Bike to the Temple

The Whole Group - committed to helping everyone make it successfully.

A year ago the youth of our ward participated in an activity called “Choose the Ride.”  They prepared all summer to ride their bikes 33 miles from our stake center in Vancouver to the temple in Lake Oswego, Oregon.  Due to family circumstances and athletic schedules none of my family was able to participate.  I was so disappointed so when the McKagues decided to do it again and wanted our family to do it with them, I jumped at the chance.

McKenna and Sage taking a rest stop at the top of cemetery hill.

McKenna and I did several bike rides through the summer to get her ready.  I enjoyed this special time with her.  Eric also dusted off his road bike and took a few Saturday morning rides with me to prepare. One Saturday morning all of us got on our bikes and rode up Prune Hill to make sure we were prepared for the hill climbs in Lake Oswego.  I love my bike and I love my family.  This was heaven for me (well, would have been without the complaining).  Austin and Carson weren’t too happy about this family activity, but they came along.  Hopefully they will look back on it and have some fond memories.

CRAMP!

Time to refuel and regroup.

Preparing for and finishing this ride was not too unlike preparing for and attending the temple.  Going to the temple and receiving the blessings Heavenly Father has for us takes preparation and work.  It means that we have to give up some things we want for something better.  Sometimes when it gets tough it takes the people around us to set the example, encourage us, coach us and help us pull through it, but they can’t do it for us we have to put in the work.  It was great seeing all my family make it to the temple.  I can imagine better Father Lehi standing at the tree of life beckoning to and watching his family make their way along the iron rod.

We made it!

Backpacking with Gizzy & Dad

By: Carson

To finish out the summer our family wanted to go on a group backpacking trip. However, with lots of different activities starting and school on the way, most of the family was busy and didn’t have time to go backpacking. Dad, Gizzy and I were the only people with time to go, so we left the rest of the family to the stressful mess our house had become as the beginning of the school year got closer and hiked Siouxon Trail, somewhere the scout troops have been before.

We hiked in a little over 2 miles, after multiple stops for Gizzy (I think Dad needed a break too) and found a nice camping site next to the creek. Dad and I hung out while Gizzy explored, and once it got dark we built a fire. Dad forgot gas to the stove so we had to cook our meals over the fire, which was an interesting experience, but all worked out in the end! Gizzy found a special spot where two log benches met and he spent most of the night there while me and dad talked next to the fire and played cards. 

We had a relaxing night in the tent with some good bro time, and after hiking out and getting back on the road to home, I was glad we took the time before summer was over to enjoy the outdoors and have some father and son time. When we got back the house was as crazy as before, but I was a little more prepared for school to start after spending some time on the trail.

Happy 15th Birthday, Carson!

We all love you so much and are very proud of the young man you've become.

My First Girl's Camp Experience

By:  McKenna Sork

I was so excited for our churches young women’s camp when I discovered that this year I was finally old enough to go! I had been waiting for years to take part in an overnight camp, and now it was finally here. When all of our luggage was carefully packed in the car, we all got on buses and made the trip to camp Nisqually. I sat with all my good friends and played Old Maid, already having a good time. When it was time to get off we were in strange territory. But I had to stay strong, seeing as how I was one of the few girls with prior camping experience! I almost had a nervous breakdown when I couldn’t find my duffle bag with all my clothes in it, but tried not to sweat it and instead helped my friend Cassidy carry her 80 pound bag to our campsite. The bag was almost the size of her, and took all our effort just to get to camp alive! Thankfully, my clothes bag had already been delivered there safely without my knowing. 

Tent Buddies

                At camp, I was assigned to a tent with three other girls, who I would be staying with for the entire week. My group included Cambree Morgan, Cassidy Dustin, and Faith Skinner, all of who I had known for quite a while. They all teased me, since I was the only one without a mattress to sleep on. I was really ‘roughing’ it! The first night we spent hours catching up, telling secrets, and creating memories I will remember forever. For fifteen minutes before bed, we all took part in Cambree’s dance exercises, although half the time we spent giggling. Over the few short days we were involved in everything together. We’d start off the day side by side, getting ready as soon as we were all awake. We shared everything from candy to extra pants. One morning, we even got up at 6:00 am to participate in the polar plunge!

