Justin and I were asked to be Ma's and Pa's for Trek almost two months ago. At the time we thought it would be fun but mostly said yes because isn't that what you are suppose to do when the Bishop asks you? As the time drew nearer, we were mumbling about time off work, prep time and then leaving our newly born seventh child. When we first started trek we were a little unsure about all of our new found children. One, they only had two legs instead of four and two there were eight of them, one more than we were use to. We had four boys (Jordan, Joe, Trent, Kade)and four girls (Rachel, Melissa, Ari and Cara). Our family was very unique in personalities. The boys while very different blended together very well. There were already gas and girl jokes floating around their tent the first night. The girls were all very shy and did not bond as well, although I believe they liked each other well enough. The best thing about my family is we raised them strong and healthy. The boys were tough and full of never ending energy. The girls never complained except to say that they were not getting enough turns pulling the handcart. Pa(Justin) did more than his fair share of work especially on the steep uphill parts. We worked out a system were almost every family member was pushing, pulling or throwing the wheels when it was harder. This trek was designed to be a mini trek so we really did not pull that many miles each day but it was fun to work with the kids. I really did get that proud mom feeling each day when you saw how hard the kids and my husband were working. I really never pushed or pulled for more than five minutes each day. I was one of those lucky pioneers who had a husband, and willing boys and girls to make the journey with. Our family was so strong in fact that we rolled into camp first each afternoon. After setting up tents and getting dinner started we would sit on our buckets and watch as others rolled in. In hindsight we probably should have gone back and helped the less healthy. The hardest part was the last day going down a really steep hill. It was pretty scary and we had six or seven very strong boys using sticks as breaks against the wheels and we still felt like we were going to fast. At the end of the trek I have to say that Justin and I reluctantly left our trek family behind. I didn't think that I would miss their silly jokes or quick remarks about others pulling abilities. Trent was awesome at keeping the younger brothers inline, he was the first boy to offer to help ma. He made pa very proud when he told us he wrestled for Cottonwood High School and he always checked in during free time so I never wondered where he was. Cara and Ari, you girls are so helpful and I am glad that I get to see you each week in YW's. I can not wait until you are Laurels. Rachel you pushed almost all day everyday and I want you to know how much help you were to those boys. Melissa, you trudged alongside never complaining about the pace or the heat, I appreciated that. Jordan, Joe and Kade. You all kept me laughing and a little nervous. The three of you are such flirts and at such a young age. Thank you though for not being some of those boys you put their ma and pas to shame by sneaking out at night. In the end while we are now paying for the days away from home by longer working hours we are so glad that we went and would go again in a heart beat, especially if we could have our family back.
