Pioneer Trek-July 2013

Greg and I had the opportunity to help plan and participate in the pioneer trek this year for our church (LDS).  Every four years, people in our church plan and prepare to take the youth out into the wilderness so they can experience and come to know of the trials many early LDS church members faced in the 1800's.  It is so humbling for these teenagers to leave all electronics behind in order to sincerely come to know of our church's history. 

Greg was in charge of getting all the necessary equipment for the whole trek.  I had no idea how big of a job this would be for him and a few other committee members.  He was coordinating, picking up equipment, and packing everything in multiple trucks for weeks.  I was in charge of clothing.  I made sure that everyone knew what to wear and where to buy it/how to make it.  I'm so glad I was able to do that job.

Greg took two days off work in order to make this happen.  He drove a truck around with two water barrels in the back of it so people could stay hydrated.

The first day (Thursday 18th) the heat index reached 122 degrees!!!!!!!  I could not believe my ears when I heard that on the news as I sat in my air conditioned house.  I was only able to go on Friday night and Saturday morning.  I count my blessings that I was not there on Thursday.  I guess a couple of youth had to go home, some had to cool off in a hotel, and some even passed out!  The weather forecast indicated that the temperature was only supposed to be around 100 degrees with the heat index; well, it was off by 22 degrees.  If anyone would have known the seriousness of this heat wave then Trek would have been cancelled.  Amazingly, the youth made it through that day without any serious injuries. 

I made it up there late Friday night and it was very cool and perfect temperature! :)  I was so grateful.  I did miss the dance though.  Greg said he would dance with me if I made it in time, but I was too late.  (I'll take a rain check on that one). 

Saturday morning we had a yummy breakfast cooked in dutch ovens.  We then had a testimony meeting and then headed for home. 

Saturday morning breakfast.

This is what the youth had to sleep in.  I was extremely grateful for my tent!

We were so glad our friends, the Neville's were on Trek, too!

Greg taking a break.  Poor guy was so worn out.

Me & Somelea

Getting ready to head to the cars to go home and SHOWER!!!

Many of the youth had a great experience on Trek this year.  I'm glad that they could learn about our church's early members and what trials they endured.  This Trek made me think back when I did my Trek back in 2005.  It was such a wonderful experience in Wyoming.  I'm so grateful for all the sacrifices the pioneers made.

Family came to visit us in D.C.

It has been a very busy past two and a half weeks for Greg and I.  My Mom & brothers, Caden & Jackson came for a visit.  It was really great to see them and to show them around the D.C. area.  The Schroeder's then came to visit about a week and a half after my family arrived.  It was a whirlwind, but very fun.

Touring the National Mall and museums.

World famous, Ben's Chili Bowl.

Georgetown

Had to stop in at world famous, Georgetown Cupcakes!

We introduced them to our favorite restaurant in Old Town, VA, The Pita House.

The National Zoo

We took a weekend trip up to see Gettysburg, PA and then drove to West Virginia for the horse races.

The Virginia monument at Gettysburg

Horse races!

Air & Space Museum

Steve & Thomas

Jackson & Caden

Kings Dominion Amusement Park

National's game with the Schroeders

It was nice to have family visit us.  Thanks for coming out, everyone!  Love and miss you all.

Our visit back home...

Greg and I were able to go home to Utah to visit family and friends just a couple weeks ago.  We realized just how much we missed everyone, which made it harder to return home to Virginia.  We were super busy, but had a great time.  We arrived late on a Thursday night and were so tired from jet lag.  My mom and brothers picked us up at the airport.  Friday night, we had a BBQ with all our friends.  It was so good to see everyone!

Danny, Kim, and Thomas

Staci, Blake, Thomas, Mike, Meagan, Lainey, Ric, & Grant

Kylee & Lily

This was the first time Greg & I got to see Lily, we were so in love!!

Greg manning the grill

The next day on Saturday, Matt (Greg's brother) came home from his 2 year mission!  We all went to the airport to greet him at the gate.

Kim & Kathy picked Matt up in Argentina

Greg was so excited to see Matt!

Steve & Jane

Greg, Jordan, & Staci

That Monday, Greg and I went up to Bear Lake for my family's reunion (Nielson side).  It was great to see that side of the family again.  Camille & Chris rented a beautiful beach house for everyone and it was amazing!!!  We only stayed until Tuesday afternoon since we had to get back to SLC for family pictures.

The view out these windows was of Bear Lake and it was gorgeous!

Greg showing Jeffrey some wrestling moves

I taught the kiddies some gymnastics!  Will is doing a back roll.

This is my cousin, Bradley, he is my uncle Stuart's son.  He looks exactly like my brother Christian when he was this age.  It was so weird cause I thought it was little Christian running around!

Playing some football while enjoying the view.

Greg and Thomas goofing around during family pictures

Greg thought he would start preparing for Trek :)

Family pictures at Wheeler Farm

The boys

The Caldwell's

The girls

It was so good to make a trip back home to visit loved ones.  We sure miss everyone and can't wait for Greg's family to visit in several weeks and my Mom & brothers to visit in two weeks!