General Conference Saturday.

Twice a year, 

the leadership of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints 

gathers together to speak to the membership throughout the world. 

It just so happens, 

that this conference overlapped our visit with Aleksi.

Ten guesses for who got tickets?

 Yes, indeed. 

All tickets are free though, 

but they're still hard to get.

We must've past fifty people standing along the sidewalks leading up to the Conference Center 

asking for extra tickets. 

Bummer. 

We got there super early to ensure we got our seats. 

[I know, so unlike us]

By the time 9:30 rolled around, every seat was filled.

Whoa. 

This was my first time going to the Salt Lake City Conference Center and watching the 

leaders speak right there, in human form.

And what an incredible experience it was. 

Usually, 

we watch the broadcast at home or at our church building. 

Being there in person was so different. 

When the First Presidency entered, 

the room instantly fell silent and everyone stood up.

 The conference has two sessions on Saturday and two sessions on Sunday. 

Morning and afternoon. 

President Thomas S. Monson announced several new temples, 

which is always way cool. 

Paris, France. 

South Africa. 

Democratic Republic of the Congo. 

Wyoming. 

Colombia. 

and a second temple in Provo, Utah. 

It just shows how the gospel is really being spread to every nation, kindred, tongue and people.

My favorite talks during the first session were

Boyd K. Packer

"Despite the opposition, trials, and temptations, you need not fail or fear."

and 

Dieter F. Uchtdorf.

"The Lord uses a scale very different from the world’s to weigh the worth of a soul."

We had a two hour break between sessions so left to grab something to eat. 

The protestors and sign holders would yell at you as you walked by. 

Really? 

As if they could rain on my parade. 

Please. 

We only had tickets to the Saturday morning session and then the Sunday afternoon session, 

so for the second session we went to the old Tabernacle 

[across the street]

and watched it on broadcast.

Which is worse:

Aleksi's awkward bewb photo that's not even that bad because it's really just my suit [above photo] 

or 

my neck sticking out four thousand feet in front of my body [photo below].

Favorite talks during the second session were: 

D. Todd Christofferson 

"Only through repentance do we gain access to the atoning grace of Jesus Christ."

and 

L. Tom Perry.

"If you will respond to the invitation to share your beliefs and feelings about the restored gospel of Jesus Christ, a spirit of love and a spirit of courage will be your constant companion."

Also on Saturday, 

is the Priesthood session. 

We waited on the Temple Square lawn

or rather, 

Dad, Aleksi, Cortney and David [Aleksi's friend] waited on the lawn, 

and I ran around and took some photos.

[I know, what a goofy photo]

But I had to put it up because my sisters and Cortney always get on me for the photos I put up of them, 

so here. 

 It was a beautiful day. 

Blue skies. 

Windy. 

Low 70s. 

Ah-mazing. 

 Priesthood Session was probably my favorite. 

Priesthood is for the men of the church, 

the women have a General Relief Society session the Saturday before these meetings. 

I think it would be overwhelming to have eight hours of talks in one day, 

six is tough enough, 

but that's just me. 

Jeffery R. Holland. 

"From every man, young and old, who bears the priesthood, I ask for a stronger and more devoted voice … a voice for good, a voice for the gospel, a voice for God."

and 

President Thomas S. Monson.

"May we ever be courageous and prepared to stand for what we believe."

Great talks today. 

 I'm so excited for my mission.