Labor Day Weekend 2016

Our Labor Day Weekend fun started early Saturday morning as Gabrielle had to be on the bus by 5:00 am.  We left about 6:30.  We took the trailer to Ranch 66 Missionary Village near Martin's Cove and then headed on into Casper.  Perfect timing.  We made it just in time to watch Gabrielle's first match.  She has loved being on the tennis team.  After she finished her second match we hit Sam's and headed back to the trailer.  Soon after we headed over to the Visitor's Center.

 After visiting with an Elder from our first stake in Enoch we went onto the Trek Center.  Melanie Thomas's mother was working there.  It was fun to visit with her for a few minutes.  We had planned on doing the hike to Devil's Gate, but she encouraged us to go ahead and do the Martin's Cove hike.  She said to allow 3 hours.  We checked out our handcart and headed out.  Ben rode for a few minutes, but soon after wanted to be the one that was pushing from behind...with no help.  If the girls tried to help he would push them away and say "NO! MINE!"  They didn't pay attention, so he decided to run ahead, and then he decided the only way to go was have mom carry him.  Silly boy!  We took a rickshaw up for Ben, but it was a beast.  I'll write more details on Martin's Cove in another post.

As we came back from Martin's Cove a storm was brewing.  We could see rain fall all around us.  We hurried back to the trailer and had dinner.  Everyone was exhausted, especially Gaby.  We headed to bed, and everyone slept really great. but me.  The wind blew and blew and blew, and I just listened to the wind.

The next morning we got up and went to church.  There were several missionary couples going home so they had an extended fast and testimony meeting.  Bennie did fantastic for a 2 year old having to endure a 2 hour sacrament meeting.  Seth LOVED primary there.  The Pimary President recruited Gaby and Mori to go with them to Primary to help with the increased number of kids.  Seth told story after story of the men that came in and said, "All boys 6 and older come with us".  The elders then took them outside (which Seth thought was the best thing that ever happened to Primary).  The elders told the boys stories and showed them different land marks.  He was so impressed.  They built handcarts out of rice krispy treats, ritz crackers, and marshmallows.  We headed back to the trailer broke our fast and then headed to the Sixth Crossing, where the Willie company was rescued.  We got into the nastiest rain storm ever on our way.  We had an enjoyable time there, and then headed back to the trailer.  Greg made dutch oven potatoes and chicken.  Melanie's mom and sister came for a visit and brought brownies.  It was fun to visit with them, and made me miss the Thomas Family!  We went to bed with plans of joining up with them the next morning to hike to Devil's Gate and Independence Rock.  About 10:30 Greg, Morgan, and I were rudely awakened.  It turns out we were not equipped for vomit in our little camp trailer...I really am never equipped for vomit.  I was lucky none touched me, but Greg was covered.  So we made the decision to head home.  We left about 11 and arrived home about 2.  Once we got home, I woke Seth up.  He jumped out of the car, and said, "What?  The suns not even up yet?"  It was a long night, but we were so grateful to spend time together as a family, and spend time on sacred ground.