Brad and I were invited to go on the Pioneer Trek with the youth. We would be grouped with four girls and four boys to be a Pioneer family. This was such a wonderful experience. Brad and I had never met any of our trek family before. And basically all the youth in our family were strangers to one another also. They put us into a family setting. We trekked, cooked, held family devotionals, were assigned a big brother and big sister who were in charge of morning devotionals & helped ease family bonding between the youth and help out with daily tasks. This group of kids will always have a special place in my heart.
I have just too many experiences to write them all down here. All the boys 16 and up were asked to pull up all 18 carts one by one up this huge hill. They tied a rope to the hand cart and up top the boys pulled until the handcart was up safe.
Pa Redford, looking good (wink-wink), walking with his boys!
This trek we hauled everything we needed. This was a little different perspective for me being an adult & mother. Seeing what it must have been for the pioneer women with families and a glimpse of what it took to take care for them on such a journey. I have such a deep respect for them.
To wake up every morning for 1300 miles and find the courage and motivation to keep going day after day just amazes me. It was so windy and hot. Bandannas kept the dust out of my mouth and nose, my eyes, not so much.
These ladies are my four trek girls with our handcart.
These guys are my four trek boys.
Here are some of my kids after getting to "Zion". Three full days of our feet being trapped in our hot shoes filled with sand and stickers...grass felt so good on our feet and to lay on.
This was such a special opportunity for Brad and I. I got to be on a week long date with my best friend. To work side by side physically and spiritually was very strengthening for our relationship. I enjoyed watching his talents and strengths show case in different circumstances. His quick wit and humor was perfect for this group.
The best part was having my man through it all.
Luke (2yrs) discovered the medicine cabinet and Vicks. 
I have just too many experiences to write them all down here. All the boys 16 and up were asked to pull up all 18 carts one by one up this huge hill. They tied a rope to the hand cart and up top the boys pulled until the handcart was up safe.
Pa Redford, looking good (wink-wink), walking with his boys!
This trek we hauled everything we needed. This was a little different perspective for me being an adult & mother. Seeing what it must have been for the pioneer women with families and a glimpse of what it took to take care for them on such a journey. I have such a deep respect for them. 
To wake up every morning for 1300 miles and find the courage and motivation to keep going day after day just amazes me. It was so windy and hot. Bandannas kept the dust out of my mouth and nose, my eyes, not so much.
These ladies are my four trek girls with our handcart.
These guys are my four trek boys.
Here are some of my kids after getting to "Zion". Three full days of our feet being trapped in our hot shoes filled with sand and stickers...grass felt so good on our feet and to lay on.
This was such a special opportunity for Brad and I. I got to be on a week long date with my best friend. To work side by side physically and spiritually was very strengthening for our relationship. I enjoyed watching his talents and strengths show case in different circumstances. His quick wit and humor was perfect for this group.
The best part was having my man through it all.
