I'm trying to get caught up on my blogging...here's TREK 2010

I feel very blessed to have been able to go on the TREK with our youth this year. I truly find it to be a blessing to be able to serve in such a great Stake. (I'm sure every person who serves with the youth feels this way!) I was fortunate enough to go on a Trek four years ago...I was the photographer and did a lot of walking, but enjoyed every minute. This year I was on the activities committee and I got to serve with my cute husband. It was a very different experience, I didn't hike as much with the youth, but I got to meet them as they came into camp each night. I was amazed at how happy each company came into camp. They literally came in running and singing, eagerly ready to do activities. This time around my oldest daughter Brittany was on the Trek. It made the experience this time around to see her enjoying and growing through her own experience. Britt was selected to be part of the TREK SINGERS and on the first day Wayne and I walked to meet up with the Trekkers to hear Britt singing during the final vignette. Of course tears filled my eyes as we heard her sing "Come, Come Ye Saints" I know I sound like a broken record, but Britt is AWESOME!!! Above is Britt's family. What a great group of kids she got to be with. I can't help but think the Lord has something very special planned for her, because she always ends up with amazing leaders and kids to hang out with. Below is Britt and Hannah having a stick pull fight. The stick pull was one of the many activities on the first night and I happened to be in charge! Sadly, Hannah out pulled Britt, but it was one of the best matches of the whole bunch!

Below is a picture of Taylor Fife, he was Britt's oldest "brother". He is one amazing kid, and he gets the award for my favorite quote of the whole TREK. Here's the story...on the first day the kids in their family were learning how to work together and how to steer the hand cart. The boys were usually in the back and the girls were in the front. The families Ma and Pa were encouraging the kids to keep the handcart straight...apparently it was rather difficult and they weren't doing a very good job of it and Taylor asked "what's so great about being straight anyway?" When this story was related to us back into camp we laughed and laughed...pretty much the whole night! Taylor, I'm so glad you were in Britt's family! I adore you♥

Below is the activities committee heading out before all the Trekkers. As you can see we were FULL. Wayne had a great time sitting on our "steer". I was a little worried he might fall off and get hurt, but of course he was fine and only had to duck a few times to avoid getting decapitated by trees.

Above is on the second night. During the few months leading up to trek, the activities committee taught the youth how to square dance. During this night we had the kids compete family against family in a dance off!!! A lot of people thought we were crazy and that we would NO WAY get the kids to square dance...they loved it!!! It was such a fun night. They danced FOREVER and at the end of the dancing HOXIE, our cook had hot scones ready for everyone. I really can't say enough about the attitudes of our youth...they were all truly AMAZING!

These are some shots of Britt and her family trekking. I was kind of blown away at how difficult the terrain of the trek was, but the kids NEVER complained. They really were trekkers and I love that they built such great bonds with each other and truly learned to work together.

Above is Britt's family during the Women's Pull...I thought this part was going to be difficult for the girls, but they did it so easily and expressed several times that they thought it was going to be longer. I got to help them during this part...I thought it was PLENTY long enough!!! Below is of course my cute Britt...I loved that she had so much fun making her outfits. I think she was the cutest little pioneer girl ever!!! (I'm a little prejudice!)

These are just some random shots of Britt's family trekking...I have to say I lucked out that the photographers son was in Britt's family so I ended up with a lot of pictures of her!!! Thank you Brother Fisher ;)

I LOVE THAT THEY ARE RUNNING...who does that?

Enjoying a sit after dinner right before square dancing begins. LOVE THESE LADIES!!!

I love the above picture of Britt. I don't know what it is, but every time I look at it I get teary eyed...not hard for me to do I know!!! Britt has been blessed with some great opportunities in her youth. Wayne and I really enjoyed being in camp to greet her upon her coming in from trekking all day. She was always eager to share her day of events and hug and kiss us. I feel really blessed that she includes us and is never embarrassed to have us around. (we are pretty amazing too;)) Her group of friends always came to hang out with us, and ate dinner with us and encouraged us to do the activities with them. It was fun to have them include us ol' folk!!!

The above picture is the last leg of the Women's Pull...you can tell they are exhausted, but they do have smiles on their faces!!!

Thanks Brother Fisher...I love the above picture. Britt came home and told me that Bro. Fish was IN HER FACE CONSTANTLY...I am so glad he was!!!

There ya have it...our 2010 Trek with the Pleasanton Stake. Saturday morning we had a testimony meeting, which was so good. Britt and the Trek Singers sang some great songs...yes, I cried A LOT!!! So glad to be apart of the true gosple of Jesus Christ and to be able to share in these adventures that provide opportunites for the youth to gain or strengthen their testimonies. I always feel that my testimony grows leaps and bounds serving with the youth. What a privilege!!!