EPIC.

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DAY 2

DAY 3

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DAY 5

DAY 6

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DAY 8

DAY 9

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DAY 13

DAY 14

DAY 15

DAY 16

DAY 17

Going through 2000 pictures isn't going to be easy.  I forced myself to just super quickly choose one photo for each day to satisfy everyone's requests for pictures. More to come. Who knows how long that will take. It was epic.

Ma and Pa

This past week, Brent and I had the incredible opportunity to go on a handcart trek with the youth in our stake and be the leaders (Ma and Pa) for a group of youth.  We quickly and naturally over the course of things became Team Thompson.  It has such a nice ring to it.  Obviously we had the best family. My favorite thing is the difference between the first photo here where we had just gotten to the church and split up into families and the next couple of group photos where clearly everyone has gotten to know each other better and we've really kind of become a family.  The kids in our group were so great.  We had some quiet ones and some loud ones, some shy ones and some social butterflies. They worked together so great though and by the end of the third day they were even talking about how sad they were that it was their last night together. 

The Parley's Stake was lucky enough to actually go to Martin's Cove and Rock Creek Hollow this year.  Brent and I had a lot of time to prepare to get to know some of the Martin and Willie Handcart pioneer stories and what they went through and what they were willing to sacrifice to get to Zion.  Their faith was unwavering.  They sacrificed so much.  The stories of the rescuers also tell of prophetic inspiration, obedience, love, and service.  When Brent and I were reflecting on trek we were talking about how when you are a youth there are so many experiences set up for you to have an outpouring of the spirit such as EFY, youth conference, girls camp, scout camp, etc.  Maybe it is my own lack of effort, but I feel like these chances are less for adults.  Trek provided us with that constant spiritual nourishment we didn't even know we needed.  We were truly on dedicated and hollowed ground at Martin's Cove and Rock Creek Hollow.  We were able to rededicate ourselves to doing the things we should be doing and living a Christ centered life.  It truly was an incredible experience.  

The bus ride to Martin's Cove was about 6 hours long. Luckily we had charter buses. Our first stop was actually Independence Rock. We climbed to the top, and true to Wyoming form it was as windy as could be.  I wish I could somehow describe how hot, windy, and dusty trek was.  We all had so much dust in our noses, ears, eyes, hair, etc.  I have been camping a lot in my life, but with the handcarts stirring up so much dust and the wind, I don't think I've ever been this filthy.  

This was taken coming out of Martin's Cove.  It was clear why the rescuers took them to the cove to rest and get out of the biting wind.  11 people lost their lives the first night at Martin's Cove.  Brent and I both felt the Spirit so strongly there and are so grateful for our pioneer ancestors that have taught us so much.

This is the Priesthood Monument just out of Martin's Cove that pays tribute to those rescuers who helped the people of the Martin company cross the Sweetwater River by going back and forth all day in the frigid water with ice chunks floating down it.  

I don't know if anything made the youth more excited after a long day of trekking than this hair washing station.  I have to admit it was pretty great.

This picture was taken just after the women's pull, which was an incredible experience for both the women and the men.  

I know I have failed to mention how good Brent looked in his cowboy hat and how awesome my outfits were. The girls in our group were actually joking about how great it is to have an apron with big pockets on at all times. Super convenient. That being said, they wouldn't commit to giving up there purses and just sporting an apron.

Trek was such a good experience.  It was our first experience being leaders for youth and we were a little nervous about it, but it was easy because they were such great kids with strong testimonies, a willingness to serve and love one anther, and not to mention really fun.  We just hope they all had at least one small experience that touched their hearts and will help them press on with power and increase their testimonies and willingness to be better.  

The Gem State

We traveled to the Gem State, Idaho that is, over Father's Day weekend.  Idaho really is a gem if I do say so myself.  If you've never been to McCall you should probably go.  We had a little family reunion at my Dad's house and Kaley and Jimmi and the kids even made it after their 3 week trip to Costa Rica.  

We couldn't have asked for better weather.  It was hot enough to be on the beach and in the water but not so hot that we couldn't enjoy hiking and walking around. 

One evening we went to the park and the kids really enjoyed the swings, and going around on the razor scooter. Gavin clearly loved the swings. It was a perfect evening and the evening sun was pretty awesome.

The first morning we were there we took a hike to Boulder Lake.  The water was super cold as evidenced by the fact that there was still ice on the lake.  I think Lee looks awesome in this picture.

That afternoon was filled up with some lake kayaking. We actually kayaked up the river for most of the time.  I'm pretty sure the highlight for at least Brent, Jimmi, and I was when we went down a dead end fork in the river and just decided to climb overland to get back to the river.  The bushwhacking was great but what was even better was when we got to the river there was about a 3 foot drop and so we just sat in our kayaks had got pushed into the river.  I don't know how we didn't flip over or fall out because these kayaks aren't really made for that but it was a half second of fun.  The other highlight was when we were coming back to the lake we found some more off the beaten path kayaking.  After standing up out of our boats, lifting it over a log, and getting back in we were able to slowly make our way through a little outlet lined with lots of overgrowth and persevere through to the lake. 

The one thing I was a little bit let down on was the lack of a great sunset. The best sunsets I've ever seen have been in McCall.  Still, this clearly isn't a bad view. 

The other hike we did was out onto the peninsula that jets out from Ponderosa State Park.  Madison was a great little hiker but did enjoy the pack for a little section. It was a beautiful hike and the view at the end wasn't too bad either. 

Clearly we had a pretty good time.  You can't beat really good weather, a really pretty place, some delicious food, and family.