This last weekend, my Mom, Dad, and little sister Kendra all made their way to Albuquerque. Over the summer, I had bought a VIP ticket to see Karena and Katrina at the Tone it up Tour in Scottsdale, Arizona. I have loved being on their program for the last year. They have changed my life, my eating habits, and my family's lives for the better. I quickly realized I would need a baby sitter to make my little adventure happen. I started brain storming about what to do. Who could watch my boys, over night, while I was out of town? Then a friend posted about The Women of Light Conference here in Albuquerque the same weekend. I devised a plan. I bought my Mom and I tickets to attend the conference, then I would fly to Phoenix for the TIU Tour. Genius!
After speaking with Kendra over the next few months, I realized how much she would benefit from attending The Women of Light Conference. She need to hear Elizabeth Smart and Stephanie Nielson speak, just as much as I did. I called my Mom and we decided to buy her a plane ticket out here and a ticket to the conference. A few days later, I started re-thinking my plan. Kendra had been doing Tone it up since January, so I was sure she would love to attend the Tour as well. Thus began our crazy girls weekend.
Kendra flew in Thursday afternoon. We did a little shopping and then met up with my friend Laurel to take her picture at the state fair. After the state fair, we headed over to the school to pick up the boys. Then we went to cross country. Kendra killed it! She ran so hard with the team. We did 3.5 miles that muggy afternoon. After practice my parents arrived. We ate some dinner then went straight to bed.
Friday morning we woke up early to catch the best light for photos. Kendra had wanted to get some shots of her on her silks. We tacked through the mud to one of my favorite spots for photos here in town. Then we rushed home to get the boys ready for picture day at school. We dropped the boys off at school, then I went on a nice walk with my Mom and sister. Then I taught a few lessons.
After teaching lessons, we headed straight over to the temple to do some sealings. It was so special to to sealings with my parents and sister. I felt the spirit so strong! I am so glad we took some time to be in a quiet place with my parents.
Friday night I taught a few more lessons, then we sang Happy Birthday to my sweet Dad. He turned 66 yesterday. Oh, I just love him. He sacrifices so much for his children. He is the best example of a father. He continually strives to be a guiding light for his children. I love him. He is always willing to work hard, no matter what it will cost him.
Saturday we all woke up early and headed to The Women of Light Conference. It was so uplifting. We spent the entire day at the Conference. Each main speaker had a beautiful message of truth and empowerment. I felt so uplifted when we drove home.
Mean while, my dad took my boys to a baptism and a school carnival. He was at the carnival the entire afternoon! I am sure he was exhausted. We all ate dinner together, then Kendra and jumped in the car and drove to Phoenix. We laughed and giggled the whole 6 1/2 hours to Craig and Blair's house in Peoria.
We arrived in Peoria at 1:30 at night. We were both exhausted. We slept until 10 when Blair woke us up with sweet smelling waffles! The best breakfast ever. After getting ready, quickly, we drove over to Scottsdale for the TIU tour. We had so much fun together. Jillian Michaels just killed us in the Arizona heat. I absolutely loved meeting K&K and spending the afternoon with Kendra and Blair. I am so glad they are on this crazy fitness journey with me. Craig made us dinner which included stakes, potatoes, and carrots. He even made dessert!! CAKE! Yummy!
I love my family. I am so so glad I was able to spend some time with them this weekend. After cake, Kendra and I drove over to the Phoenix Temple to take some photos, only to find that the gates were locked. We made lemonade out of lemons and I think the photos we got will be stunning! I got eaten alive by mosquitoes which was unexpected as Arizona is not known for mosquitoes. I am still itching two days later!
After the photo shoot, Kendra and I climbed back in the car and drove back to Albuquerque. We made such great time. We got back to Albuquerque at about 1:30 in the morning and feel right to sleep. Kendra had to be at the airport at 5:00 AM that morning, so we slept about 3 hours and then I woke up and drove her to the airport! What a weekend!
I am grateful to my parents who took time out of their busy lives to be with me this weekend and I am so grateful to have such an adventurous sister who loves to stay awake all hours of the night driving to and from Arizona.
I learned so much this weekend and I wish I could write it all down. My most important thought from all this was: "Love more!" I want to love more, judge less, and be a pillar of light for my family and friends.
Now to catch up on editing photos and my sleep!!
