Our family's tradition

So it's not original, but it's probably our family's favorite tradition - General Conference Weekend.

About 2 years ago, I realized that yelling at my kids to sit down, be quiet, and listen wasn't working. Infact, it was probably making it miserable for everyone. So I started researching ideas from the ensign and internet. Here are a few things that we do to make this weekend a fun one.

The family home evening before the weekend, we always talk about King Benjamin and how the people gathered their families and pitched their tents facing the temple so that they could hear the prophet. We talked about how we don't have to go to the prophet now; we can watch it on TV or the internet. We also talk about what the prophet might tell us when he speaks to us and what King Benjamin told his people.

Friday I prep 'holiday' food. We eat special food such as turkey, pumpkin roll, homemade rolls, etc all weekend long. That night, we set up our tent inside and sleep together as a family. Sunday, we take the tent down and the kids ALWAYS groan.

During conference, I give the kids an 'activity packet' that they can color and do. It helps them to be quiet and for the older ones (right now, Faith), it helps them write key words about what the speaker is talking about. They also get a treat sack. It is filled with fun treats for them if they sit and listen to the speakers. I buy specialty things that I wouldn't normally buy for them.

This has been such a success in our family and has helped keep the spirit in our home so that we can receive the messages. Last conference, Sister Beck talked about 'mothers who know'. During the middle of the talk, Faith turned around and said, "Mom, this lady is talking to you."

Good luck making conference weekend 'special' for your family!!!

Don't believe everything on the internet!

So, this weekend was the Morrill family reunion. We headed down to Crystal Hot Springs (Honeyville, UT) to camp over and swim. The pictures on the internet on this site were beautiful. IRL (in real life) this place was an absolute dump. The benches under the pavillion were held up by 5 gallon buckets, broken tables heaped in a pile that of course attracked the kids' attention, and of course the swimming pools. As you left the locker room, there was a sign that basically said:

"Our pools consistently exceed the baterial limit for the state of Utah."

WHAT??? How can a place like this stay in business? Of course, they tell you this information AFTER you pay and then they don't give you a refund.

Anyways, don't ever go to Crystal Hot Springs and pay money for it! Does anyone know any other great places to camp and have family reunions???

Faith's baptism photos

Here she is at Stephen's Performing Arts Center in her new white dress. She will be baptized October 11th, 2008 as a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.