Pioneer Day Concert

On Friday, Alfredo, Michelle, Ella and I went to the Pioneer Day concert at the conference center. The Mormon Tabernacle Choir and the Orchestra at Temple Square performed. Nathan Pacheco sang. Lindsey Stirling played violin and danced. It was wonderful. They sang a number of songs including Come, Come Ye Saints, They the Builders of the Nation, Scotland the Brave (which Michelle is learning on the violin right now, so very cool!), and Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing. Both Lindsey Stirling and Nathan Pacheco talked about what an honor it was to perform in that setting. I had read about the concert on lds.org and got tickets right after the tickets were available. So we were off to the left side, but we were only about 6 rows from the front. There was a small screen right in front of us and a huge screen off to the side. Michelle, in particular, loved watching Lindsey Stirling. We really like and admire her. I love, love, love the song "Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing" which was the final song. I had tears streaming down my face. I truly want my Father to take my heart and seal it, seal it to the God I love.

After the concert, we all rose as President Monson was leaving. We were just a few rows from the bottom, so we could see him well as he walked toward the exit. And then he stopped to shake hands with someone and took a few more steps and shook hands with a little boy. Michelle hurried over there, just maybe 10 feet from where we were standing. Ella went too, but she was a little more shy and nervous. And President Monson shook hands with Michelle. Ella didn't get to shake his hand...he only shook about 5-10 people's hands before he waved, turned and was escorted out. But she stood right next to him, and Michelle was able to shake his hand. I had tears streaming down my face (again...seems to happen to me a lot lately!). That was such a special experience, to watch my daughter shake hands with the prophet of God. How I love and admire President Monson!! His spirit just radiates goodness and love. It was truly a night to remember!!!

After the concert, we went to City Creek and had yummy treats at Kneaders and discussed the concert and how special it is to shake hands with a prophet. Alfredo was able to shake hands with President Hinckley once. I've shaken hands with a couple of the apostles, but I've never shaken hands with the prophet.