Polar Plunge - Only for the Brave

                During the day, when we were forcefully separated, I made tons of new friends. I also learned how to perform simple first aid and wilderness survival. At night we were involved in spiritual lessons, stage skits, and campfire songs, keeping me busy from morning to evening. The food was great and almost every meal I would volunteer to stay after and help do the dishes! I received gifts from a ‘secret sister’ daily, including candy and encouraging, heartfelt, letters. One of my favorite memories was Snipe Hunting, where you put toothpaste on your nose and carry a pillowcase around as you hunt for the mythical creature, a Snipe. We only had one flashlight and chased Snipes all around camp. Once, one of our fellow campers went missing and we were left alone while the older girls went to look for her. It was super scary, and I was one of the few girls who decided to stay out longer to continue hunting! Most girls decided after a few minutes that it was too scary for them.

Camp Crafts

YW Leaders: Sister Jackson, Lacher, Crofts, Zundel, and Jensen

                When it was finally time to go, I was sad to leave. Faith, my tent partner, moved shortly after girl’s camp and we were all sad to see her leave. I was given my charms of participation, plus the one I earned from polar plunge, to add to my camp necklace. I’m excited to come back next year!

Concerts for a Cause

At the golf course near our home during the summer they host a concert series called “Concerts For A Cause.”  Each week they would choose a charitable organization to support and host concerts on the course.  McKenna and I went to one together and had a great time.  I tried not to embarrass her too much.  She drew the line at me getting up and dancing, but didn’t mind if I sang along.  We had a good time.  After the concert we walked around the car show.  Our favorite was the Shelby.  Maybe it was because Carson has a t-shirt with the Shelby and it was fun to take picts to show him what it was all about, or maybe it was because it was just a really cool car.  I couldn’t help but think of my Dad and his hard work on the cars he has restored.  I wish he could have been there to walk around with us.

Family Beach Trip

The kids wanted to do some camping this summer so I booked a campsite at the beach with several other families from our ward.  It was a typical beach weekend and why I prefer not to go to the beach in the summer when we have such nice weather at home, but it was fun to be there with the family and friends. 

History Museum

Bocce Ball, anyone?

We stopped at a great restaurant on the way Highway 101 Burgers.  It was a fun little place from the pool table down to the bathrooms.

 We were able to play games, tell stories around the fire and visit the tidepools. 

 





We took Gizzy with us.  He loved being on the beach.

Dance like no one is watching.

"Look at my mad planking skills."  -Eric

Unfortunately, it was on this trip that we found out Gizzy had mast cell tumors and would not be with us much longer.  He has become such an integral part of our family it is hard to think of life without him.

Of course on the way out of town we had to stop at the most recommended fish and chips shack.  After a LONG wait and lots of complaints we finally got in.  I think it was worth the wait.  It was definately worth the memory.

My Trip to the Tri-Cities

During the week of Girls Camp, Eric had Boy Scout camp, Austin had high adventure and Carson had cross country camp.  I found myself alone in the house.  Well, that was the perfect time for me to take off and visit Marsha in Kennewick, WA.  

I was really enjoying this travelling around and spending time with all my family.  I was so glad she was willing to have me.  We had such a good time together.  We don’t get the chance to be together often without the rest of the family. 

It was fun to help her with the new renovations at her house.  We were able to pick up some new furniture and put together floral arrangements for her new décor.  I had a great time walking through Hobby Lobby.  I can’t wait until one opens up on our side of the state.  But until then it will make for a good excuse to go back and visit again. 

We spent a lot of time talking and getting caught up on all the family happenings.  I was able to take my bike and ride along the river paths in the sunshine.  It was a great three days!