Pioneers, Bears and Old Friends

This morning Morgan headed out on a trek for Stake Youth Conference. This has taken weeks of preparation, including Morgan sewing bandannas (to help the stake leader), participating in a 10-day spiritual trek, walking several times a week and learning of her own pioneer ancestors. Morgan went on behalf of her Great Great Great Great Grandma, Caroline Hopkins Clark (1831-1900), who traveled from England and crossed the plains. Morgan got to read her journal entries and get an appreciation for the sacrifices she made (including losing her husband and several children to death).

As we dropped Morgan off this morning I couldn't help but get teary-eyed. I am so happy she can have this opportunity and get a deeper appreciation and love for our pioneer heritage. I am so grateful for my family legacy.

In true teenage style, Morgan didn't enjoy dressing in pioneer clothes. She was not happy to take this picture, but I threatened that I wouldn't take her to the church if she didn't. ;) It helped that we were almost running late....more pressure.

Jake advanced to a Bear this week in Boy Scouts. He earned his Wolf Badge, a gold arrow, and 5 silver arrows. It has been so fun to see him grow and learn in Boy Scouts. Here he is getting a paw painted on his face, symbolizing his advancement to Bears. We have enjoyed and appreciate his leaders and have had a great experience so far. Thanks Julie & Nichole!
Jake pinning on a Wolf pin. That's why Boy Scouts is so awesome. Your son earns the badge and you get jewery! (Well, I guess moms probably have a lot to do with the sons earning their badge.)
All the advancing boys got to scarf down pie without using their hands. Jake was actually the first done and was licking his plate waiting for the others to finish. (Too bad we don't feed him food at home.)
After scarfing down pie, the boys ran through a tunnel symbolizing their progression to the next level.
Finally, we had the joy of meeting up with old friends this past week. Dustin and Angie Irlenborn were in Utah visiting family and we were able to see them for lunch. We know them from Missouri back in our younger years. They were married shortly after us and we attended the Springfield University Branch together. Their oldest child, Austin, was born 9 days before Morgan. After sharing our miserable pregnancies together, Angie and I were bonded for life! Things haven't changed much in 14 years.....as Angie and I ended up shopping together after lunch. Some old habits are too hard to break. :) Thanks for stopping for a visit. We are blessed to have gained such good friends throughout our lives!