Pioneer Trek

Jared and I were asked to go on pioneer trek with our stake as a "ma and pa". We had a group of 7 awesome kids, 4 from foreign countries, so we were the international family. We went to Martin's Cove and Rocky Ridge in Wyoming, and pulled handcarts along part of the actual Mormon Pioneer trail. Despite a major storm that left everyone drenched and kept us up half the night, one of our "daughters" taking a side trip to the ER for an infection from mosquito bites, and living in pioneer clothes for 4 days (no showers), we had the most amazing experience. In fact, those events made it even more memorable and wonderful. People tried to tell us how much we would be affected by this adventure and we didn't really pay much attention. I know lots of stakes go on trek all over the country, and people will have their own unique experiences. Ours was four of the most fun and spiritual days we have ever had, with a group of truly amazing youth who are facing challenges that touched our hearts and left us in awe at their strength.

Homecoming

After three LONG years, my parents finally returned from their mission in Uganda. The whole family was able to be in San Diego for their return, which was as thrilling as you can imagine. The kids are wearing crested crane hats in Grandma's honor- her favorite bird in Africa (although, her shoebill sighting was probably more memorable for her. But go ahead and google a picture of the shoebill, and you'll know why we made crested crane hats!) Words can't describe how happy we are to have them home again, though we all felt very blessed as they served. There were 4 new grandkids they had never met: Norah (Chad and Stacey), Luke and Lily (James and Amanda), and Lilah (Mike and Camille). Also a handful that were babies when they left. Airports are too stressful for Ammon, so my parents went to visit him Sunday.





Ethan's family


Chad's family


My family


James' family


Camille's family


Esther's family ;)