Over the weekend, I had the opportunity to go to my parents house for their stake conference. My dad has been the stake president for the last 9 years. It was time for him to be released. My whole side of the family came. It turned out that Elder Nelson of the Quorum of the 12 Apostles was the visiting authority. On Sunday, we were sitting in the front. When Elder Nelson was speaking, he had all the primary children stand up and sing, "I Am a Child of God." Well Kelli loves "I Am a Child of God," so she sang her heart out. While she was singing, Kelli kept waving at Elder Nelson. After the song was over, Elder Nelson motioned for Kelli to come up on the stand. I would think that any other child would be scared to go up there, but not Kelli. She went right up there and Elder Nelson picked her up and gave her a big hug. After Kelli went back down, Elder Nelson said, "That's President Anderson's granddaughter. She and I have been eying each other the whole time." I thought how awesome that was for Kelli to get that opportunity and of course I had to record it. It's not very often that you get to hug an apostle.
Another incredible thing happened. Back in 2005, I did a study abroad in Nauvoo through BYU. One of my leaders/floor parents/teachers, were the Pinegars. Sister Pinegar had been the general primary president. Brother Pinegar had been the MTC president and a mission president. You can tell that they are an amazing couple. They were wonderful teachers, speakers, an incredible example and great friends. Well now they are the Manti Temple president and matron. And because Manti is so close to my home town, they also spoke at the Stake Conference. It was a treat to also hear them speak again and I got to talk to them for a little bit after wards. I just love those kinds of experiences in life.
It was also wonderful to be with my whole side of the family and be able to see my dad as the Stake President one more time. I have always looked up to my dad and have known him to be an amazing person. My mom and dad are right behind Elder Nelson in the picture below.
