Martin's Cove Handcart Trek

Well I just returned from the trek to Martin's Cove, Wyoming! It was such an amazing experience! I made me so grateful for the blessing I have and even for my trials, they seem so small in comparison to what the pioneers had to go through. I'm not sure I would have been able to do it, it took an imense amount of faith. I often have wondered why Heavenly Father didn't spare them a little more and make it a little easier, but I came to the realization that he did. No normal human being could have made it to the Salt Lake Valley alive if it wasn't for a higher power looking over them. I was able to trek for Elisabeth Whitear Sermon who is my great great great aunt. She was simply amazing. Her husband died during their journey and she had five kids to take care of and make sure arrived to the Valley alive. They lived off of 4 ounces of flour a day. I literally can't even imagine. She cut parts of her childrens feet off because they were so frozen, her strength was incredible. We walked a total of about 27 miles in three days while pulling handcarts. I was able to go into Martin's Cove, cross the Sweetwater River, and pull a handcart without and boys and only my sisters and ma, which was called the Women's Pull. It was so awesome and made me appreciate my ancestors so much more. Without their faith and perserverence I wouldn't be where I am today... They made this life possible for me and I am so blessed.

All of my "brothers" pulling us the last little way :)

Me and Ethan in Martin's Cove- our ancestors were there together

Me and Tanisha made a mean pulling team during the Women's Pull

Me and Ethan crossing the Sweetwater. Originally his great great great grandpa carried my aunt across the river- literally saving her life.

Sister Weekend!

Well before I get started into the weekend, on Tuesday I went on a spontaneous Lagoon trip with Alex Jones and Fry! It was a blast! On Monday night, quite spur of the moment, we came up with the fabulous idea to hit the park for a day! Surprisingly enough all of our parents agreed to the day trip and let us go! I must admit I was quick shocked at how willing they were to let us go with no adults. Any who it was yet another awesome summer memory made! Now on to the weekend! While my parents were out of town I went to spend a few days with my best friend Mara! I can't even explain how much fun it was! I got a little sneak peak at college life with roomates and the lifestyle. Lets just say I can't wait! When I got there on Thursday night we started the trip off with a little visit to YoZone ( a scrumptous frozen yogurt place) and talked the night away. On Friday we went to a George Strait concert!!! It was absolutely amazing! It made almost melting away while waiting in line all worth it! Juliana Hough was the opening act and then Blake Shelton was the next act. They were really good but lets get real they just couldn't compare to George. I knew so many of his songs because his music was pretty much the sound track of my childhood. He is just simply amazing! Also, it was my first official concert! After the concert we were all hungery so we went to Denny's at like 1 AM and met 3 random boys from Cali who made us sit with them. It was fun but so weird, also if Denny's makes you sick in the morning you should try it in the middle of the night.... On Saturday while Mar worked I shopped and then we went to her apt and did glitter toes then went to dinner and visited the Gparents. On Sunday I got my first look at a Singles Ward... wow they really are like on the movie... It was such a splendid weekend! I love my sister sooo much she is the best!

Sisters by fate Best Friends by choice

One of my favorite songs :)

Week of Liberty and Freedom!

Looking back on this past week I have realized a am quite a free person with quite a few liberties I over look! Starting on Monday the parentals let me drive down to the lake with Fry, Alex Jones, and Bean to soak up some Vitamin D. We lounged around on rafts (the ones that actually worked) and had a cute little picnic! It was quite fabulous! Later on in the week we had our A-merican or third of July party hosted by Lynae for which my parents let me ditch out on camping and come home. It was so fun, we had a BBQ (what is the fourth, or third in our case, without some hamburgers or hotdogs, chips, and potatoe salad?) followed by a few rounds of Mafia,(a new fav), and Fireworks provided by the boys. After the hit came to an end, I was home alone so of course we had a sleepover! How can you go wrong with orange julius, homemade chocolate chip cookies, and popcorn at 2 in the morn? We stayed up late talking about everything under the sun and just having a good ole time! In the morning I went back up the mountain to spend the fourth with the fam of course followed by fireworks that evening! I really am so blessed to live in such an amazing country with amazing friends and family where the sky is the limit on what I can accomplish! Freedom in many senses is amazing!

Picnicin it up!

I think only one of the rafts out there stayed blown up...oops!

Just waitin' for the boys so we can eat!

Ammon's professional picture taking... right.

EFY!!

alright, alright, alright alright alright hey! (clapping) E F Y!! Yes I just returned from the wondrous epecially for youth at BYU! It was such a fun week, always is. We had a really small session like 300 people so that was kind of different but fun at the same time as we were able to get to know people better. We stayed in the Riv (Riviera) which was new but actually turned out to be really good. Exept for the part of not having toliet paper, a trash can, or soap. Somehow we seemed to manage. No worries we did hunt down the essentials- after all a week is a really long time! We ate at the Cannon Center which has absolutely delicious food! (quite different from the Morris Center- school lunch style) The only draw back was we had to hike like 2 miles to meet our boys everyday. Which actually turned out to be a blessing because we burned off all the calories we gorged our faces with every meal. Our Counselor was super cute, her name was Morgan she is 20 years old and was really chill and funny. We had 8 girls and 16 boys in our company which was definitely an added bonus! Our girls were really nice however I think me and Rachel were the most normal :p. Our favorite boys were three cousins that were absolutely hilarious and quite cute as well! Of course I had a COW (crush of the week) his name was Josh- one of the three cousins. I also felt the spirit so strong this week it was amazing and I am still on the spiritual high, I need to try and hold on to it as long as possible. Here are a few pics and a crazy video of our companies favorite Wa game! Best week of my life!
Oh ps our boys were darling and on Friday before the the dance they sang us the L.O.V.E. song from parent trap and gave us yellow roses! After we sang a new rendition of I'm Yours and gave them Big Hunks! Priceless!

