It's official

I'm not the RS President anymore. Bishop told me a few weeks ago that he would be releasing me and ever since then I have run the gauntlet of emotional craziness - from happy and excited to balling my eyes out. I can't even begin to describe the amount of faith and trust that I have put in Heavenly Father this past year as I fulfilled that calling. I loved every minute of being RS President, even the moments when I thought I was a fool for accepting the calling. I have learned and grown so much this past year. I have found out what it means to be close to my Savior and to have Him guiding my footsteps. There were many, many times that I had no clue what to do next and I trusted Him to lead me to the correct path. I am so grateful for the relationship I have built with Him and that I am determined to strengthen throughout my life. Nothing can compare to having the knowledge that He is there close by, watching and cheering you on, to give you the strength to do and conquer anything.

I am so grateful for the wonderful women that served with me and put their trust in me as RS President. I couldn't have done anything - and I definitely couldn't have had that much fun - without their love and support. They have become some of my closest and dearest friends. I miss the ones that have left and continued their lives in other cities. I wish that they could have stayed, that this year could have gone on for eternity, but I know that the only way to continue to grow and learn is to have change come into our lives. As hard, confusing, and sometimes hurtful as change can be, it is a necessary step in our lives that will come often.

I'm excited - and scared out of my mind - for my next adventure as the ward Institute Representative. I have no idea what is in store for me this next year, but as I told my good friend Alaina "I've decided to just embrace it and see where it takes me".

Disneyland!

On the final day of my month stay at home, we went to Disneyland! It was so much fun that I ended up staying later than I should have and didn't get into Cedar till midnight. But it was so worth it!

In line to get our pictures taken with characters from Winnie the Pooh. I can't tell if we're too excited for words or if we are just embarrassed that we're actually in line...

Pooh Bear!!!

Rabbit! I've never seen him out before, which is the main reason we got in line

We went to Innovations and Mom got to participate in the show

It's hard to tell, but she was Guest No. 3. She didn't win, I guess she has to watch more tv...

They changed the inside of Innovations since the last time I went in. Now it's the home of the Elias family

Masumi and Nate chillin in the boys room. The house was soo cool that I didn't take pictures cuz I was too distracted. If you go to D-land, you should go inside and check it out!

Family Vacation

The whole family (minus Robby and Jenny's family - it's kinda hard to go to Big Bear when you're in New Zealand...), plus Cindy, had a get-a-way up in Big Bear. It was lots of fun, lots of craziness, and lots of people!

The awesome tree outside the house

The first day we went on the Alpine Slide. It was awesome. My only wish was that I hadn't been stuck behind a chicken of a girl who made me go slow. But Dad and I agree that if she hadn't been there, I would have beat him.

The next day we took a ride on the ski lifts up the mountain

I mostly like this picture because of Mom and Dad's hats :)

Classic picture of Nate and me

Shelly was a little thirsty... She drank most of that water bottle

Jason as "My little Moses"

I loved the view!!

Back down we go!

Did I mention I loved the view?!

Rach, Mark, Dad, the kids and I headed to the Big Bear Discovery Center

If you look closely you can see that they're holding hands - CUTE!

Checking out the stuffed animals

We went for a walk down a trail that was next to the Discovery Center. I'm not sure what Jason is doing here... but it's adorable!

Papi running away from us. I guess we can be obnoxious sometimes....

Shelly running to catch up to me. And you thought I wasn't the favorite ;)

J-man being a cute dork. He's stabbing my leg with a twig he found.

Playing around and getting the wiggles out before jumping back in the car

We found some fish to feed at the lake. The kids had a blast!

Farewell Dinner

This was last month, but my friend just barely posted the pictures on Facebook.

My good friend Alaina (aka Al) moved up north and we of course had to throw her a party!

Marcia, Me, Kayley

Marcia has moved as well and I was too excited to see her again

Oh, Kayley! I love her!! She'll be heading off on a mission soon - she just turned in her papers last month

Classic us picture!

Marcia wanted a funny picture and so Al picked her up. Then we couldn't stop laughing

I love these girls!!!!!