Pioneer Papa!

My dad had the opportunity to participate with a big group of people in a wagon train and trail ride last week. They traveled 100 miles from Parowan to St George on horseback, in wagons and pulling handcarts to commemorate the arrival of the first settlers in St George- some of which are our ancestors. The ride was a great success and I think every single person who participated loved every minute of it! I know my daddy did! I think he might have been born in the wrong century!!

I am very thankful to the people that make sure we remember our ancestors. Who celebrate and acknowledge the extreme trials and tribulations that were endured to settle St George and other areas in Utah. I am grateful for the sacrifices of those pioneers so that I could live in a wonderful place and belong to a thriving church that enriches my life.

This is a picture The Spectrum took and published in the paper along with the story about the wagon train. I love it!! He looks like what he is- a weathered cowboy!!

My sister-in-law Rita and her kids got to see the wagon train as it passed by Diamond Valley so they took this picture of him! Rita said her kids were telling anyone who would listen that that was their "Papa"!!

The last little bit of the trail was a parade through town. Although the first settlers had a far humbler welcome to the sunny desert we call home, I think these travelers appreciated the community coming to cheer for them!!! Here is daddy making his way down Tabernacle street.

This is a picture that our friends the Gublers (Teresa) took just before the parade started. They were also with the wagon train and had a great time as well rain, dust and all!!

My mom and I were waiting at the park and got this picture towards the end of the parade.

They had big signs made and displayed in the park displaying all the names of the first settlers that made the great journey to settle St George. There are the names of our ancestors at the very bottom! Because of the work of some of my great family members I have actually seen pictures and pedigree sheets on the three listed here. It brings it close to the heart when you can see the names and dates of birth and death, the names of children and follow the lines down to my daddy and I. How very thankful I am for my wonderful heritage and the pioneer stock that I come from!!!