TREK: the 3rd Rescue

Bruce and I were asked to be a "Ma and Pa" on TREK this year. We were willing but I am not sure that excitement was part of the equation. We were happy about being able to go with Megan though. It was a tough 3 days of dirt and grime, walking, wind, camping yet in hind sight an amazing experience. The part that touched me the most and where I unmistakably felt the spirit came during the women's pull. The four girls in our "family" and myself were required to push and pull the handcart 1.5 miles basically all uphill. Tears welled up in my eyes as I thought of these women who were left to make it to Zion on their own and I couldn't help think of my own personal trek through life as we went. Truly these women could have given up and said it was too hard but they continued to push forward with hope and faith that they would eventually get to their destination. I thought of the hills and valleys in my own life...sometimes it truly seems like too much and I don't know how I can take another step. I too can sit down and give up or take it a step at a time and hope with faith that I can get up the next hill, hopefully enjoy the level part or even the downward slope before the next hill. It was awesome to look over the valley and see the hills and plains and look toward our destination. I thought of life with it's ups and downs and hope that I have the faith to make it with my family to my desired destination, back to live with our Father in Heaven.

Our great friends the Davis' were also asked to be "Ma and Pa" on the TREK. Macey was able to come along too. It was fun to plan and prepare with them and then experience the whole trip together!

Our stake called our TREK the 3rd rescue. The first rescue came when the saints from the valley came and physically rescues the starving handcart pioneers from Wyoming, the second came when a Wyoming stake did all the temple work for those in the Willey and Martin Handcart Companies, and the third was to happen on our TREK with the hopes that we would find it in ourselves to be rescued spiritually. I felt the spirit touch my heart to try harder to be true to the gospel and value that which is most important. It was a fabulous experience! I would willingly go again.

Yosemite: Vernal Falls

We didn't want to miss even a single waterfall, so after lunch we went to the Vernal Falls trail head. It was an absolutely beautiful area. Tyson wasn't cooperating, so Bruce took the other kids and walked up to where they could see the falls. He asked if they wanted to continue going up and got a unanimous thumbs down. Needless to say, 4:1, they turned around and came back down. Next time we go to Yosemite, this hike will be #1 on my list.

Yosemite: Swinging Bridge Take Two

Saturday, we went to Glacier Point and then to Swinging Bridge Picnic area for lunch. After lunch, we went and played in the river. Grandpa, Kaitlyn, Logan, and Kyle decided to cross to the middle of the river where there was a sand bar. Tyson and I soon followed. Notice who is wet and who is dry...I think I get the parent of the day award this time Bruce. It was and adventure!

Yosemite: Glacier Point

Yosemite: Minute to Win It

Scott prepared a Gwilliam Family competition of Minute to Win It. The kids had a blast with the challenges he had prepared and the adults all had a great time watching. I was a really fun evening. Until then, I hadn't heard of the show, but now it is a regular at our house.

Yosemite: Chilnualna Falls

Scott found an awesome cabins at The Redwoods In Yosemite in Wawona. The larger - the main hub - was incredibly nice. It was decorated to the tee and had so many upgrades. Everyone slept there but Bruce, Tyse, and I. We slept in the one bedroom cabin next door. It worked out perfect for us. Bruce and I slept in the bedroom and put Tyson on the couch in the front room with the TV. The first night he struggled, but the next two nights were great. He slept well and woke up early, but we just put on a movie for him to watch and went back to bed. We moved the couch in front of the door so he couldn't get out. It was a great set up for us.

Close to our cabin was a short hike along a river that led to Chilnualna Falls. This was one of my favorite spots on our trip.

Yosemite: Mariposa Grove

Friday, we went to Mariposa Grove to see the Giant Sequoias. We went on a train ride through the grove. It was awesome! The kids were amazed to see the largest living thing in the world.

Yosemite: Yosemite Falls

Yosemite: Swinging Bridge

Our next stop was Swinging Bridge. We had brought bikes and scooters and took those out of the car and rode along a path. We had a great view of Yosemite falls, played in the water, and were attacked by Mosquitos. After we finished here we went straight to the grocery store in the valley and purchased mosquito repelant.

Yosemite: Bridal Veil Falls

Scott planned the Gwilliam Family Reunion this year at Yosemite National Park. We packed up on Wednesday and drove to Tonupa, NV, went to McDonalds for dinner and spent the night in a scary little hotel. We got up the next morning and drove to the park. We thought we had made great time, but didn't realize that after getting to the park entrance, there was still a couple hours of driving to get to the main part of the park. It made the drive seem so long! We did finally get there and took some time to see some of the sights while waiting for others to arrive. The first stop we made was at Bridal Veil Falls. The falls were awesome and, as we neared it, the mist became heavier and heavier. It was fun to stand at the base and hear and feel the falls. Tyse was in heaven playing in the river and got everyone playing and exploring with him.

CRASH @ the Summer Games

Kyle's super league team participated in the Summer Games in Cedar City this year. They placed 4th...sadly just missing a medal. Megan, Lindsey, and I went down to cheer our super star on. We stayed 3 days and enjoyed the games, went to the new Toy Story movie in 3-D, ate out and just had fun hangin' out together.

Allergies...

Poor Kyle has trouble at certain times of the year. We took a bike ride on the Porter Rockwell train that loops around the Draper bench and probably a little over half-way, Kyle started to complain that his eyes were hurting and we needed to get home. It was a loop so we did our best to hurry. He was swollen an puffy and after some meds took a huge nap. We now have special eye drops for him. What a bummer!

Heber Valley Camp: Legacy Lake

Heber Valley Camp: back at camp