We had a family home evening the Monday night before, where we talked about what an exciting event it is for us to hear a prophet speak. We read about King Benjamin in the Book of Mormon and how he gathered all the people together and had a wonderful conference together. We got the kids excited by talking about it all week and they helped with getting the room set up. Since we don't have cable, we realized that we would have to watch conference on the internet in our small computer room. It was our goal to watch all 4 sessions (8 hours) together with the kids. We knew this might be a challenging task...but we were up for the challenge.
We set up small tables and chairs, printed off General Conference Packets for the kids, gathered up many gospel topic items for display and ventured off to the store for candy.
The kids were ecstatic and couldn't wait for Saturday and Sunday to come! They kept eyeing their spots on the table with their poster of all the Prophets and Apostles. They got to circle the Apostle who spoke and color his tie. 
Next to the bowl of treats, we had lots of objects that represented key words. Each time the kids heard one of those words spoken from the pulpit, they got to eat a treat. I quickly realized that I had set out too many objects and the kids were eating way too much candy! :) We started adding some stipulations on the treats and made some alterations on which talks they got candy. It was so cute to watch the kids listen and then holler out, "he said family!" and then grab a treat. Even Mason and Josie joined in on the listening fun. 
In between sessions on Saturday, we took the kids to the park and had lunch. It was nice to get out to run and play and burn off some energy. The kids couldn't wait though, to get back up to our "Conference Room" to listen some more! Later Saturday evening, Matt and Carter went to the Priesthood Session and enjoyed their time together.
What an accomplishment! We sat in the same small room for 2 days, 4 sessions, 6 people, and 8 hours together with a 1, 2, 5 & 7 year old! We did it and we all felt the spirit of General Conference.
What an accomplishment! We sat in the same small room for 2 days, 4 sessions, 6 people, and 8 hours together with a 1, 2, 5 & 7 year old! We did it and we all felt the spirit of General Conference. After Conference was over, we spent some time talking as a family about the things we learned and enjoyed about conference. It is such a nice feeling to hear the kids address the apostles by name..."Elder Jeffrey R. Holland, or President Thomas S. Monson." It is a blessing for our children to have this access right in their own home. I remember as a youth listening to conference on the radio because it wasn't on our television. I didn't always know what the speaker looked like and definately couldn't remember their names, like these kids do. Of course, where much is given, much is required and the youth these last days have much work ahead of them!
We ordered a copy of the Conference Ensign for each member of the family and so we will use it to study in the coming months. We hope to have instilled in our family, a love and excitement for this 6 month tradition! I definately think it will be something we all look forward to!
Some of my favorite talks were:
"Becoming Provident Providers Temporally and Spiritually" by Elder Robert D. Hales
"Finding Strength in Challenging Times!" by Elder Allan F. Packer
"The Power of Covenants" by Elder D. Todd Christofferson
"The Way of the Disciple" by President Dieter F. Uchtdorf
"None Were with Him" by Elder Jeffrey R. Holland
"Sacred Homes, Sacred Temples" by Elder Gary E. Stevenson
I love the spiritual edification, re-commitment to pushing forward, and desire for self improvement that comes from listening to conference. I love Conference time and can hardly wait another 6 months!
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