The pioneer children sang as they walked, and walked, and walked...

 The day had finally arrived for Trek. Mike and I were leaders of the activities committee and Adam and Roland were participants. I might have bribed them, but I hoped they would have an amazing experience and be glad they went. They were, until they left a little early. ;) While the youth and most of the adults were roughing it in tents, we were cozy in the trailer. I felt kind of bad, but not bad enough to trade anyone. Here are some highlights. 

We couldn't talk Sarah into coming as a leader, so she stayed home and helped with Audrey. Angelina came out for a couple days and they drove out to visit us, since the trek site was only an hour from our house. They both stood out with their comfy clothes, but we were all happy to see them. They stayed for the ho down and even Adam had fun. (He'll try to deny it, but we have photo and video evidence of him smiling. 

The last full day was the most fun, unless you were Mike. The youth decided to have an "unfriendly" experience at the trading posts to mimic experiences the pioneers had at the trail. They'd be turned away once the trader, Mike, found out they were "Mormons". It was so uncomfortable for him. We made up for it the last day when we had a "friendly" experience, but his part definitely stuck in a lot of people's minds and he played the part well. The carnival was a lot of fun. Steven and Roland stayed for it and then caught a ride home with the Buckmelters afterwards. We were glad they decided to come and missed them when they left. 

Mike and I had to run to the store to get some supplies on the last day there. I refused to take off my apron, so Mike refused to walk by me claiming people would think we're polygamists. It was fun. 

It was a great experience and I was thankful to be a part of it. The Buckmelters and Taylors served with us and it was a mostly positive experience for all in attendance. (A couple participants got Tularemia, which I heard was pretty awful) My air conditioned trailer didn't let me experience the trail, but I'm so thankful for the faith of the pioneers and the Legacy they left us. 

Caribbean Cruise - Days 5 & 6, Cruising and Coco Cay

 After our two days of excursions we had a day at sea where we relaxed and then we had our day at Coco Cay along with the fancy dinner in the evening. At Coco Cay Mike, Steven, Sarah and my parents went scuba diving in the morning while the rest of us went to the beach. We rented a couple of beach beds and just relaxed. Relaxing for Audrey meant she and I snorkeled a lot and played in the sand, but it was a nice end to our trip. 

Caribbean Cruise - Days 3 & 4 - Grand Cayman and Falmouth, Jamaica

For our first excursion, we went to Grand Cayman for snorkeling. We were told to not bring a lot of gear, and there weren't professional photographers, so we didn't get pictures. (I kind of forgot) Still, it was a lot of fun. Audrey is part mermaid and did great exploring. There was a sunken ship and a decent amount of fish to see. Audrey wanted to do her own thing and I got quite the workout bringing her back to the group when she'd float away. Kris and Ashlyn struggled a little until we realized their snorkel sets stunk and replaced them with ones that would keep sea water out of their mouths. 

For our second excursion we went to the Blue swimming hole and Dunn's Falls in Falmouth, Jamaica. Kris and Ashlyn hadn't planned on participating, which I kind of made them, so I became the photographer and pack mule. They went with a group through the river and ended up at the water hole where they all swung from a rope into the pool. 

Caribbean Cruise travel and ship fun

 Sarah asked to go on a cruise before her mission, so we decided to have one last hurrah before she left. I don't normally post about the flights, but we got seated with a lady and her darling service dog that deserve remembrance. We got lucky with adjoining rooms and the kid's room had four bunk beds, so Mike and I got a room to ourselves. 

As you can imagine, the boys all spent a lot of time on the Flowrider. I even did it this time and found that my years of knee boarding behind a boat paid off. Both Steven and Mike managed to make it up to their feet this time and Adam had fun. :)