Brook and I had the opportunity to go on Trek with our church this summer. We went "trekking" and pulled a handcart across Wyoming for 4 days in pioneer clothing. We only traveled about 15 to 20 miles in all and only actually pulled the cart one day. We were a Ma and Pa to 9 youth and we made a family. We did everything together. We didn't know one another at first but by the end of the trip we were tied together as a family. I didn't mind the clothing. It made the Trek special and I learned to sew in the weeks prior to leaving. It took a lot of preparation and work but it was such a wonderful experience I would have gone again the next week. We had close to 600 people in our group which was around the same number as the Willie and Martin handcart companies in 1856. I will never forget it.

Getting our handcarts

This is a similation of the crossing of the Sweetwater River by 3 or 4 boys in the rescue party of 1856 who sacrificed their health and took across many of the company when it was freezing cold. Many of the Saints could not bear to cross the icy river so these young men carried them across. This was a special moment to have Brook carry me.

On the 3rd day we got to wash our hair. This is our family. Look how excited we all are. It felt great.

This was the last stop on our journey. Pres. Hinckley dedicated this place as the grave site of 15 people that died after crossing Rocky Ridge. It was sacred and really sweet as we had a silent walk through with the youth. I learned a lot about our heritage and am grateful for the sacrifice that was given for me and my family. I know these were real people who were following their prophet and I believe they did become acquainted with God. I hope to be able to have this experience again.

It's great to be eight!

Trey was so excited to turn eight and be baptized. More responsiblity, new suit and a party. He is such a good boy with loads of energy. Like most kids his age he likes to have responsibilities and have fun with family and friends. He got a new set of scriptures that he is learning from and soaking it up. We are so proud of is choice to be baptized and his good example.

This is Trey's friend Paige Young. She was baptized too.

He looked so handsome in his new suit. Grandpa Ted gave him a new tie with a CTR football tie tack that Trey thought was so cool.

Lake Powell 2010

Lake Powell this June was great. Except that the fridge wasn't working on the boat so everything was either frozen or ruined. We ate as much as we could, like always, and of course we didn't want it to end. The water was a little cool but still nice enough to swim. I love Lake Powell!

The last leg of our journey and the boys are, of course, still silly.
Bella says "Stay away from my chocolate."

He can't even put down the bat when we are on vacation at Lake Powell.

How cute is she? She stayed all sunscreened up and in the shade as much as possible. I'm sure she has chocolate in her mouth in this picture.

Birthday season

We have 4 birthdays all within a month of each other so it can get a little busy. This year we let our boys invite friends to their parties. It was a lot of work but so much fun for them.

At Trey's party we had a cupcake decorating contest.

Trey and Austin Goodwin. Trey wanted a chocolate party so we did chocolate fondue and ate all the chocolate we could get our hands on.

Trevon wanted a jazz party. They played basketball and pin the ball on Deron Williams hand.

They all wore their jerseys. This many boys in one house for 2 hours running around was crazy.

This is Bella's cake. I decided to try a lady bug. It wasn't hard at all thanks to my sister Megs and neighbor Liz. I didn't get the creative gene.

Our little princess turned 1. She wore this crown all day. I also couldn't take her decorations down for a couple of weeks. I may never have a 1 yr old again. She is a blessing in our lives.

Brian Head vacation

We took a winter vacation with our friends the Cozarts and the Burdicks to Brian Head ski resort. Everything about it was beautiful. From the enormous cabin to the snow covered peaks.

Here is Brook, me, Ginger, Karen and Michael in front of one of the 7 fire places in this grand cabin.

The kids got along great. They all slept in the "treehouse". It was a maze of bunk beds and tree branches. They loved it.

Trey went to ski school and learned to go down the bunny hill on his own. He is smiling here but after one too many crashes he was ready to go home.

This is the run outside our back door.

Halloween 2009

We had a Dracula, A Ninja turtle, Triceratops and Little butterfly. This is our fat aunt Casey. You should see her now. She worked it all off training for American Gladiators. Go Casey!