Hiatus

So, I'm aware that I haven't posted anything new in months, but hopefully my 4 new posts will make up for my long absence. I've been sewing my pioneer clothes, and trying to get the boys ready to start attending the Alpine school next year, as well as getting my flower and vegetable gardens going. Not to complain, it's just been wild around here for weeks and weeks. Hopefully I will be better able to keep up now. I'm dragging my family out to take pictures this weekend so hopefully I will have new photos to post of all of us soon!

Trek 2010

Well let me just start out by saying that I never expected to go on a Trek again in my life. I was able to participate in a trek in 1995, the summer I graduated from high school. It was definitely a life changing experience for me, but not necessarily a fun one. Have you ever noticed that the times you grow the most in life are generally the hardest and most stressful periods? Well this certainly fits in that category. Anyway I learned a lot about myself and gained more confidence in my abilities as well as a new relationship with my Heavenly Father. I had experiences there that cemented my faith, and helped me understand the concept of Divine Nature.

So enough about '95, I was glad to have the experience and figured that was all she wrote. So when I got the call again a few months ago I was confused. First of all, a bishopric member who shall remain nameless swore up and down that my name was not on the list submitted to the stake, this only happened after tormenting me shamelessly for days. I figured I was in the clear right, nope. I seriously thought about saying no, but that didn't feel right either. The story is too convoluted to even try to explain, so I'll just say that it became very clear to me that Heavenly Father really wanted me on this trek, and there was nothing else to do but go.

For those of you that don't know the Trek is a recreation of the handcart companies that crossed the Midwest on their way to Utah. We are put into families with other individuals that we don't know all that well, and we push a 600lbs. handcart loaded with all of our stuff for 20+ miles over 4 days. We go in crazy terrain and push ourselves to the absolute limits. The experience helps us gain a better appreciation for our pioneer heritage, and to focus on the basics in life.

So here I was once again heading off into painful territory. And when I say painful that's exactly what I mean. I am such a klutz that I managed to step-in, trip-over and fall-down in every obstacle in my path. I loved my trek family and am so glad I got to be a part of it. I have funny stories about everyone, and feel honored to know them. I keep looking up each day wondering where they are. After spending 24 hours a day for 4 days together they become a part of you. Angie, love ya! Having you to talk with made all the difference to me, you're awesome! Mike, bring more changes of clothes next time, I promise it's a whole different experience. Brian, your sense of humor kept me in good spirits and I want to be the kind of example that you are to our youth. Ashley, I still think I could have taken you in the stick-pull, but I guess we'll never find out. Rachel, you are the kind of daughter I hope I will be blessed with someday, your parents are so lucky to have you. I love all of you, even if I didn't mention the things I love about you here and hope we can continue these friendships forever!


I don't want to go into too many personal details, but it was again a life changing experience. Rodger wrote me the sweetest letter, and as I sat there in the woods reading it I knew how blessed I am. I am so grateful for my family, and hope I can be the wife/mother you all deserve.

The Colwell Clan

P.S. Trevor keep your shirt on!!!!!!

Catwalk

I will admit that it's a little weird that I am a 4th generation Arizona native and there are all kinds of touristy things here that I have never done before. For example, I had never been to the Grand Canyon until Rodger took me for a date when I was 19. I figure I'm off the hook this time though because this particular attraction is actually in New Mexico, and I can't be expected to take on a whole other state right?

Anyway I finally got to go to the catwalk twice in one week! Let me just say it may be my second favorite place after Oak Creek. I think I have an obsession with water, it's all Grandpa Sloan's fault. This is a great hike if you've never been. Only 1.3 miles mostly shaded, and by the water. Not to mention the swimming holes, swinging bridges, waterfalls, and caves! Totally worth the drive.



We even got my grandparents to go with us, and take a picnic for Memorial day.

Notice that the boys started holding hands all on their own. I think they were afraid of falling in the freezing water!

No drive through Alpine is complete without a stop at the Lollipop Shoppe.

If anyone has any other great hikes or places to camp let me know, we are up for new adventures!

Independance Day

This year Rodger was asked to ride on our ward float for the 4th of July. The theme this year was the Constitution, and 4 men, Rodger, Scott, Landon, and Bro. Hitchcock dressed up as the signers of the Constitution. We all got a good laugh out of Rodger and his costume.



Since we didn't have our regular crew this year I drummed up some friends and we played volleyball with the Knights and Poches. The Poches also came over later for water-kickball and fireworks. I wish I had more pictures to show for our fun holiday.

Snowball Fight

This year was such a great year for snow that we decided we better make one more trip up the mountain before it all melted away. Unfortunately for us it was a very cold day. We made the best of it and had fun hiking, making a snowman, and having a snowball fight. Or more accurately the boys had a snowball fight and mom watched. As soon as I got snow down the back of my shirt the fun was over and we headed over to the Neon Moon for pizza.

Spring Break (and a million pictures)!

A couple of years ago Alec's class took a field trip to Albuquerque. Rodger and Dean were unable to go with us so I have been wanting all of us to go back for a trip together. I set some school goals for the boys and told them when they were completed we would all go on a surprise vacation. So finally the goals were completed and we all headed off into the high desert.

The zoo was a must, but we also went to the natural history museum, the botanical garden, the aquarium, La Ventana, and the Lava Falls trail.

The Zoo:

Rodger finally has proof that he's King of the Castle
no matter where we go.

The Lorikeet feeding was definitely our favorite part of the zoo.
These little guys have no fear, and will climb all
over you trying to get the nectar.

The Botanical Gardens:

Since it was March the plants were just starting to bloom. I'd love to go back in the summer when everything is green.

They have this Children's Fairytale garden that I am completely in love with.

The Natural History Museum:






The Aquarium:

I wish you could see this touch pool better. The bat rays were very cool.

We spent forever in front of this tank watching the lobster feeding.

La Ventana:

View from the parking lot.

The boys found a cave and thought it was a great place for a picture.

Lava Falls:





Can I just say how much I love my family. We had such a great time together. A whole week was never so fun!

A Very Blessed Baptism

This past weekend we had the privilege of seeing our youngest son baptized into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.

Rodger handled the actual baptism, and then my Grandpa, Dean's namesake, confirmed him.

My Grandpa was not a member of the Church for 29 years of my Grandparents marriage and he joined just in time to be able to baptize me. Unfortunately, he was never able to confirm any of us. So Rodger and I decided it was fitting for him to be the one to confirm Dean. Grandpa also turned 80 three days after Dean turned 8.



This was such a special day, and we are so thankful to our friends and family that came and made it all the more memorable.



I'm so proud that you have made this choice Dean, and I am so proud to be your mom.

We had the after-party at Grandma and Grandpa's house. I'll have to post pic's of all that when I can get the memory card from my Grandparents camera since I forgot mine.