Trek 2011

Well, a few weekends ago, Jake and I returned home from serving as a Ma and Pa at our Stake Trek. I can tell you that I was really excited to go at first but as it approached, I started to comprehend the great responsibility that we had signed on to do. I started feeling nervous and a bit upset, if you will, at the list of things we were responsible for.
Well, the morning came and Jake and I left at 6:30 AM to head out on our pioneer journey. We arrived at our trek site about 2 1/2 hours later, met our 8 children, loaded our 600 pound handcart, and started on our way. 33 miles, and 3 days later, we arrived back home, and I can't tell you how this experience has changed my life. My 8 children starting with Juan-18, Kaden-16, Kirsten-16, Ashton-16, Kiley, 15, Annabelle, 15, Justin, 14, and Zachary 14, all became apart of my life forever. I know that Jake and I were suppose to be there for these 8 kids, and to be their ma and pa on trek.
We were witness the to most amazing miracles in what would take months or years in "real life", in only a day or two on trek. WOW! Lot's of tears, laughter, hardship, trials, long talks, and instant bonding took place out on the hills of Wyoming.
When we arrived home, smelly, dirty, tired, hungry, blistered, and spiritually renewed, we stood in a circle as a family, and sobbed our eyes out because we didn't want to say goodbye to eachother. We truly loved one another and all felt the same way, that we were meant to be in eachother's lives for a reason. If I could only share some of the sweet miracles that took place, I would! I just want my 8 kids to know, how much I love them, and appreciate how they let Jake and I take part in their lives, for a brief time! We promise to be at every mission farewell and every temple wedding! Love~ Mommy and Pa....


PS. DAYBREAK STAKE TUG O' WAR CHAMPS WOOP WOOP!!!!

Here are some cute pics of our family...

Getting ready for the Company Championship (there were 3 companies with 10 families a piece)

Jake hanging out of our 2 man tent. He had 18 blisters on his feet by the time we got home! So sad but he was a trooper and walked the whole way!

7 of our 8 kids ( L to R ) Ashton, Kirsten, Annabelle, Zachary, Juan, Kiley, and Kaden) Justin must have sneaked off!

Us gearing up for the last day's trek! Can you see how dirty my skirt was!?

Arriving back at base camp Jake and Kaden began unloading the handcart..

Our family huddled together, one last time, saying goodbye, sobbing and telling our kids how much we loved them. All of us were a bit emotional!

One last pic, with our family flag. We were all crying being babies! Love you guys! ( Annabelle left after our huddle)