2025 June

  Leila & Sefa - Youth Conference

We had a strong start to June with Leila and Sefa going to Youth conference. This was the first year youth conference was an overnight (2 nights) camp. It was up at the Church's campsite in Heber. 

The kids both LOVED youth conference. As a family we had intentially prayed that Leila and Sefa would have open hearts and minds, courage to push outside of their comfort zones, and feel the Saviors love for them. Aljay and I were filled with gratitude as they both reported how wonderful and impactful conference was. 

The top favorite thing at camp was the dance on the first night. That quickly moved down the list after they did the Look Unto Christ Walk. I think that was the favorite part for all the youth. 

I wish I had pictures, but it's all good. I'm just so grateful for the leaders and opportunity the kids had to get out in nature, into a sacred space often referred to as a temple with no walls. 


While the teens were at the conference, the four younger got to enjoy Vineyard Days and Orem Fest. 



We picked up Leila and Sefa from youth conference camp on Saturday, then took Leila straight to her last volleyball tournament for the club season lol Their team had the afternoon shift (1st game starting at 3pm) and poor ting was tired, but she pushed through. 

We got her new volleyball shoes before Youth Conference, so she was excited to play in her new shoes and kept asking me to take pictures. 


Family Fitness Days

We (PennyVjal & our family) are all trying to get more active, so when we're able to, we do activities together. Also, Penny is my accountability partner, which helps facilitate these outings. 

Friday 6/13 we went to the Orem Rec Center

Saturday 6/14 - We did Bridal Veil Falls hike with the younger 4 kids



6/21 - They did the Alien Hike. 

Hiking Team: Penny, Vjal, Leila, Sefa, Jorja, Saleima, Viiga.


Silalelei aka Jorja!

Jorja came up to Utah for BYU's soccer camp. So fun having her here!


Pool Dates

6/13

6/27


Temple Dates

It has been a minute since we've been to the temple as a couple. We've been making an extra effort to attend more often. Maybe we'll get better at taking photos too lol. 




Girls Camp

While Jorja was at soccer camp, Leila was at our Ward's Girls Camp. I was able to get a picture before she got dropped off- featuring her favorite sibling to fight with lol 



June 11th - 16th Anniversary

Nothing crazy here lol. We forgot about our anniversary. I didn't have it on the calendar so it was far from my mind, which means it was even farther from Aljay's mind haha. 

Sometime in the afternoon I was on Facebook and a memory popped up and that's when I realized it was our anniversary. But Aljay was sick at home from food poisoning so our plan was to get him better. 

But hey Happy 16 earth years together! lol 


Afa's Passing

June ended on such a sad note. Our dear friend Afa Ah Loo was shot and killed at the No King's protest. I have so many thoughts and feelings about how this tragedy could have been avoided. And there are even more thoughts and feelings about the behind the scenes commotion for his celebration of life and funeral services. This isn't the place for it though. 

All in all, I'm grateful that I got to know Afa for even a short time. He was a talent to be reckoned with and a friend to quite literally everyone. It has been fun reading everyone's posts about their unique relationship with Afa. So here's my one photo I'll post  :) 


We're all praying for the comfort and peace of Laura and the kids, and especially Ofeira. 







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