The Real Pioneer Experience!

So, since our camera died, we kind of missed out on getting some pictures on our final day at the sixth crossing. We woke up to - you guessed it - rain! We had planned a 4 mile trek that day, and thankfully the Holmsteads were geared up and ready to go regardless! So off we went - in the rain! But the missionaries were so thoughtful and gave us some trash bags for ponchos! I started by holding an umbrella over Lincoln, who was on Greg's back in a backpack. But soon the rain began to subside, and Adam, Libby, and I enjoyed sliding around in the mud behind the handcarts. It was pretty slippery! We were really just enjoying ourselves, taking a snack break, and talking amongst ourselves. We tried putting Lincoln back in the handcart, but he was really not excited about that. So I decided to carry him for awhile, hoping he would fall asleep. We hadn't gone too much further, when it really started to rain! We came to some bathrooms, and a sister missionary informed us we had 3 river crossings ahead of us! Holy Cow! The kids were screaming and crying, we finally just set Lincoln in the handcart - although he climbed through the back into my arms! So, I trekked with him the rest of the way! It was funny though, once we crossed the first river, the kids were just fine, and actually started singing and laughing the rest of the way! We felt like real pioneers, although we had a nice warm car and clothes to look forward to, and it really wasn't too cold. Wow - I sure appreciate all they went through, and I felt I could relate to their faithfulness and determination to make it, no matter what the circumstances. Isn't that the challenge? To endure in faithfulness to the end, no matter what we encounter, and we are always the better for it. I know we will never forget this amazing experience, and I know we could never have done it alone! We need each other!

Our Heroes

After the kids pulled the handcart up the hill, Josh and Joseph put all the kids into one cart and pulled them for awhile! Talk about hard work! These two were awesome. Our camera died about here, so I'll just have to tell the rest!

So after this, we went to the Sweetwater bridge, near where the 4 young men carried so many of the pioneers across the freezing river when they felt they just couldn't go on. Josh and Joseph carried each of us across. We were asked to cross the river in silence to remember that sacred act. It was so neat to see the children carried across. They even carried Greg and Lincoln at the same time. The legacy of faith of these brave and faithful men and women helps me remember that we can make it, and we will make it, the Lord will make up the rest where we lack, but only after we have given our all.

From here we treked up to the spot to drop off our hand carts and walk into Martin's Cove. What a sacred place. The missionaries really added to the Spirit there with their stories and testimonies. It is a place we will never forget.

By the end of the day, we were tired, and the children were really feeling the effects of walking all day. Logan could hardly walk! From there we went to the sixth crossing of the Sweetwater, where the Willie Company got hit by the storm. On the way we hit quite the storm, but saw the most beautiful rainbow afterwards! We set up our tents under a pavillion and made dinner. We even fit in some square dancing. Brenly loved that! Thankfully we were under the pavillion because it started to rain! We quickly ate, and scurried to our tents. The whole day was a little crazy because Brenly had a bladder infection! We were stopping all the time so she could go to the bathroom - and there wasn't always a bathroom!

Children's Pull

We had to leave one empty handcart at the bottom of the hill. While we were at the top of the hill, just about ready to continue on, the kids decided they were going to go and get the handcart and pull it up the hill by themselves. We all gathered around to watch them, wondering if they would make it up, and they sure did! These valiant spirits truly are amazing!

Amazing they could do this, and only 6 of them, all of them under 8, but one!

Women's Pull

So while the men were off to "war" we women had to pull the carts up the hill by ourselves. Thankfully we had the children to help - I don't think we could have done it on our own! They were our power houses! It was neat to be able to work together and make it to the top - but even more rewarding to be met by our husbands!

More Trek

Along the path, we met some missionaries, symbolizing the battalion, calling the men off to war. It was an emotional time letting the men leave us, but neat to hear the inspiring stories of those who had come alone across the plains!

Breathtaking!

So the first night, we set up camp and had dinner. Then a missionary couple came to our camp dressed as Ephraim K. Hanks and his wife. They told us stories about Ephraim K. Hanks. It was really neat - even more so knowing that Ephraim Hanks was the Holmstead's great, great grandfather! Unfortunately, it was cut a little short due to a storm coming in! It didn't seem to rain too much, but we woke up to quite a bit of rain that morning! Thankfully, it stopped enought to make breakfast, break camp, and get on our way!

Martin's Cove - breathtaking!

It was neat to see the children pulling and pushing their load up the hills!

It was not Lincoln's favorite thing to be in the handcart!

Being a Pioneer is Fun!

So not too far on our journey, Britani asked Landon if he like being a pioneer, and he replied, "Being a pioneer if fun!" Of course he had the luxury of riding in the handcart! The kids really loved it. We saw so many antelope, and just the scenery was awesome! 3 miles to our camp site seemed like a piece of cake - that's probably what the pioneers would say too - compared to 100+ miles!

