We decorate the site with beautiful lights.
We drove into Casper in a blizzard to teach some fourth graders
how to square dance as part of their "Pioneer Christmas" celebration.
We then visited the Interpretive Trail Center where Elder Whitlock and his fellow train club
had many of their trains on display for the month of December.
Several days later we drove back into Casper to serve Christmas Dinner
at the Salvation Army for the homeless and needy.
We helped them decorate the hall and then served up another delicious meal
for people who truly needed it.
for people who truly needed it.
What a wonderful opportunity it was to give them a little help and enjoy visiting with them!
One night we decided to brave the elements and have a hot dog roast . . . in the blacksmith shop!
To prepare for Christmas, our Gathering Room Christmas Tree
was decorated with handcarts and pioneers . . .
. . . and then we made sure our own apartment was decorated,
and that the stockings were hung by the chimney with care!
On Christmas Eve we had a delicious dinner with all the missionaries
plus the Seelys and the Lusks and their darling children!
Having them with us helped us remember Christmas through the eyes of a child.
Elder Moench read the Nativity Story out of Luke 2 and Matthew 2,
and we sang carols about each event throughout the story.
Then it was time for presents and fun!
Wyatt, Tap and Sammy got Legos to play with, and Sage loved her little Christmas pioneer doll!
Christmas Morning we all slept in a little and talked to our children and grandchildren on the phone.
And then . . . we decided to have an adventure!
We bundled up in the warmest clothing we had, piled into 3 rovers, and headed down the front trail.
Along the way we got stuck in snowdrifts - at least 6 times!
We finally reached Martin's Cove and spent some time reflecting how closely it resembled
what the pioneers would have experienced during their stay there
in November of 1856 when about 50 people died.
It was actually a beautiful day, and having the sun shine on our faces helped it not so seem so cold.
We even brought along our littlest Christmas Tree for our picture!
There is quiet and serene beauty to Martin's Cove when it is covered with snow.
There is quiet and serene beauty to Martin's Cove when it is covered with snow.
On the way back to the Homestead we stopped along the frozen Sweetwater River.
First, Elder Bushman decided to be daring, and he ventured out across the ice to the first large rock.
He returned safely, so Sister Martin and I decided to do the same thing!
We had a unique, yet wonderful Christmas,
and we hope all of you did too!
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