Ma & Pa training

Friday night David and I went on the Ma & Pa overnight training campout. We had to dress in our pioneer clothes and learn about all of the fun and wonderful things we get to do for trek. We had a great time and really enjoyed getting to meet the other Ma and Pa's from all over the stake. The weather was good and it was great to sleep under the stars. We were in our tent but David left the cover off so we could see the stars. Toshia was a little worried it would rain on us (she stayed with us in our tent so she did not have to set hers up) and as she usually is right it did start to sprinkle early in the morning. All of Saturday morning was spent with more training and we pulled a handcart around the meadow on a test run. It was not nearly as loaded as ours will be on the trek and the great thing for me is that the youth have to push, pull the handcart most of the way. After lunch the kids came up and we did our ten mile hike. It really was not that bad but I am surprised at how tired I am right now. Our longest day on the trek will be 11 miles. That will be with a fully loaded handcart. Today we just walked (some rather briskly) up for about 5 miles and then back down for 5 miles. My kids did really well and did not complain at all. I know this experience is going to be hard for them but also it will be very rewarding if they let it. Here we are at the beginning of our hike

..... and here we are at the end. Not to bad.

Here the kids are walking. Noah found a friend (actually Chloe's friend) that he thought was cute!

This picture is at the 5 mile mark. We were glad to hear that the next 5 miles were back down the hill we just walked up.

Chloe with Sis. Naillon during our break. What a great YW leader she has!

This was a great experience and really has me excited for the real thing in three weeks. Pioneer trek here we come!