Sisters Disneyland Day

I have been wanting to go to Disneyland during their Halloween days for so long and when my Mom's surgery got changed to October I asked her if she was ok if I took a day to go. She was fine with that and we had a couple of her friends come and help her out because I wanted this to be a sisters day. I asked Heather, Erin, Stephanie and Ashleigh if they wanted to go and they were all able to take the day off from work and being a Mom to go. I told Emily about our plans as well hoping she would be able to come also but she was having foot surgery and wasn't going to be recovered enough to walk. I was bummed she couldn't go but I am hoping that next year we can have an all sisters day at Disney.

I planned on doing a Disney Bound which is when you dress up like a character but in an every day sort of style. I got some Ariel ears form one of my cute dancers who went to Disneyland and I wanted to use them and dress as Ariel. I hd a tulle shirt that matched the ears so I bought a shirt that would mach from Amazon and I love how my outfit turned out. I felt so cute walking through Disneyland and I got a lot of compliments. Ashleigh dressed as Alice but lost her headband on Thunder Mountain Railroad which was a bummer. Stephanie dressed as Belle, Heather just wore a Marie shirt and Erin had on a Haunted Mansion shirt.

In the picture above in front of Haunted Mansion we had an employee take the picture for us. Right after she gave me my phone back I saw that the guy standing in front of us in line photo bombed it. I immediately commented to him nice picture, I thought it was funny so I said it in a funny way, and he responded by saying he didn't think we would see it so soon. I think he was a little embarrassed by being called out but then maybe he shouldn't have photo bombed our picture.

We got the Genie Plus and one of the features of the Genie plus was fun photo filters. I took these photos while we were waiting for the Beinets and drinks we ordered. I like the pictures a lot, they are fun and sufficiently spooky. 

We did Haunted Mansion, Pirates,  Indiana Jones and twice on Thunder Mountain Railroad when we decided to go get in line for Rise of the Resistance. Shortly after we got in one the employees said the ride was down and we could leave or wait and see if it would get started again. We were not in any hurry so we  decided to wait. The line would move every so often as people gave up and left and after about 30 minutes the ride started going again and not too much longer after that we were able to get on the ride. 

While we were waiting in line I tried to get some cute pictures of me in my Disney Bound Ariel outfit but the sun was making it a little difficult. I like them though.

Rise was super fun and it was fun going on it with Ashleigh and Erin who have never experienced it before.

After Rise we went on Smugglers Run and I was a Pilot which I have never done before and which was a lot more fun then being an engineer or a Gunner. After the ride we got pictures in Star Wars land which was also fun.

I rent4ed a locker because I was bringing an extra outfit to change into for when it got cooler and I had another pair of Ariel ears that I wanted to wear. When the weather started to cool we went to my locker and I changed into my second outfit and ears. I liked being comfy and warm and had Ashleigh take pictures of my in my second outfit. We wanted to get a picture in front of the Mickey jack-o-lantern but the lone was so long and we did not want to wait that long so I took a picture the side and then we took a selfie further up from it.

Elder Peterson Week 58

 On Wednesday Elder Dodge, Elder Simpson, and I fasted with Linda to help her receive revelation as to what she should do. She wants to be baptized, but she fears that doing so would create a rift between her and her husband (who, if you don't remember, is very against our church). The next day she told us that she really enjoyed the fast and that she would do it again sometime. I kept asking if it helped her with her questions and I didn't really get an solid answers. I think it has though, She told us that she brought up baptism to her husband. He pretty much did what I expected. He said she can do whatever she wants, but he won't support her in joining the church. That really bugged all of us, but it is what it is. We just keep praying for Mel and Linda. 

     That same day we began an exchange with our Zone Leaders, Elder Smith and Jackson. I went with Elder Smith, which was awesome for several reasons. One, because we were in the same group of new missionaries and we even sat in the same row on the airplane (Elder Nestripke between us). But it was even cooler because he is from Boise! He went to Centennial High School, if that sounds familiar to any of you. I'm also not sure if I spelled it right, but I don't care too much. He and I had a great exchange and we talked about places back home almost the entire time. Roaring Springs, Wahooz, Eagle Bike Park, Tablerock, Little Gem Cycle Park, etc. He was a mountain biker, so we've also been to a lot of the same trails, at least the ones I rode my dirtbike on. It was a conversation I didn't know I needed. It didn't make me homesick at all, it just brought back a waterfall of good memories. He's also got an envelope with some sage brush in it and he had me smell it. I tell you, when I sniffed that stuff I was immediately taken back to coyote hunting with Grandpa. That one did make me miss home a bit. I didn't realize I haven't smelled sage brush in over a year. The whole exchange was a trip down memory lane. We also had some good contacts. We were supposed to have a couple of lessons, but they both fell through, so we did a lot of walking. We knocked on one door and a little girl opens the door and goes "We aren't interested, you can go now." And then she shut the door. It was pretty funny. 