Service Project! Cheesin it up!

Our favorite sign! Yes, we walked right by it everyday a few times
"I'm trying hard to grow... so please don't walk on me!"

The whole company- "until the end"

The three cousins- Andrew, Josh, and Thomas

plus Conrad who decided to be annoying once again...

The Beanlet and I! Love her- best roomie!

Starting the Summer of Right- Lake Trip!!!

Well what better way to commemorate the beginning of summer than a boating trip with friends? On Saturday my dad took a bunch of us girls boating down in Sand Hollow! Of course any time our group of girls get together we have a blast and make many memories but this trip was quite the adventure! There were tons of people at the lake which was kinda crazy but some of the girls got to ski for their frist time or simply ride on a boat for the first time! We had a cute little picnic and then boated for a while more. After treking through the deep sand to Rhonda we were set to go. Notice I said deep sand... so when I was flipping a U-ie to leave we got stuck in the sand! Like really stuck in the deep sand! Feeling quite stupid and embarassed, the girls got out and tried to push her out but she wasn't budging. A minute later the rangers came and said they couldn't help us because of liability reasons. yeah. lame. Soon to our surprise men of all ages and looks flocked to help us ha ha we just kept telling them yes we needed help so like 5 guys went to get their trucks... oops! Then a guy stopped to help us in a big ford and got stuck as well! Yeah, felt pretty bad... however, in the passengers seat was quite a very fine young man who got out to help! Bonus! Then, another guy came to pull us out which he did successfully! Not to mention the hot mystery man was the driver of Rhonda while she was being pulled out! Things all turned out good thank heavens for kind men! Once we got on our way, we had two cars that needed to be driven home so Lynae drove Rhonda. Rhonda has broken wind shield wippers at the moment so of course it had to rain! Like huge buckets! Yes, I could have easily killed my friends. They couldn't see anything but luckily got pulled off to the side of the freeway and we all pilled into the Honda. It was such a fun trip with many memories thats for sure!!!

School's Out for Summer!

Well school is officially out for the year! I can't believe it, I don't think it's quite hit me yet... The last week flew by as it was filled with signing yearbook frenzies and last minute memories. Just a litte over view of the last week: Monday was just a usual day filled with school and friends! Tuesday holds the title of one of the firsts for me (fry you will know what I mean) that involved a little rebellion and the park, later that night a bunch of us went and chilled at Park Discovery. Yes, throughout this post you will notice a new fetish for the park. On Wednesday we got out Yearbooks and the end started to sink in. That night some friends came over and we had an Idol party fully equipped with chocolate fountain! Thrusday whoorled by with the last day of school activites including going to the park, after we went to Costa and then shopping for a bit. That night we went to Kelci's surprise birthday party at the park where we played a little volleyball (a new fav) and got in an unevietable water fight coming to an end with a little missionary tag. After we cranked the bass in Rhonda and cruised to get a WCP (wild cherry pepsi) with Ammon and Cortlan. Oh and when I say "we" it is usually Fry and me, with others friends like Lynae, Alex Jones, Dorothy, Ammon, Becca, Bean, Q, and Cortlan. Friday was graduation day! Sad day! It definitely wasn't a highlight for me because so many of my friends graduated but I am very proud of all of them! Well that raps up the last little bit of school! Bring on the Summer memories!

School, AP tests, Softball, Friends, Family.... Life

Well first off a little update on school. We officially have 10 days of school left! Time really is flying and I have mixed emotions... I can't wait to be out of school but it's going to be a big change to have all my friends gradutate. It's bitter sweet and I don't think it will hit me until I see them walk through the C. This past week has been so busy and crazy with softball and the dreaded AP stats test! ugh... that was painful but its over now! There is only about a week and a half left of softball which is pretty crazy too but I kinda ready for a break. Well, also this week my family thought it would be cool to all go on vaca without me, which left me with a pretty bitter taste. Ha ha Mara was in the Big Apple and my mom went on a cruise with her Sisters! However, my mom comes home today and we are all still alive! It turns out its possible to live off of cold cereal for a week! My friends are so fabulous! There is no way I could make it through a week like I just have without them! Laughing is what makes life great and there is always plenty of that when we are together! The best part about being such close friends is being able to get over any little scuffel ( yes it is a word in my book) in like five minutes! Whether its boy drama, dance drama... you name it! Friendships, I think are one of the most important things in life and the way you know you have a great friend is when NOTHING can come in between you. I absolutely LOVE my friends! Thanks for all the memories so far Girls you rock!