Wyoming

Without question the highlights of our trip were our little family climbing Independence Rock, taking our handcart back into Martin's Cove and crossing the Sweetwater River. I had never been up in that area, but I had heard lots of church history stories about the Martin and Willie Handcart Companies. I didn't realize that in this area four major pioneer trails actually cross...the Oregon Trail, the Mormon Trail, the Pony Express, and the California Trail. (There is just so much history there!) It was a great experience and one that I am glad our family could take part in. (Definately worth the drive if you are thinking about it) Sweetwater River Walker's cross the Sweetwater! This was so neat, we actually pulled our handcart through the sweetwater. (I carried Lucas on my back because the water went up about upper-thigh on me) Since it was just our little family, 3 teenage boys from a trekking group stayed behind to help us across. (This was so neat!)

Shelbi took a few pictures of a "kid's eye view of a handcart trek". It just cracked me up so I had to post it! Kids are just too honest sometimes...poor thing, imagine 41/2 hours of that! The Devil's Gate My little family... I love this picture...climbing Independence Rock.

The top of Independence Rock - the Sweetwater River behind us. It was so neat to see all of the "signatures" on Independence Rock. (This one is from 1850- I hope it's not a fake one...there is a 1991 one right next to it) Climbing Independance Rock Walking around Independance Rock.

We stopped at another park and the kids hooped it up!

These giant boots were everywhere in Cheyenne. Bryson just loved them and kept wanting to put them on somehow... Lucas was mostly impressed with the giant spurs on the back. :)