Here's Rachelle in front of the marker that shows where the historic trail is. We were amazed how many people had come across this trail!
Everyone is wondering why Lincoln is crying - isn't being a pioneer fun buddy? I guess he didn't quite think the same as Landon

I love this picture of Brenly! She loved wearing a dress and an apron!

Shortly before arriving at the campsite, we wanted to see if the Barrus and Hymas children could carry their tired moms! So Britani and Rachelle climbed into the handcart, and all the children pulled - and they did it!

And...We're Off!

After the Holmsteads arrived, we turned ourselves into pioneers, and headed for orientation, where we watched a neat movie about the handcart companies and had a prayer. Right towards the end of the movie, thunder started rumbling, and down came the rain! We ran for the visitors center to wait out the storm (of course pioneers wouldn't have really had that luxury - but we were sure thankful for that!) We enjoyed walking around the exibits and reading some more stories. When the clouds broke, we rushed to our handcarts (actually we rushed to the bathroom first!) and headed on our way. The guys had driven most of our camping stuff to the camp site, which was a few miles ahead, then returned to trek with us. We claimed the van and trailer to be our "wagon", carrying our supplies! We left one handcart empty to carry some of the younger children.

All lined up, and Ready to go!

The Holmstead clan with all their gear!

Cordell, Adam, and Peter were ready to lead us out!

Trek - The Arrival

So, at Adam's birthday party we were talking to the Holmsteads in our ward about the trek they were taking as a family to Martin's Cove. They were like, "you guys should come with us!" (along with the Barrus family) It was only a week away, but we were going to Bear Lake anyway, so we decided, why not? It was an amazing experience - one we will never forget. The Spirit there, even just driving in was amazing. It was declared by Pres. Hinckley "Wyoming's Open Air Temple" and it felt that way. That peaceful, solemn, humble feeling that you never want to leave. One of the neat things was that when we were driving through Wyoming, we were reading a book called "Remember", which is all about the hand cart companies, their rescue, and the second rescue of their temple work. Anyway, we were reading about the Willie Company and when they went through Fort Bridger, and not 5 minutes later, I look up and see the sign for Fort Bridger! I am amazed at the sacrifice those pioneers went through to reach Zion! We got to experience just a couple days worth, but incredible to feel like a pioneer!

As soon as we reached Martin's Cove, the kids were so excited to push a handcart! So they got right to it, pushing and pulling around the grassy area

Cordell and Adam were anxious to be in front, taking the lead

Lincoln was so excited to be out of the car, and running all over the parking lot! You can see Devil's Gate in the background

Jennifer, Brenly, and Lincoln happy to be pioneers!

Turning 7!

Adam turned 7 July 18, 2009! It's hard to believe we have a 7 year old already - time flies! He was certainly an excited 7 year old! We had a fun filled day - it always makes it a complete day to end with icecream cake!

Let's Go For a Ride

I love this picture of Logan driving Mylee around in the driveway. Logan is a serious driver!

Birthday Fun!

Adam loves his scooter!
Lincoln loved Adam's scooter too!

Dad putting Adam's scooter together before his first ride!

Adam opening his gift from Grandma and Grandpa - a new pillow, sleeping bag, and a BSU sweater!

Adam got a camera from Kevin and Kara - he loved it! He was taking pictures all over the place!

Adam's 7th Birthday

Adam's 7th birthday was a blast! After the greenbelt, we went to Grandma and Grandpa Hymas' to swim. It was a very warm day, so the water felt great! We had invited a few families to come and join us to celebrate Adam's and his good friend, Cordell's birthday, which is only a week later. The kids swam all the way up to dinner time, with the exception of Adam, who was feeling a bit sick and took a nap on the couch (much needed!) He was feeling much better when we woke him up to eat his birthday dinner - Spanish Tortilla (Greg's specialty!) and open presents

Adam and Grandma!

Adam enjoying his birthday dinner
Lincoln enjoying all the birthday festivities as well

Adam found a lose part on the pool while swimming! I think he was able to put it back though

Brenly wearing the fun frog floatie, going down the slide!

Riding the Greenbelt

For Adam's birthday, we met up with Greg's family on the Greenbelt. It was so much fun, and so relaxing! Adam and Logan especially loved it because they love riding their bikes! We rode for awhile, walked through the Nature Center, then rode back and had lunch at the park! We need to do that more often!

Lunch always tastes better at the park!

Brenly was posing for us at the Nature Center

Here's most of the fun clan!

Here's some more of the fun clan! Rob, Brian, and Hadley were posing for the picture too (when I was taking the other picture) but we got them too!