the bishop's office feeling a bit surreal that my time as YW's President had come to a close. If it wasn't a calling from the Lord, I would have argued, and insisted that I was still capable and able of fulfilling my duties and responsibilities; however, because of my faith and my knowledge of the plan, I understood that the Lord is overall, and if the bishop felt it was time for my release--well then, it was time for my release. It was a difficult time for me. A time of sadness, but also a time for growth. Slowly I started receiving the inspiration I needed to sustain me. I began to understand the Lord's timing and I began to embrace the idea of the new presidency. The Lord granted me an understanding that the new presidency was exactly what these beautiful young women needed, and although I would miss them terribly--I wanted what was best for them because I loved them. I loved them with all of my heart. I am so grateful to my Heavenly Father for the time I spent as YW's President. I have never cried or laughed so much in my life--I grew so much from my experiences, and I will cherish it always. And so...here is another year at girl's camp, and a close of a chapter for me...a chapter full of memories, full of love, and full of growth.
Sister Olsen and Hailee prior to Hiking

Sister VanderLinden started a game of pine cone soccer. It was a riot!

Eating Lunch by the lake after hiking for 3 miles.

I love Stacia Bates, and I absolutely love this picture of her!

Alexa Phillips. Alexa was using a knife her father had given her, and slipped creating a deep cut in her wrist. I almost died. Gratefully, she was okay. She was brave and an example of persevering.

Scripture study. We set a time aside every day in which we could study our scriptures. The girls were fantastic at this challenge!

Kennedy and Ashley preparing for SKITS

Katie Canning, Kennedy Haskell, Ashley Olsen, Ashley Perez, Cheyenne Hall, Brooke Tarbet, and Ashley with our SERVICE PROJECT. We painted pictures for a women's shelter.

Free Fall. We had so much fun playing games. One of the games we played was called free fall. In order to play we had to fall backwards into the outstretched arms that were waiting to catch us from certain death. The trick--trusting those were doing the catching. I absolutely loved this game! It not only taught us about trust, but it also brought unity to our group! So FUN!

Alexa Phillips ready to fall. Most of the YW and Leaders participated in the Trust Fall.

Obstacle Course

Obstacle Course


FREE FALL ROUND 2
When the bishop arrived, we convinced him to allow us to catch him.

We were confident...the bishop wasn't quite so sure...



Polar Bear Plunge. The girls were awarded a prize if they were able to run into the frigid water during the early morning hours.