Day 2: Sixth Crossing

On our second day in Wyoming, we hiked the area that is known as Sixth Crossing--the rescue site for the Willie Handcart Company.  We had a lot of fun with the kids that day!

Backwards YMCA!

Mud bog--YUCK!

As we crossed the Sweetwater River for the first time (3 crossings total), the stake presidency and bishops were in the river singing hymns.  Brother and Sister Cox said that in life, these men have "already crossed the river," and they are there to help us across.  It was so awesome.  They also asked that we think about the Willie Company crossing at this spot with 18 inches of snow on the ground and ice chunks floating in the river.  It was definitely a top 3 trek experience for me.  

Later that evening after we set up camp and had dinner, the stake put on "Fort Bridger Night."  There were all sorts of pioneer games to play.  It was a blast!

Adam initiated some Indian leg wrestling

And we had a stick-pull tournament

Then we played my personal favorite game, "Club the Bunny.''  I think I will be making a homemade version of this game to play at home--seriously so fun!

Bishop Bell did a little impromptu wrestling with some of the boys.

There were sack races (and falls! Sorry Kylie!),

Stilts,

Tug-O'-War,

And all sorts of other fun games, thanks to this little lady! (The daughter of the man who sealed Adam and I in the temple, actually!)

At the end of the day, Adam and I agreed that while the spiritual moments of the trek were simply awesome, it was really great just to be able to have FUN with the kids, too.  

Day One: Martin's Cove

This past week, Adam and I had the incredible experience to participate as a Ma and Pa in our stake youth trek.  I will admit that I was quite reluctant to go, as I pretty much loathe camping and being dirty. But I have to say, it was a real privilege to be there.  It was a wonderful, life-changing experience.  I was planning on just doing one post and letting the pictures pretty much speak for themselves, but I realized that even after condensing my photo selection, I still have far too many for a single post.  So I will break it down by day, instead.  

The Bus Ride

Martin's Cove

I had been to Martin's Cove before, but this was the first time for Adam.  One of the missionaries that spoke to us there referred to Marin's Cove as the "Wyoming Temple."  I liked that.  It certainly had a sacred, reverent spirit there similar to the temple.  It was really neat to be able to be there with Adam.

Little Pioneer Children

Happy Pioneer Day!  Maybe we don't get a parade and a day off work tomorrow like we would if we were in Utah, but we have been celebrating Colorado style.  Already this morning I had one of our ward's young women contact me and convince me to wear my trek pioneer dress to church this afternoon (although I have to say, I am regretting that commitment already!).  

Yesterday, our ward had a pioneer primary activity.  The kids were told they could dress like a pioneer if they wanted, although very few actually did.  I left the choice up to Ty, and he jumped all over it!  Luckily it's not too tough to concoct a pioneer outfit for a little boy!

Though McKay is not technically primary age yet, he got to tag along since Adam was at scout camp.  And both boys had a really good time!  They got to make some pioneer crafts, they ground wheat and made butter, and played pioneer games.  McKay faced off in the stick pull against his buddy, Ayden.  

 Yep, I think Ayden took him that time!  

Then the boys got to participate in a 3-legged race.  McKay lasted approximately 2.5 seconds before he was screaming to be untied!

Ty and one of his best buddies, Braden, also ran in the race.  They were pretty excited about it!

Let's be honest though, those two little minis really didn't have a chance against their much older and bigger competitors.

Sure enough, just after the race began, they were both on the grass!  (But as you can see from the looks on their faces, they obviously didn't mind too much!)

And each time they stumbled, they got back up and tried again.  That's really what it's all about anyway, right?

In just three days, Adam and I will be with approximately 500 youth and other leaders in Wyoming as we re-trace the steps of our pioneer ancestors.  I am grateful for the chance to spend the week following pioneer day in honor of them!

CF Picnic

Today was our annual neighborhood picnic.  It was actually our first time attending, since last year it was held on a Sunday, and the year before that we hadn't closed on our house yet.  So, we were totally BLOWN AWAY by how incredibly awesome it was!  It was run through the HOA, so though we pay our monthly dues of course, we didn't have to pay anything to attend today.  The lunch was catered by a local barbecue place, and it was so yummy!  In addition, there was a seemingly endless supply of snow cones, cotton candy, ice cream, and popsicles.  And though the treats were a hit, the activities were far more impressive.  

Riding the train!

McKay and Ty, followed by their friends, Braden and Chase

Both boys said later that the train rides were their favorite part of the whole day!

But the pony rides were sure fun, too!

Ty and McKay at the hugging, er, petting zoo.

Bounce house fun!

All tired out, but thrilled with their prizes!

The boys had a blast riding the train and ponies, petting all the animals at the petting zoo, playing all the carnival-type games, and playing in the bounce houses.  My favorite part was enjoying time with my family and so many friends from our ward (a very high percentage of which was in attendance today).  Gotta love those HOA dollars hard at work!