Pioneer Pull

We drove to New England for vacation and to spend time with family.

The first night we watched this brother play softball with his legal friends.

His heart went into arrhythmia, and he was put into the hospital.

He was scheduled to go on a three day pioneer trek the next morning.

We were more than happy to fill in.

Meet Papa Jarrod and Mama Amy Jo.

Tanner and Hunter went as well.
The other four boys were already in bed when we found out, and in bed when we left, so Mom eased them with the news later in the morning.

Our home for the next three days: the handcart. No nails needed.

Gathering into families. Each family had eight children. There were three companies, with four or five families in each.

Saying hello to Tanner at the first rest stop. The boys were in different companies than us.

Our camp for the first night.

Really long, wet grass.

This was one of those, "No, there's nothing else for dinner!" moments.

There was a girl only pull. Not a pretty view, and too tired to care.

Second day rest stop Tanner playing stick pull with our company captain.

Our second night stop, a beautiful lake.

The view from my bedroom.

Tanner was chosen to open the dam, and created a waterfall for the company to enjoy.

My pioneer partner.

Tanner pulling across a small creek (and his square dancing partner).

Some of the girls were carried across the creek.

Final stop! And the family was waiting.

Where are the showers?

(Aaron was put under and paddled to fix his heart rhythm.)

It was a wonderful experience, and truly made each of us appreciate the hard work, dedication, perseverance and sacrifice of the pioneers.