What's Your Legacy?

This is what we asked the youth to ask themselves as they went on the Pioneer Trek. It gave me a lot to think about as well, and I was so grateful for the chance to reflect on the Legacy left for me by my pioneer ancestors.

It's hard to sum up such an amazing, challenging, and uplifting experience as the Youth Pioneer Trek with words. Most of my feelings and experiences are in my Trek journal, but since I can't share all of that here, hopefully these pictures will help me tell some of the story of our Trek...

We woke up bright and early (after very little sleep) Brad and I left for Trek, but not without taking our "before" picture.

Filling in at the last minute for another couple who was unable to come, we became "Ma and Pa Allred" for three days.

We met the other members of our family: the Allred women...

and the tough Allred Men

And before we knew it we were on our way!
After about 20 yards, one of our cute "daughters" said, "This isn't too bad!" Little did she know that after three days of this...

...that she probably would be singing a different tune.

Along the trail, we stopped to hear stories of the pioneers. We heard from leaders who portrayed the actual pioneers such as William Clayton, Jefferson Hunt, Brigham Young, and many others. The message and music of "Come, Come, Ye Saints" was weaved throughout the vignettes.

We also had family time, where we would huddle together and talk more about the pioneers. We wanted the youth to catch the spirit of the theme "Legacy of Faith" and help them think about what their legacy would be for those who come after them.

The journal played a key part in helping them process their experience and record their testimonies.
After long and exhausting days of pushing and pulling the handcarts, we were in awe at the energy these guys found to play games (stick pull, watermelon seed spitting, relays, etc), sing songs (Hoxie stew!--a tribute to the camp chef, Br. Hoxie), and dance! We had a blast watching these kids kick up some dust and square dance! We were the proudest ma and pa when our family won the square dance competition.
From the minute we met this group, we knew they were something special. Because we were helping in the planning of Trek, Brad and I were not planning to be a ma and pa, until we became the "best" option because of the last-minute drop-out. All we could think of as we got to know these kids and have these awesome experiences together with them was how much we would have missed out on if we hadn't been given this opportunity. We truly felt it wasn't an accident that we got to be Ma and Pa Allred. They touched us forever with their...

amazing strength (physical and spiritual),

their positive attitudes and sense of humor,

Their kindness and thoughtfulness to each other.

their cheers, songs, and jokes (and a little friendly competition, too), that united us so quickly and effortlessly as the Allred familiy.

So glad I could have this awesome experience with my sweetheart... (Pa being romantic)
Who needs a five-star-hotel weekend getaway for our anniversary?

This was an experience of a lifetime! And I survived my 2nd (and last?) Trek! Whew! Too bad Brad and I didn't get that "after" picture--we were coated in grime and dirt, but our smiles were bigger than before.

This little poem written by one of our Allred boys, sums up Trek better than anything I could write....

Ode To Trekking
By Jason H.

Waiting at the church
About to leave for Trek
I knew not what to think
Not sure what to expect

Everyone dressed classy
I speak for all attenders
But I’ll never feel the same
After three days with suspenders

The days were full of fun
Yet made me kinda sore
No matter what we did
I always wanted more

Trek was really special
I cherished every hour
But I’ve never been so thankful
for a warm bed and a shower

My family was so happy
I couldn’t find a flaw
We all grew really close
with help from Ma and Pa

We wouldn’t have survived
Without our strength and wits
Or without our lunches
of salami, cheese, and Ritz

Remembering the journey
Makes me want to tear
We got a taste of life
as a pioneer

End of School Wrap-up: Caleb

For Caleb's end-of-school party, they had a major water balloon fight. In keeping with tradition, Mrs. Wigand rewarded them for reading by giving them a water balloon for a certain number of pages read. Caleb took the challenge and enjoyed every one of those 20+ water balloons. He got some great shots at Mrs. Wigand and her husband, who came for the day and made the whole thing even more fun for the kids.

Reading his "compliment journal" made for each student by the other kids in the class.


Caleb and his table buddies--his good friends in the class.

We had a cookie cake to celebrate and say thanks to Mrs. Wigand for a great year.

I collected responses from Mrs. Wigand's students about what they love about her, and bound "100 Things We Love About Mrs. Wigand" together with 100 crisp $1 bills for a memorable (and usable) for a special gift for this great teacher. (Found the idea on tip junkie who gives the link to here)

Caleb had a wonderful year with Mrs. Wigand. She emphasized personal responsibility and seemed in-tune to what Caleb needed. One of my favorite moments this year was Parent-Teacher Conference. She prepared the kids to actually conduct the Conference themselves. I sat in awe as Caleb demonstrated how he had identified his strengths and weaknesses and the areas he could improve. He showed me his work, asked questions, and just did a great job of the whole thing. What a great confidence-builder and learning experience! I was impressed with her enthusiasm and concern for the kids, the sensitivity to them, and the way she helped them grow.

Caleb's Piano Recital

The end of the school year also meant the end of piano lessons until fall.

Caleb played "Russian Sailor Dance" and did a great job. He didn't seem at all nervous going into it, but I think the nerves might have finally gotten to him, since he forgot to announce his song and he played it pretty quickly. We were so proud of him to do so well for his FIRST Recital. It was another confidence-building experience that makes all the practicing worth it.

Caleb with Sister Berry (black dress) and her other students.

End of School Wrap-up: Lauren

Lauren's Kindergarten year ended with some fun parties...
A Hawaiian Luau...

she won a little birdie beanie baby in the game

A Field Trip at the Water Park

It was a little chilly for getting wet, but the kids had lots of fun playing in the sand.

Lauren with Jimmy and Mia, two of her best friends.

Unfortunately, the parties did little to distract Lauren from the fact that she had to say good-bye to another one of her "best friends", Mrs. Bright. Although she has always had trouble with good-byes, I was a little surprised at how the tears kept flowing after school that day. (Oh, the tears!) I tried to keep her distracted, and eventually she pulled it together, but next year I think I'll be better prepared in case we have another emotional good-bye.

Mrs. Bright will always have a special place in our hearts because of how she loves each child and helps them to grow up so much in kindergarten.