Trekn it Up

Ben and I went on Trek this past week. We were Ma and Pa Jackson. We had three daughters and 4 sons. We left early Tuesday morning and came back Thursday afternoon. That sounds short but there are too many memories to think it happened in that time span. Our boys were hilarious and always willing to push the handcart. Our girls were so positive. They bonded together really well (not hard to do when you share a tent.) I remember Ben saying that he didn't think we would get much sleep the first night because the girls were laughing so much but I remembered my camping days as a young woman. That is when you bond the most. So, I'm glad they were bonding. Plus, at least they weren't making snorting and burping noises like the boys. Gross. Boys really are gross sometimes.. but I wouldn't have smiled as much without them :)

We walked about 11-12 miles each day. Most of the land was dry but we walked through mud and sand and little lakes. We did some dutch oven cooking (all the food was amazing because someone prepared it all ahead of time.) I got to know our family really well (The Jackson 9.) Learned how to set up and take down tents in record time. I found I enjoyed being called ma. Ben was such a fun pa and is a favorite among the boys.

Some thoughts I had: I thought a lot about the pioneers and what they sacrificed. I thought about how I wouldn't be here without my ancestors on both sides that walked the plains. I can see them cheering me on. I also realized how strong the youth are. I really fell in love with them. I also gained a greater respect for the other mas and pas and other leaders. This church means the world to me. It brings me so much joy and understanding. It gives purpose to trials and constant advice on how to be truly happy. I got more of that advice during our Trek testimony meeting. I don't think you can find many more spiritual places than a trek fireside in the wilderness.

All in all, trek was awesome and we had the best family in the whole world. We loved our Jackson 9. The leaders made it the best possible experience it could have been.

Here we are the day before the trek. Thanks to Aunt Yvonne and Uncle Wayne for these outfits!

This is one of the buckets we packed all of our 17 lbs in. Troy's favorite toy for the moment.

He was doing his hooray pose but his left arem got stuck. Oh I missed this boy while we were gone. Luckily he was a perfect angel for my mom. He loves Grandma. I was glad that Tyler was here too. Troy has an attachment to him. I don't know what we are gunna do when he moves out eventually.

This awesome hat was given to Ben to "wear" on Trek. Gotta love our friends the Grosses! Thanks for the padded buckets!