Time is flying by. - We are on the countdown - Less than 3 months #62

This week was so full of fun and lots of treks.  We are short the number of missionary couples that we really need to run things smoothly during the busy trek season.  We found ourselves being asked to help in many capacities.  We still had our office work to get done, but were filling in so many positions as well to help with the busiest times.  We were pulled in to the outfitting, and the trek center send off program and return program.  This was what we did a lot of last year and we do really enjoy it.  We spent extra time in the visitors' center due to an abundance of visitors.  It is joyous to work with and share testimonies with so many wonderful people.

Fourth of July was a day of eating.  We met at Independence Rock for breakfast and then out to the pavilion at  Missionary Village for a traditional 4th of  July hamburger and hot dog supper.

Breakfast at Independence Rock

Supper line on July 4th

Sister Smart really enjoys her calling as primary president.  She never knows how many children or what ages of children she will have each week.  It is a rewarding calling.  At the end of the two hour primary block each week we go to the visitors' center and let the children pull the handcarts while we wait for their parents to pick them up.

Primary Cart Pull

We had a first ever baby blessing at our branch Sunday.  Our full time cowboy and his wife blessed their baby.  We all thought it was so special to witness this.

Their family came to be part of it and stayed in the Ranch house behind us.  There were lots and lots of people in that home.  We counted 8 cars in our driveway and a big trailer.

Chris and Kyra Jorgensen and Mable

Monday we played bingo at FHE and were glad Steve and Rachelle and kids could join us.

Bingo at FHE

The Smith Family returned home on Tuesday.  We loved having them with us.

Smith Family at Fremont Canyon

On Top of Independence Rock

Father and Son at Rock Creek Hollow

Pot Luck Dinner

Alayna Pumping the Bellows in the Blacksmith Shop

Touching the Skunk Pelt at  the Fort

Rock Creek Hollow and Ancestral Grave

Base at Sixth Crossing

Grandpa is Tour Guide in the Rover

Fun Ride?

Beautiful Girl, Beautiful Site

Pulling a Handcart

Panoramic view looking out from base at Sixth Crossing
Picture taken by Stephen Smith

We love you all and miss you, but we also love this mission.  It is the Lord's work and we are blessed to be a part of it.

Grandpa and Grandma, Dad and Mom, Paul and Annie, Elder and Sister Smart