We recently got back from a week in Nashville at The Opryland Hotel for IYC. IYC is a youth convention that we have been a part of for the last 10 years (it is every 2 years). Steve actually attended it as a student, but for 10 years we have been a part of staffing it. It is one of the highlights of the year for us, getting to be a part of a top-notch conference for teenagers, and seeing God's movement in their lives. 10 years ago, Steve was in the intern with the Director and it was in Nashville (it rotates 5 cities around the country). We had just gotten engaged a few weeks prior to IYC. Here we are 10 years later, hauling 4 kiddos with us and Steve's little brother Ben was one of the intern's this year. Steve's whole family was there (older brother Tim and wife Shari staffed it too and my in-laws had kid duty). It was a great week. There were stressful times with all the kiddos in a hotel for a week, but it doesn't get better than Opryland for the kids sake. I know my in-laws loved being with the kids but they had 6 kids under 7 years old (including our younger 2 which can be demanding) but I am sure they were exhausted too! Steve and I also had the privilege to speak at a conference about Purity. There are about 5,000 teenagers coming together to worship God and grow in their faith.
Here are a few pics
![]() |
| Cousin's 1 month apart in age |
![]() |
| Kids enjoyed the pool at the hotel with Gigi |
![]() |
| Cousins walking to dinner |
![]() |
| Watching fireworks |
![]() |
| Worship service |
![]() |
| The whole Southards clan |
![]() |
| Our family of 6 |
