"Was it Fun? No, but it was an Experience"

This year Weston and Colton were able to experience a tiny sampling of what our pioneers endured on their trek to Zion.  I was super excited that my boys were able to experience this together.  Colton was super excited from the first planning night, Weston on the other hand was not so excited but with time he knew this was something that he needed to do.  The boys shopped the local DI but quickly found out the entire stake must have beat them there so we had to purchase the "pioneer attire".

We snapped the above photos before we headed over to the stake center to see the boys off.  They boys  didn't know who their Ma and Pas were and we were super excited to learn that Weston would be with Brother and Sister Cottle.  Colton was with a couple that we had never met.  Tom and I said our good-byes and left the boys to experience trek.
After the 3 days passed we as families gathered at the church to welcome home the trekkers.

It was here that we learned Colton had been quite sick and was given an IV because he was dehydrated and had been throwing up.  WHAT?!?  I couldn't wait to see him and give him a hug.  The boys were exhausted and wanted nothing more than a shower.  We didn't stay at the church long for all the photos opps we just simply snagged our trekkers and headed for home.  Besides I had LOTS of questions.  The boys said it was a good time.  The next day at church all of the youth were asked to participate in the sacrament program and share their most memborable experience.  Colton of course thanked everyone for helping him, for allowing him to ride ~ even though he really wanted to walk (the medical staff would not let him walk for quite some time).  Weston was the last one to stand and express his thoughts.  He quickly pointed out that this was not fun but an experience and one he was sure glad he chose to participate it.  He expressed how hard it was to know his little brother was sick and that he had to keep trekking past him.  Both boys expressed how humbling it was to witness the "womens pull"
What memories for my boys.  Thank you to all who organized and worked countless hours to see that the youth enjoyed such a memorable experience.