Brian Reagan - Names

Brian Reagan - Names

I watched NICO on the Hart Blog today and had to laugh, and was immediatly reminded of this short segment from the comedy of Brian Regan! He is the best! Our family loves to listen to him :-) Enjoy.

Rock Band II

On Bill's 16th birthday, he and his crew (the "Legends of Rock") won a $300 first prize for their performance at the Rock Band II competition at the high school. It was a fundraiser for the marching band. There were 22 groups competing, lots of screaming fans and everyone had a lot of fun :-) ** IF YOU WANT TO WATCH THE SHORT VERSION-- Start the video at about 5:30.

Hooray! The Valley!

We finally made it to the Salt Lake Valley! The kids were delighted! We took a look at the LDS Church History Museum, had a good lunch at Siegfried's Delicatessen (a family favorite) and then caught the new movie at the Legacy Theatre (at the Joseph Smith Memorial Building). Then we headed to provo to hang out with Grandma and Jenni for a couple of days. It was good to just "hang out!" The kids were so happy to just stay in one place for awhile :-)

Green River!

We spent some time visiting Green River, where dad grew up. We went to the cemetery and to two of dad's childhood homes, one across from the old Lincoln School (which is no longer a school) and the other along the old main strip in the older part of downtown. Mike, in particular, thought Green River was "way cool" and he said he would love to live there, referring specifically to all the wide open rocky hills, cliffs, and caves he could explore! It certainly is the place for an adventure and I shared with the kids all the stories dad has told about his adventures as a kid. We even saw a few Magpies at the cemetery, which seemed funny to us at the time, considering dad's Magpie days :-) It was still pretty cold, but it was a beautiful clear day. Green River has really grown since the days of my youth going to visit Grandma and Grandad Anderson. We had a hard time deciding where to eat! Who would have thought???

Independance Rock and Devil's Gate (Near Martin's Cove)

We were delighted to have weathered the huge snowstorm / blizzard we encountered all across Nebraska on the way to Martin's Cover, where the Martin Handcart Company met with such difficulty and had to be rescued. It was certainly an appropriate irony. We were able to read first hand journal accounts of some of those in the company while travelling to Martin's Cove. It was incomprehensible what they had to endure, and many were not able to endure. It was a powerful place to visit. One of Brad's (and Alex's) ancestors, William Burt Simmons, was one of the rescuers of the Martin Company. His name was listed on a plaque on the wall at the visitor's center.

From the written history of one of William Burt Simmons' grandchildren, "to grandpa Simmons, the plight of the handcart companies held special concern. He had experienced the open plains which provided no protection from the bitter cold and driving snow. His cattle had frozen to death as he and his family had huddled together in blankets lying in the bed of their wagon with scant protection of canvas between them and the storm as they awaited the expiration of the ferocious wind and snow.

He was urged on with the realization that he was one of the few ready to leave for the rescue. Burt had set aside funds, a new stout carriage, and the best of harnesses and horses and ample provisions necessary when the call might come from church leaders to return. He had built a special shed in which to store his carriage and provisions from the elements. Ever so often he would see that his equipment was in the best of order. he would putter, repaint and repair and do what was necessary to keep everything in top condition for an expected journey back. He always kept his best wagon stored and kept all the equipment and provisions rotated. He did this for years. He also kept his best animals in good shape so that they could make the hurried trip, if necessary. Some folks talked or even joked about Brother Simmons, his team and stored provisions, and would ask, 'is he doing this all for naught?' He always replied, 'I heard the prophets voice and I am ready!"

In response to the promptings of the spirit, and knowing he was prepared and had the ability and capacity for service, he volunteered at Brigham Young's call and was one of the first wagons to leave.

The sight that Grandpa Simmons saw at Captain Martin's camp was overwhelming. Some of the people were dead, awaiting a meager funeral from the people who were too weak to dig them even a shallow grave. Many were too starved for food and weak from exposure to rally after relief had come, many dying during the night. All were suffering from frozen limbs and were emaciated from starvation rations."

Martin's Cove was a very powerful reminder of the strong faith that the saints had and the unbelievable suffering that they experienced while trying to cross the plains.

Temple and Cemetery at Winter Quarters