Hillsboro Oregon Stake Trek

I was home from California only 1 day when Hyrum left to go to Trek with the twins.  We had such a crazy packed summer this year I was feeling like we weren't ever going to be together as a family under the same roof for more than a few days!  Hyrum was asked to be the doctor in charge at our Stake trek and he agreed because the twins were old enough to participate.  There was a lot of complaining by the twins, especially about wearing "pioneer" type clothes but in the end I think they had a fun time.  They got to spend time with friends, meet new people and prove to themselves they can do hard things.  It was a 30 mile trek over 3 1/2 days.  The dirt and dust from the trail was their biggest complaint.  They pushed or pulled a handcart, slept in tents, ate food around campfires.  I hope they have good memories and that their testimonies of the pioneer spirit grew during their time on trek.

Townsend with his trek "family"

Emerson with his trek "family"  Can you tell from their faces they weren't super excited to be there?

Hyrum and his team of medical helpers

Hyrum set up a first aid tent at each of the campsites.  He said the biggest problems were blisters on hands and feet.  One kid was so dehydrated and delirious that he had to go to the ER, but for the most part nothing too exciting happened.  Which was a good thing!

The boys taking a break with some friends.  They were so filthy!!

Hyrum cooling his feet in the stream.

Townsend pulling the cart on the trail

Emerson helping his family pull the cart

Tired boys taking a break.

Of course the twins complained when they got home, they said it was the worst 3 days of their life!  I only hope that deep inside them somewhere is a memory of how it feels to accomplish something difficult.