TREK 
It has been a week since our lives have slowed down...a little!! From June 28th-July 2nd M & I went with the youth in our Stake on a Pioneer Trek. We have been preparing for this for over six months as part of the committee and being able to "walk the trail" with the youth has strengthened my testimony of our Ancestors and their sacrifice.
As we watched the weather forecast a few days prior it looked like we were in for a miserable time. However, the miracles of the Lord were definitely with us. Instead of experiencing 95+ degree weather and humidity...we were blessed with upper 80's, granted the humidity was still very apparent but what a blessing not to have the heat. Not only were we worried about the heat but for every day we were on the trek there was the chance for rain and I don't mean just a light drizzle but heavy T-storms and pounding rain, after all we are in hurricane season!
We were blessed immensely in that area as well. Sunday night we did get a big storm with winds, lightning, thunder and much rain. Needless to say there were a few encampments that ended up soaked and hanging their personal belongings out to dry the next day but that was all we experienced. Isn't it so wonderful how the Lord works?! He tempered the weather for us.
We were with a great group of youth! Their strength in the gospel, testimonies and spirits taught me so much.
It helped me to gain a greater testimony of not only what we were doing but of faith and trust in the Lord. It was neat to experience the Sabbath in the manor the Pioneers did. Church services lasted most of the day! Monday morning we set out on the trail, we were one of the last groups to leave camp so needless to say we were blessed to push and pull in the heat of the day. About an hour or so into our journey the men were called to join the Mormon Batallion and left us women to continue on our own. What amazing faith and strength of women when combined with the Lord. We had a difficult hill ahead of us and knew we could continue as long as we worked together. We continued for a few hours and pulled into camp around 4pm. We all slept soundly that night...exhaustion had started to creep up.
Tuesday morning we were the first group out! Quite a bit different than being the last. We had to clear the trail for those that followed. This time we remained the majority of our trail in the middle of trees and bushes so there was a lot of work to do.
Because of a food epidemic that spread through camp the night before, many of us became "ill" or "passed away." We could walk on the trail with our families but were not suppose to help push or pull the handcart or assist in any other way, including any communication, that was tough. As we continued those who were sick, passed away and with those who were already gone left the group and headed down a different trail.
At a particular point on the main trail there was a steep (and I mean STEEP) hill to go up. As we got a running start and headed up "Angels" appeared out of the trees to help accomplish this great task. Nearing the camp we had a bit of excitement as we stopped to listen to a Pioneer Vignette (these were positioned throughout the trail portraying some things and people who actually crossed the plains), a hive a Yellow Jackets were uncovered when someone stepped in their nest. I have never seen so many at one time. And they were angry for being disturbed. Out of 21 of us in our group, 10 were stung and not just once but multiple times. I have to admit that the Young Man who stepped on the hive actually sacrificed himself without even knowing it. We were helping lower the handcarts down a steep and rocky hill (on a pulley system) when he switched places with me on the rope....had he not have done that I would have been the one to step on the hive and having a skirt on who knows, I can not and don't want to imagine! Thank you Kyle:)
What an experience to remember, the Trek as a whole. When we arrived in the "Salt Lake Valley" on Wednesday morning there were so many families there to greet and welcome us!
Thank you for those who put so much work and effort into the Trek!!!
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4TH of JULY
After coming home from the Trek we needed some catch up time. This was the 1st time that I have been away from 'Z' & 'A'.
It was tough but as long as I kept busy it was easier to handle. We have wonderful friends who were willing to take care of them. 'Z' & 'A' absolutely love their family and so I knew they were well taken care of and did not worry about them....I MISSED them like crazy. So instead of going anywhere for the holiday weekend we decided to lay low and just hang out.
We went to a firework show at the local High School, on the 3rd and then on the 4th we went to a children's parade, 'Z' took a lot of the pictures during the parade.
There were some festive people and
dogs (That picture is for you Mom!!). That evening we went to Nana & Papa's house for a BBQ, games and more fireworks. 'A' sat in awe watching the fireworks not sure what she actually thought of them. But 'Z' did not like the loud noises they made (both @ the high school and @ home).
They loved the music and playing with all the kids. It was fun, relaxing and enjoyable to celebrate with family and friends.
HAPPY (late)
4TH of
JULY!!!
At first, Z just wanted to sit and "hang out" then he decided that it was a lot of fun! 
No matter how many times you tell them not to; the favorite thing to do is drink it! A thought it was so neat not to use a cup.
Z was having fun dumping the H2O over A's head. (Gotta love big bro's)
