Pioneer Trek

A few months ago we were invited to go with some good friends of ours, the Summerhays', on a ward activity they were having- a family pioneer trek at Martin's Cove in Wyoming in June. We said "Yes!" and starting planning. There were several times that we second guessed going, and had even at one point told them we weren't going, but in the end it all worked out and we are so glad that we went. It was such a neat experience and really fun to be able to have the whole family together. Even the little ones! We got to meet some really great people and make some good friends. We felt so welcomed and loved by their ward and we are thankful that they let us tag along.

We got up early Monday morning, June 16th, and headed for Wyoming. We stopped for lunch before we drove the last half hour into the visitor's center. There we got changed into our pioneer clothes, loaded our buckets onto the handcarts (the rest of our things were shuttled to the campsite in our cars) and had a short meeting in the little log chapel there to go over our instructions and teach us a little about the special things that happened there.

Noah- ready to go!

We know the pioneers didn't have sunglasses, but "they probably would've, if they could've." (A saying we heard/thought about several things while we were there.) And Eli just makes them look good!

Headin' for our campground- Cherry Creek- 3 miles away.

Hannah looking back from the handcart.

The view from the trail.

Noah & Adam after their trip to the woodpile for firewood.

Crossing the field after walking down to the river.

Eli, Hannah & Trevor.

Hannah loved using the benches as a balance beam. Lots of stick-pulling contests. Go Trev!

Eli "skinning the cat"-a trick he learned at scouts and taught all the youth on trek.

Jonah peeking through the spokes.

Hannah trying to play hoops.

The mist coming of the river in the morning.

Beautiful sunrise.

Breakfast by the campfire.

Jonah taking the handcart for a stroll. The kids loved pulling each other around the campsite.

Trevor used his amazing engineering skills and rigged up the "party wagon" so the little ones would have some shade on the 2nd day. We trekked about 7 miles that day.

View from the bridge over the Sweetwater.

Trevor, Hannah & Oscar the dog. This dog was from a neighboring ranch and "adopted" our group. He was nicknamed the "ghost dog" until we found out his story from some of the missionaries there. He will occasionally adopt groups and trek with them and act as a protector for them. A few minutes after I took this picture I switched places with Trevor and was holding Hannah while she slept. Oscar got up and went around the corner of the shed that you can see on Trevor's left and killed a snake that was there. I love Oscar!

A view from inside the cove.
Mom & Jonah walking out of the cove.

The river crossing on our way back to camp. This was optional and I was going to do it, but when I saw how high the water was I decided not to in case I had to carry Hannah. I wish now that I had done it anyway. The story of what happened here is so amazing and the spirit here is so strong. Next time I'll be in the water!

Yummy watermelon when we get to camp.

Eli sneakin' a nap.

Pioneer children sang as they walked, and walked, and walked...

Kids comfy and sleeping on our way back on our last day.

We are back and the handcarts are rounded up.

A pioneer pucker!

Us, dirty and tired from the trip. I can't imagine what the pioneers must have looked like after a couple months instead of days.

Looking back at Martin's Cove. This is such a special place. Pres. Hinckley said at the dedication that it is one of the most spiritual places on earth outside of a temple. I would have to agree. If you ever have the chance to visit or go on a trek- do it! We can't wait to go again.

I have what?!?

The Dr called.
Looks like I have Mono.
Shouldn't I have had this about 20 years ago?
Seriously.
First I get an infection that normally hits senior citizens in rest homes, now I have a virus that usually affects teenagers. I think my body hates me.
::::Waving a white towel:::::
I give up!
What am I supposed to learn from this?
Probably not to go on a pioneer trek if you aren't feeling too great to begin with.
I'm the mom. Doesn't my body know I don't have time to be sick?!?
How irritating- I hate being sick.

Busy!

This last week has been crazy around our house. Saturday was our Anniversary. Sunday was Father's Day and Monday we left for a 3 day family pioneer trek. (Yes, we took all of the kids!) I want to post about all of these great things but it may take some time. I have some smelly laundry that needs my attention and my computer is downstairs and my legs don't like going downstairs right now. ouch.

Our Anniversary

(Our anniversary was actually last month, but it was right before trek and father's day and this post just wasn't happening then. I'll change the date and get in order in a few days.)

Who knew on the first day of seventh grade,

when we met on the stairs in the front hall of the junior high,

when I smiled and told you to write me a note if you wanted to,

that you would?

Who knew that we would become great friends,
and keep writing notes,

and letters,

even when I moved across the country,

and you went on a mission?

Who knew that after your mission,

we would get married,

and have a few tough times but many more great times,

and have a beautiful family,

and still be happy, and best friends and in love 14 years later?

Not me.

But I'm really glad that I asked you to write me a note.

And that you did.

Happy Anniversary.

I love you T!

(And I can't believe that Eli is about to start 7th grade

and is the age that we were when we met!)

Happy Birthday Noah

Noah turned 7 this week! Here are some of our favorite pictures of him...

Noah at 7 wks old. We went through so much to get this little guy here. There was a time that we weren't sure we would ever have him but he
was sure worth the wait, hard work and prayers!

Always good for a grin~ 1 year old.

Just me & my dad.
2 yrs old.

3 is a great age to be!

~Fishin' in 2004~

Noah & mommy ~ age 4

Chillin' at Cherry Hill- age 5

Super kid! Age 6.

Noah & his chicken cake.

Happy 7th Birthday!

We love you!!!

Last Day of School!

May 30th was the last day of school. Yay!!! It has been a good year for Noah and Eli. They both went to Sego Lily Elementary this year. It is a great school!

Noah absolutely loved his first grade teacher~Mrs. Skillicorn. And she told me, whenever she saw me, how much she loved him. What a blessing it has been to have a teacher that appreciates his quirky sense of humor, his goofy random comments and his sweet personality! On the last day of school he kissed her on the cheek. The rest of the students gasped out loud, but Mrs. Skillicorn loved it. She put her hand on her check and said,"I'm never going to wash this cheek again!" It makes Noah sad that she won't be his teacher next year, but she made him promise that he would come visit her classroom often. Noah had a super year and we are very proud of him!

Noah and his best buddy from class, Christopher H.

Eli also had a great teacher this year~ Mrs. Ahlstrom. She was the toughest teacher he has ever had, but she knew what her students were capable of and expected it from them. This was his second year in the A.L.L. program (Advanced Learning Lab~gifted program) and it was fun to be back in class with most of the same kids from his class last year. Eli learned so much this year and worked hard. He got all A's both years through this program. We are very proud of him! He is very proud of the award he was given by his classmates of "Most Devout Ute Fan!" That is the award he is holding in the picture.

Eli's class on Graduation Day.

What a great group of kids!

It is so hard to believe that Eli is all done with elementary school. The time has gone by so fast! We miss the cute little 5 year old that was so happy to start school, but we are excited to see him growing up and look forward to all the fun times that Junior High will bring.