Matt and I had such a great time with the kids at Youth Conference this year. Thursday the group headed down to Monticello to do baptisms for the dead. Matt and I stayed in Moab with the kids that weren't able to go to the temple and hiked around camp and set up camp. We stayed at the Lone Mesa camp ground. Thursday night after dinner we had an outdoor movie. John Kuchenmeister a.k.a J.D. Fox is the YM Pres. and he brought his equipment for the movie. Kathy (my 2nd counselor), Emilee (John's wife) and Norma, (the bishop's wife) were the other women leaders.The bishopric was there and Art Shamata (sp?). Two of the leaders that were going to come got sick the night before we left. Friday we got up early and went into Moab for the rafting adventure. The river was so high this year and most of the camp grounds were underwater along with a lot of the bike trails. The river was very swift but I felt safe the whole time. The water was actually a little to cold for me to jump in but I got plenty wet from the water fights. We did lose Todd (counselor in the bishopric) in some strong rapids but luckily the bishop was able to fish him out because I couldn't quit laughing. After the river brother Nielson came all the way down for a special fireside on substance abuse and some of his personal experiences and then the leaders shared their testimonies. After the fireside some of us went on a midnight hike to Arches. Art led the way. It was almost a full moon and we were able to hike to Delicate Arch. It was soooo Amazing! My camera wasn't high tech enough to pick it up in the dark but I got a few of us hiking in the dark. It was an experience I will never forget and I think the kids won't either. There was even a group down below the Arch singing. I could have sat there all night. I can't wait to go back and bring my kids.
Trying to do the Crane at Dead Horse Point. Some of the kids were doing similar positions so I thought I would break out my yoga, weak wrists and all!
Dead Horse Point was our last stop before heading home on Saturday. What a great group of kids. We didn't have any problems and had a great time. It is amazing how much you grow to love and care about the youth as you serve as a leader. They are definitely special spirits in a tough world in which to keep their standards. 
Marissa, Alisha, Me, Kathy, Emilee, Carly, Autumn, and Sharice
Midnight Hiking..
Group Shot in the dark. This group got an experience of a life time...Bishop Brent Christensen back row third one in. Todd Pay (2nd counselor) front row 2nd one from right. J.D. and Emilee front row on the left. Kathy and Glen (1st counselor) stayed back to look after the kids that stayed in camp.
Holding on to a leg of the Delicate Arch :)
Matt trying to get a picture of us under the Delicate Arch. We tried putting our flashlights behind our back to light up the arch but no luck. I need a better camera.
Hiking around camp. One of the boys I was hiking with was born without an arm. I was really amazed by him. I didn't have the best hiking shoes on (flip flops) and at one point we were going down some slick rock and I left black skid marks from my flip flops all the way down a rock. I guess you could say I burnt rubber. ;) It is so beautiful in Moab and there is lots of fun places to hike and sight see. I had to speak on Sunday about my YC experience with some of the youth and John. They also announced that they will be releasing our bishopric next Sunday. Very bitter sweet. I know that they have served for so long and need a break but they are just so great and I feel like we have formed special bonds and friendships with each of them and it will be a tough change. My mom and dad came down to pick up the kids the Monday before we left. Mom had to go to an eye appointment. I don't know how well she felt after getting her eyes worked on but they still came over and got the kids for the week. She even took them swimming. The kids said the worked their butts off. That makes me so happy to hear that. I think it is so good for them. Dad said they were really good help. I wish they could go up there more often and help out. My mom has a lot of the work to do herself because dad is working a lot. The kids did have a great time and learned a lot too. We met my mom in Spanish Fork when we got back on Saturday because Lucas was having a little birthday party and Jabin wanted to stop by and see him. I hope we will be able to get together with Jesse and Bekah and their kids this summer we don't get to see them enough.
