A Spirit filled vacation...

A couple of weeks ago the kids and I jetted to Utah. Our purpose, to attend two blessed events; the baptism of Stockton Nelson and the wedding of Richelle Nelson.

We arrived to a bustle of activity and no ride from the airport. But, being the seasoned travelers that we are, we managed just fine. My brother Josh took it upon himself to chauffeur us to our first destination, my sister's house. This required some shuffling on my brothers part because of his two angels that he was watching that day. We greatly appreciate him.

The next day was the first BIG event on our to do list. We were pleased to attend the baptism of Stockton Nelson, Jeff's nephew. I was asked to lead the music and the kids shared their beautiful innocent sounding voices by singing "I'm Trying to be Like Jesus". The baptism of Stockton was wonderfully accented by the baptism of the Nelsons previous foreign exchange-student, Victoria. Victoria had lived with the Nelsons while she attended BYU. (She wanted to be baptized but her mother, Cecilia, a devote Catholic, would not give her blessing. With much persuasion and the help of the Spirit, Victoria was able to convince her mother of the true desire that she had to become a member of the Church.) It turned out that Victoria and Cecilia were planning a visit from their home in Venezuela at the exact time that Stockton was to be baptized. It worked out so wonderfully that they were able to have both baptisms at the same service.

The day after the baptisms was Fast and Testimony Meeting at the Nelsons ward. It so happened that an Area Authority was visiting the meeting that day and the Stake had just announced a redoing of boundaries that would be detailed that evening. Jim Nelson, as bishop, began the meeting with a wonderful testimony of not only the changed in the ward, but in the changes in his family; Stockton's baptism and his daughter, Richelle, future nuptials. Jim was followed by Lauri, Richelle and Stockton, each giving spirit filled testimonies.

My little Jakob got up next; his first time bearing his testimony. It was a shock to me because he never showed an interest before. Jakob's testimony almost did me in! He did a marvelous job and was very eloquent.

Finally, as the time was diminishing, Cecilia got up to bear her testimony. It was wonderful to hear her version of her and Victoria's story. Cecilia expressed her gratitude in the choice her daughter had made in being baptized. This was followed by the Area Authority getting up to speak. The first thing he said was that he didn't believe in coincidences. He went on to say that he had served as Mission President in Venezuela. Wow! He was able to talk with Cecilia and Victoria after the service in Spanish, with Norma and Jim listening in. Cecilia later commented that where she is from they don't call it Coincidences, but God-incidences. (It sounds better in Spanish!)

As our week progressed the kids and I were able to help with wedding errands, play with cousins and relax. And, despite both kids getting sick, we had a good time.

Thursday night I attended the wedding dinner in Highland. It was a beautiful evening and we were able to eat outdoors under the color-changing trees. After the dinner (and a considerable amount of time wasting) I picked Jeff up from the airport.

On Friday we were to be at the Salt Lake Temple at 9:30. While the kids waited in the lobby, Jeff and I attended the Sealing of Richelle to Brian. (Brian, by the way, is Josie's new love interest. I told Richelle to watch out or she would steal him right out from under her!) The best part was when L. Tom Perry, a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, walked in to perform the sealing. It was truly the most spiritual sealing I have ever attended.

The rest of the day and evening went on without a hitch. It was a beautiful fun-filled reception (with lots of blister making things to do, but it was well worth the double socks and band aids!) Our family had a wonderful week, but we were happy to return home to get back to normal, at least until our next trip!