2008 PIONEER TREK

This was an amazing experience that none of us will soon forget. It was one of the most difficult things I have ever done, but one of the most spiritual experiences I have had with my whole family. What did we learn from it? That those people who crossed the plains and gave up so much. They were doing it because they were following the prophet. He had asked them to move West to Zion. Their challenges were hard and many died, but many many more lived. We face challenges that are just as difficult in our day. Ours are not physical, but we have still been instructed to follow the prophet, in all things, and we will be protected. They had to work to together in many aspects of their lives and we rely on others during difficult times to help us get through the challenges we face. Our entire ward banded together and it was a growing and spiritual experience for many many people. We are so much closer. And we are so glad that we went. We hope to do it again someday when our children are older.

This is where Ella sat most of the trek. She just couldn't keep up when she walked with her mom or she cried from the wind and dirt in her face so we put her in the cart and hauled her with the rest of our stuff. She was much happier then.

Our family in front of the statues that represent those who died the cold winter night after carrying hundreds across the Sweetwater River. There were actually several people men and women who carried people across the river but these four young men were there the most and ended up passing away soon after.

This is Jacob standing near the Sweetwater River. It winds back and forth across this vast landscape. I can see now why the pioneers crossed it several times. We were given the option to cross if we wanted. With all the rain this year it was about waist deep and they told us not to take our carts through. There were still about twenty people who decided to conquer the ice cold depths of the river.

This is Ella at the Sweetwater River. It was really windy and our bonnets helped protect our faces from getting windburn. That is, when it wasn't blowing directly in our faces.

This was our family group. The Johnson's, Katie Paskins and our family. During the time of the Pioneers they were arranged in family groups to help and support one another during the journey.

Devil's Soupbowl in Idaho

He's The Best Dad! Oh No! Don't Fall

What a View!

We visited a Gorge in Idaho and on the drive in there were signs that said WARNING: PLEASE HOLD ONTO YOUR CHILDREN. PARENTS PLEASE CONTROL YOUR CHILDREN. So my kids were a little apprehensive to go out on the bridge to see the view.

Boise Trip

When we went to Boise we got to stay at a nice new Marriot and we got the "SUITE" for the same price as a regular room. Woohoo! Two bedrooms, a living room and kitchenette. Free Breakfast, a pool and 3 flat screen t.v.'s. Ella had a ton of fun having free access to everything she loves! I gave her an inch and she took a yard. In one hour period of time she also ate a whole box of fruit snacks too. Isn't she pretty in my makeup! Yep! You guessed it. That is mascara on her eyebrows. The funny part was that she came out of the bathroom with that look on her face that she new she was beautiful. She was just waiting for someone to tell her.

Meridian, Idaho

SCHOOL IS OUT and so we went with Daddy up to Boise for 4 days and we got to visit Uncle Jerry and Aunt Bev. They live in Meridian, Idaho. Aunt Bev is John's Dad's sister. So it was good to see them again and the kids were all calling them grandma and grandpa within 15 minutes. It was great.

Aunt Bev gave us all the last of her ice cream and it was nice enough for the kids to eat it outside. She played games with them, they read books, they climbed on her bunk beds and they ran all around her yard. They had a ton of fun. I think she was worn out by the time we left.

Long Lost Cousins

My cousin Debbie Webb Alvey came to visit Utah from Houston, TX and they got to stop by our house for about an hour. It was great to see her again after about 15 years and get to know her family. My Katelin and her Chloe are a year apart. Guess who is older? They had a ton of fun together.