Youth Conference!

This past weekend, Bryce and I had the awesome experience of being chaperones for our stake's Youth Conference. We were organized into families and we were the Ma and Pa. Each family was assigned a prophet and we had Heber J Grant. I cannot even describe how great this weekend was. I think we may have had more fun than the kids :) First of all, we were in beautiful, sunny Santa Barbara, on the UCSB campus. Seriously, right on the water. Then, we had some GREAT speakers. Some were EFY speakers and other were from the stake, but the were all fabulous. We played lots of great games, did a service project (making blankets for a children's hospital), had a dance, and ate some bomb food in the dinning hall.

Throughout the entire weekend, I was constantly impressed by the amazing youth we have in our stake. I remember being in the youth program myself, and our leaders would tell us how great we were. I never really believed that, but now that I'm a leader, I know it's really true! These kids face so many trials and yet they are clinging to the gospel for strength and guidance. It's so wonderul to see.

The funny thing was that some of the older kids at the conference were there when I was in the program :) The kids in our family were rad and we were able to have some great disscussions durring the family devotional time. Bryce and I feel so blessed to be serving in the youth program of the church. We truly enjoy every minute of it.

Making Blankets

Our Family :)

All the youth

Dancing the night away

Katie, busting a move

Crazy obstacle course (looks kinda funny, huh?)

Our Fam won!

Grubbing

I had to give a shout out to this guy. Bishop Parry is one of the gratest guys I know. He has been extremely involved with the youth and was always at every activity when I was a youth and he's still at it! He was my first bishop and he's always helping in any way possible. He has the biggest heart and worked so hard to make our stake's Cambodian branch become a ward. But BEST of all, 10 years ago, He baptized me into the church. Whenever I see him (which is quite often) I am pleasantly reminded of the best decision I ever made and all the blessings I have recieved by being a member :)

Farewell to Ryan

Today, Ryan left for the MTC. He reports tomorrow. The house already feels weird without him. Ryan is such an amazing kid and he is going to make a great missionary. I'm really grateful for the time I have gotten to know him better. It has been an interesting experience from my end because I don't have any brothers and have never had a sibling leave on a mission. Seeing my brother-in-law get his call, prepare to go, give his farewell talk and then, last night, be set apart as missionary has been extraordinary. It is such a testiment to me of the truthfulness of the gospel. Young men and women all over the world put their lives on hold to share the Gospel with those looking for the truth. It's amazing and all I can say is that Santiago Chile is so lucky to be getting Elder Ricks for 2 whole years!!! We Love You, Ryan!!!


Here are some fun pics of Ryan

Our Wedding

Steph's Wedding

In Church

Snowmobiling in Idaho

Ryan's Court of Honor

Comming out of the Temple

The whole Fam Bam

Farewell Open House

6ft burrito...delish

I'll add this last funny story: I said goodbye to Ryan this morning before I went to work. I gave him a hug and told him to have fun. He told me to have a baby. I told him to start using those missionary prayers....hahaha