Saturday, February 21, 2009

In Which We Walk

This morning the husband and I awoke the children before dawn. On a Saturday. It was the morning of the Pioneer Trek Fun Walk- a walk to make sure we are prepared for the actual trek and up to the task of walking. Funly.

We slipped newly purchased Crocs on six tiny feet and pushed chilly arms through the long sleeves of jackets and we were on our way.

We made one stop to pick up a young man and young woman in our ward, who happen to be siblings, and hopped on the freeway to the trailhead. As we journeyed, the husband recounted to our little riders the story of a pioneer whose life truly inspired us as we watched a DVD depiction of it last Sunday evening. Maybe you have seen it. It is called Only a Stonecutter. And it is amazing.

We arrived at the walking site, wagon and stroller in tow. The husband manned the wagon, while I manned the stroller. (for some must push and some must pull) And we began walking. For 4 miles we walked. And we were supposed to complete the walk within an hour.

As we started out on the trail, the morning air was crisp and I watched my little brood. And my heart was warmed instantly. I love these people.

Oldest daughter took over stroller duty and ran most of the way while little son enjoyed the ride. Middle daughter sat snuggled with blankets in the wagon as the husband chauffeured her cute little highness. And we continued like this for the majority of the walk.

We caught up to the young lady we had picked up that morning, her brother long past her, and found she was struggling a bit, so we slowed our pace and encouraged her on. We remained by her side for the remainder of our little trek, sharing stories and dreams of the utltimate prom dress (her dreams, not mine) and drank our little water. And we tried to keep up with oldest daughter who seemed to have in her backpack endless energy for this walk.

I was itching to go a bit faster, but determined to see this young woman finish the walk. Her brother came back to lend encouragement and walked the last 1/4 mile alongside his sister. We finished the walk in 1 hour 11 minutes. And it was a victory for this cute young woman with prom dreams. I don't believe she has ever accomplished such a feat. And I could have hugged her brother for coming to rescue her.

And I must add that I incorporated the stretches you all suggested and I believe that they did help. My legs held up beautifully.Thank you for your wisdom.

And now I am off to plant tomatoes and strawberries, onions and peppers in my garden. And the husband will plant the lime tree.

What a glorious day.

15 comments:

Loralee and the gang... said...

My daughter did the trek last summer...what an awesome experience for her and everyone who participated it was! You have a lot to look forward to.
And I am so jealous you can go out and plant stuff now! Where we are we still have about 2 feet of snow on the garden area. (well, six and a half feet was dumped on us in December, so quite a bit has melted)
I so can't wait til spring!
:~D

Unknown said...

i was a wonderful day here.
you have someone on your list you call "friends from the CW" "stranded in buckeye" is in my sons ward. small world.
i am so glad your trek turned out good!

Lizdee said...

It sounds weird to start planting. We still have a foot of snow on the ground.

Sarah said...

Props to you and your strength. Glad the kiddos are as excited as you are. Enjoy Arizona spring! :)

That Girl said...

Whoo-hoo!

May we request pictures?

The Robinsons said...

Gotta love those moments when you realize how much you love your little ones! How fun for you guys to participate in the trek! Missed you today!

Karen M. Peterson said...

That sounds like a really great experience. I've never really done any sort of a trek before. Used to hike a lot, but never did any of the official (or unofficial) pioneer treks. Maybe one of these days...

Me (aka Danielle) said...

You are amazing! It's moments like these that remind us whats important! Good to hear that all went well! Sounds like you are going to be well prepared for the trek ahead.

Nathan said...

I love the song reference. It will be in my head all day now ...

"For some must push and some must pull ...

Until we reach the valley - o."

Heidi said...

Are the kids going with you on the real trek? How long is the full one? Days and days I imagine. What makes a person want to do that? Ya know, go walk and walk and walk? They did it for us already. Is my testimony wavering if I don't really get it? I hope you have a great time with the youth.

cmom said...

Good Job! I'm so jealous you're planting. I have at least two months to go. At least I can see ground instead of snow.

Suzi said...

Cayla didn't make the hike cuz she had to work, but since she just did one, I think she'll be fine. I can't wait to tell her your going. She will be so excited and so hopeing she gets to be with you. Just a few more weeks of working out...keep up the good work.

Sandi and Curtis said...

What a great Ma and Pa you guys will be! You're already looking after Prom girls and brothers!

Jen said...

I did the Trek one year with the youth. It was a blast! Loved every minute of it. Great memories! Kudos to you for doing the same. I think it's a wonderful exeperience and you gain so much appreciation for those pioneers who led the way into the valley.

momof8 said...

You are planting? In your garden? You mean it is spring somewhere? Here in MN we are getting pounded with 6 inches of snow. And March is our snowiest month. So, Spring? Really? Wow.