     On Friday we had district council and it was great. I have been so busy with meetings and phone calls every morning and night that I barely had any time to prepare for DC. It turned out alright though, I actually ran out of time before I could get to everything I wanted to. We had a great discussion about faith and what it truly is. One of the scriptures we discussed that stood out to me a lot was Jacob 4:6. I love how getting faith is explained as well as the power that come from faith in God. Great stuff.

     I'm not sure why I made the car show a part of the subject for this email, but I'm not going to bother changing it. The car show was yesterday afternoon. There were some REALLY cool cars that I could have stared at all day. We also ran into Elder and Sister Robertson looking at all of them. They are a senior couple that works in the mission office. We all walked around and admired the cars for a while. I'll put some pictures of my favorite ones down below. 

     We had a cool experience on Saturday. We stopped by the house of a guy who had been a referral when I first got to the area (about 3+ months ago). Elder Simpson and I were never able to get a hold of him. Elder Dodge and I were able to on Saturday though! Turns out he's a high schooler and a very big one at that. He's probably about 6'8" (at least) and 300lbs (at least). HUGE kid. I've never felt so small while sharing the restoration. Which, he took very well I might add. He told us he'd like to learn more and that we can come by on Thursday. It was awesome, he has so many good questions that I wish everyone would ask. Like, why are there so many churches in the world? Why do we need a Savior? Why do pregnant women die, without their child having an opportunity to even have a life? GREAT questions, we are very excited to meet with this kid. This goliath of a kid.

     So my week has been pretty good, how has yours been? I know my sister went to Disneyland, which is cool. I guess. I hope you are all doing well. I'm not sure exactly who gets these emails and who actually reads them, but I'm sure I really do hope you're doing well. I have very few enemies, no need to worry. Anyway... Bye.

-Elder Peterson

Some cool cars and then Elder Smith trying on a weird hat from a gas station.

Kenedy and Tyler in California

Kenedy and Tyler came from Utah so they could see family but mostly so they could go to Disneyland and Knotts Berry Farm. They had a lot of fun and really enjoyed their time in both parks. I am so glad she sent me pictures and I am so happy they were able to comedown and have so much fun.

 

Football vs Capital

 While I was in California Meridian had another football win this time against Capital. It was also the breast cancer awareness game so our cheerleaders got Breast Cancer awareness shirts and bows and they also cheered with pink poms. Avynlea also bought socks and pink dye to dye them with so they all could have pink socks, she did a good job and the socks turned out pretty and pink. I was able to get pictures of Avynlea so even though I missed the game I was still able to have pictures of her cheering.

Melanie, Katie, Maddie, Roree, Tessa, Hannah, Hailey, Avynlea, Natalie, Paige and Dreya

Elder Peterson Week 57

  Isn't that wild? It doesn't feal real. I've been out here for 13 months but it only feels like it's been maybe one or two months (sometimes it also feels like I've lived here my whole life, it's weird). Time is FLYING. 

     This week has been fun and a little bit overwhelming. This is my first time being district leader, and I'm leading the area, and training Elder Dodge on how to be a technology specialist, and I'm the district social media representative (that last one is pretty funny cause I am not great with social media). But it's going great! Friday was the first time I've led a district council, it was awesome. We talked about what it means to be diligent, why diligence is important, and how to be a diligent missionary. Everyone had great insights and we all learned a lot about the importance of being obedient and diligent in our work. 

     Elder Dodge and I have been biking around all week. We've lost contact with a lot of people, so we are working on finding out who is actually interested or not. I'm used to riding a bike at this point and I keep forgetting that Elder Dodge is not. I look behind me sometimes and see him a ways behind me. I need to slow down and let him adjust, I have to keep apolgizing for going too fast. He's having a good time though, I think. He has the bike his dad used on his mission, so that's pretty cool. It seems to be a pretty nice bike as well. 

