pioneer day--pioneers -my 'heros"

the 24th Celebration was fun this year--we watched part of the days of 47 parade on tv and went to the spanish fork parade--after we got back to nancy's house the girls and I put on pioneer skirts--aprons and such and played like we were walking--for lunch we all had bar-b qued 'buffalo" (as we called it) it was really chicken--dad said "this buffulo tastes just like chicken" we all laughed--cause of that saying that 'all weird meats such as rabbit and pheasant tastes like 'chicken" it was a good day for remembering--instead of us telling the kirks the pioneer stories--they told them to us as they have been learning all about them from nancy--we were surprised and happy to hear the stories in their own words and when they get to Heaven they will know these --people through their legacy and journals and stories handed --down--down --down--(:

not pioneers as you would think of but I think of grandpa harold as a "one who paved the way" as he is pictured here with some people--he was a very determined and ambitious law student and provider

is evelyn (and some of the grandkids of george pay_) by Pioneer cabin--there were 12 kids including grandpa pay lived in this small cabin

more pic of the pioneer cabin

I enjoyed thinking of the pioneers--as re telling their stories--especially those from our own family tree-mary goble pay and anson call and even telling stories about those first immagrants who came after the trains were in place--(technically we don't refer to those who came after the trains as pioneers) webster dictionary terms a :[pioneer) =as one who paves the way for others

so in that sense--Conrad Gertsch sr. --Ingrid and Lars Johnson--and even grandpa Conrad and Elise were some of our pioneer ancestors--if you want to look to heros-for leaving their beautiful homelands to immigrate to america for the intent to build up zion in the rocky mts.- I suggest them

their stories--make them heros to me--

happy 2nd birthday Kaci

kaci with us last may in DC



in a beautiful garden in DC

last summer 0f 08 when they were in Ut

when our family was together at brad's grad. (pic at the beach after)

all snuggly

hi guys -- just being cute

big yawns-cute cute

giggling

0f all the babies that left the hospital the day

bet she was the only one styling in a swimming suit--what a cute idea--of her mommy and dad

Dear Kaci--so very happy you joined your mom and dad to share mortality when them (*& us)

* we love your contagious giggle

*love that you draw on your piece of canvas and on the paper and make so many pretty things

*love that you warmed up to us--when we came back east to visit you

*love that you enjoy eating your food and so independant from way way back when you were small doing that

*love that you love animals and flowers and books, and swimming

* love that you are so fun to go places with in the car and so patient till we get to where we're headed

*so happy that you love to runwe -love that you say--mark-set -"go" and race your mom and dad-down the sidewalk

_love that you are playful and cute and tha you play hide and seek, and that you're such a smartie and say your colors and stuff to us on the phone-

*that you are just a little sweetie--have a wonderful -birthday---and know that you are loved by us--all year long--grandma Lynda and papa Call

happy 2nd birthday Hunter

some pics of hunter on his 2nd birthday---we had fun--cake and gifts and he was just excited and happy and in to loving life--as he should --birthdays are FUN!

pushing in new birthday toy (mow lawn) as he calls it--

with his two grandpas (two of his best friends and fans)

gotta love the new cowboy boots (these boots are made for walkin') (:

Flashbacks to hunters birth--

what a happy day it was when you arrived--we were so happy that you were sent to your mom and dad and you have brought so much joy to the extended family as well--we love and adore ya

to us there is

nothing is quite as sweet as the mother holding her sweet baby--the day he was born

she has gone through so much to bring this little spirit here from heaven and they have so many bonds already--and so many ahead of them

so sleepy--but so handsome already

cousins and grandparents came right away to the hospital to welcome you and to hold the sweet first grandson and cousin and friend...you were welcomed with loving and open arms---and still are today--when ever you are around us--hope you never get to big or too tough to like our hugs

This cute little boy had a birthday --this one sitting here--father in Heaven bless him throughout the coming year--

Hunter we love ya --much--you smile this contagious smile--you always run to us -when we get to your house-and give us a scruch (hug) then you are off back to playing with your truck--you love to push heavy things--you love other little kids and try to share your candy with them--you are good at building blocks and then knocking them over with great delight--you are independant and climb that ladder to the trampoline--by yourself (which scared grandma lots) you jump high on the trampoline with vigor and ride in the little red car--(sorry you hurt your foot last time) you are cute --cute --I mean handsome --handsome--*and smart and funny!!!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY--

swimming in the great salt lake /my pioneer trek preparation

I got thinking about pioneers before I left on trek and how when
they got to this valley they used to LOVE to go out to swimm in
the great Salt Lake for recreation--so one fine day last week
I went swimming out their to reflect on pioneer stories I knew
while I swam

this is the rock I parked by--there were no people there but me and it
was very quiet and peaceful

beautiful day--warm weather--warm water--good place to ponder

I remembered last year we were out here swimming with
the Hebner family--and I was remember our secronized swimming
and canoe last year on the 24th of July--it is really a fun relaxing
area

I love the pioneers and love walking the pioneer trails

me and the kathy and lela richardson

the Demanns always bring fun to the adventure

bryan and John p lead the way

great having antoher shared experience with Pres and sister
hunter--(don't know why I'm leaning over--tired to the bone I guess)

Murray Parkway stake pioneer trek

dad and I at our 3rd pioneer trek--two of the times dad went as the chairman/trail boss and this time as the Stake Pres member overseeing the trek--we hiked 10 miles the first day--and 20 before the entire walk was over--it was a lot of fun

beautiful sunsets and sun rises

Lori steadman and myself--one night --just like the youth
enjoy their friends being at I trek I was glad she was there

a shot of some of the handcarts from a distance
settling in the first night after a long walk

happy day in the life of a missionary and of the convert

happy day in the life of a missionary--Hayley with her convert baptism of Joseane
she was taught by irma call and irma evans and baptised by her husband--
hayley --gave a short talk as part of the services and she said that once the baptism started the spirit was very strong and it was such a wonderful day. this companion shown is going to be transfered soon--(her name is sister evans)