     Linda was going to come to curch on Sunday, but she got caught up with other things. She's doing great though. Last week we got her a copy of Come Follow Me (the Book of Mormon one) so she can have a better understanding of the Book of Mormon. We met with her yesterday and she's been using it! She can't find her copy of the Book of Mormon though. I'll be honest, I have a feeling her husband may have taken it. He is pretty against the "mormon cult." But we downloaded the Gospel Library app on her phone for her, so she now has a copy with her always. She has been struggling to know what she should do. She wants to be baptized, but she is scared to bring it up to her husband because she is worried of what it might do to her relationship with him. Which I understand. Towards the end of the discussion we were trying to think of what she should do. I got an impression that I'll admit I didn't completely want to act on. But I did anyway. I brought up fasting and explained what it is and why we do it. I suggested that we fast about it together and she loved the idea. The only reason I didn't completely want to suggest it was because we had just fasted this past Sunday. But helping Linda find her answer is more important than food to me, so I am happy to fast again.

     Oh yeah, fun story. The other day we were biking by a park and some kids who were playing basketball shouted at us to come play. So I did, of course. I join this game wearing a longsleeve white shirt, a tie, pants, and non-athletic shoes. It was so fun. There was a couple kids that were pretty good and they kept trying to pull moves on me. One kid got a little arrogant and started taunting me, so I stole the ball and made a layup. It was great, we were all laughing and having a good time. I got a picture with them that I'll put in here. It was actually two of the kids' birthday, so I hope playing with "white shirt" was a fun birthday experience.

     Studying Alma 32 this week helped me realize something. The word of God can be planted in our hearts in many ways. We know that other churches have truth, just not a fullness. So lots of people of other faiths have planted the seed in their heart, they just need help nourishing it and getting rid of the weeds. Kinda cool to think about. God loves all of His children, of course He'd allow other religions to teach parts of the true Gospel.

I'm gonna go shopping now. Have a good week!

-Elder Peterson

Here's the basketball kids. I know I look like a tomato, I was playing in a long sleeve shirt and pants!

We also came across a group of "bikers" that talked to us a little.

Weber State Cheer Clinic

 Right after the Rocky game ended Avynela went with Katie and her Mom to Utah to attend a Cheer clinic at Weber State. I wish I could have gone but I am glad Avynlea was able to and she had a really great time. She got to do Partner Stunting with the Weber State Cheerleaders and after the clinic they attended a football game which was a lot of fun.

Kylie from her cheer time was also there so Jackie, Katies Mom, took a picture with the three of them and one of the cheerleaders.

Football vs Rocky Senior Night

Senior Night! I can't believe we are at another Senior Night and this time for Avynlea for cheer! This is just the Senior Night for them to get their bows and sashes and they will be announced by name, the Senior Night that they will be announced with their families to the crowd is during Basketball season. This senior Night is more to recognize the Senior Football players and the Seniors who do Sports Med. Paige and Natalie came over to get ready at our house before the game and I took some pictures of them in the backyard with their cute Senior bows.

But first...they got their bows at practice that week and it was given to them when Natalie was not there so Avynlea made sure to hold out and include Natalies bow in the lineup.

Maddie, Hannah, Delanie, Roree, Hailey, Katie, Avynlea, (Natalie), Paige and Dreya

At the game we got a picture of Avynlea, Natalie, Katie and Paige 

This game was a big deal game. Not only is it Senior Night but we are playing against Rocky and they are also undefeated thus far in their season just like we are. All week I have been stressed about this game, one team is going to end the night very unhappy and I was just hoping it wasn't going to be us. Jeni Lindley and I were driving together to the game and were going to meet our husbands there. We were worried about the amount of people going so I picked her up at about 2:00 to go to the school to lay down some blankets so we could save our spots. It was a good thing we did because when we went back later at closer to game time the stadium was filling up fast. This was a high profile game plus it was senior Night so a lot of people were attending. 

I was able to save seats for Amy and her family as well as for Diana and her family.

The Lindley sat right behind us and couldn't hep themselves when they saw that Kefford and I were trying to take a picture.

They did announce each Senior cheerleader and their Coach brought flowers for all of them which I thought was very sweet.

Senior Cheer: Dreya, Hailey, Maddie, Tessa, Hannah, Roree, Melanie, Katie, Natalie, Avynlea and Paige

The cheerleaders had gifts for the Senior Football players and they all were responsible for giving the gift to a couple of the players. Coach Christina got a picture of Avynlea giving her gift to one of the players which I thought was super cute.

As we were taking pictures of the girls Nathan Reynolds walked by and your Dad called out to him to be in the picture. Some of the girls thought it was weird and awkward hahaha

It was a very tight game but Meridian ended up being the winner and won by two points. Oh man, it was a good game and I am so glad we won. Now Meridian remains undefeated which is pretty awesome!

After the game I got a picture with my favorite Cheerleader

Avynlea and Coach Alyssa