Carthage

We awoke on Tuesday morning in Quincy to rain - and lots of it. I was hoping for a good thunder and lightning storm to pass through, as is common in these parts, but nooooo, this was a steady rain which turned to a dreary drizzle. It was a bit chilly and damp all day - definitely not what we anticipated. We didn't even pack one long-sleeved shirt, let alone a jacket. The weather thus far had been so mild and pleasant, just like any beautiful, perfect spring day, but in the middle of summer, so we can't complain one bit.

We were heading up to Nauvoo where we were to check into our house and be ready for a session at the temple at 4:00 (Matt and Heather would meet us there to watch our kids). On our way, we discovered that it would be more convenient to go to Carthage first, so we detoured on over and we were so glad we did. The tour was fabulous, and despite the rain, was a great experience. It also ended up saving us about a half a day of sightseeing if we were to drive out there from Nauvoo.

This is the original door to the room where Joseph and Hyrum were shot. The hole is from the bullet that killed Hyrum. He was holding the door shut, and was shot in the face through the door. Then Joseph jumped through the upstairs window to lead the mob away from the rest of the people in the room so nobody else would get hurt.

This was a very sobering tour, especially after seeing the room upstairs and standing in the courtyard below the window.

Madison was very affected by this experience, as shown in her expression she is trying not to be too emotional. It is very touching to me to see her growing up and having these spiritual experiences.

The grounds were gorgeous. Of course. Everything the Church does, it does well.

Then it's off to Nauvoo!! . . .

Hannibal, Missouri

Hannibal, the birthplace of Samuel Clemens, a.k.a. Mark Twain.

Hannibal is a little town on the Mississippi River on the way to Nauvoo. They completely capitalize on Twain's fame as there is not much else in the downtown area other than things related to Clemens' creations. Madison and Brooke just read Huck Finn and Tom Sawyer, along with a couple of other life of Mark Twain-type books so they were really excited to see some of the sites come to life.

We drove about three hours from Jamesport and arrived in Hannibal at 3:30 on Monday . . . right on schedule because the last riverboat was at 4:00. The Mark Twain Riverboat cruise is an hour-long ride up and down the Mighty Mississippi with a fun captain relating interesting facts and far-fetched tales.

The Mark Twain Museum

We took a "Clopper Tour" which was run by this cute older gentleman and his horse Pete. Right as we got off the boat, he was waiting and asked if we'd like to go on a tour. He took us around town and told us tales and legends and facts. He was darling and it was a fun little tour.

Pete

Steering the boat and blowing the fog horn in the Mark Twain Museum.

Whitewashing Tom Sawyer's fence.

We had dinner at the Mark Twain Diner (was that what it was called? not sure) that had really good homemade root beer. That's about all that it had that was really good. This is small-town after all. After the riverboat, the horse, the walking tour of the houses and museum, and dinner at the local haunt, we were off to cross the Mississippi, say good bye to Missouri and stay the night in Quincy, Illinois.

The whole point of this vacation - to go to Nauvoo with cousins - is getting closer!

Adam-Ondi-Ahman and Jamesport

A stop on the mid-west Church History route has got to be Adam-Ondi-Ahman. It's not far from Liberty and definitely worth every minute. I think it's safe to say that no other place in the world is quite like it; it is rich with history, and even richer with future. I found it to be one of the most serene and beautiful places. As I looked out from atop a hill, across the vast verdant green fields and beautiful groves of trees, I couldn't help but say,

"Wow, this is some lone and dreary world."

I was surprised that people live here - there are some residences and many large fields of corn. I'm not sure what I expected, but it wasn't to see houses and crops here.

The stones (in the background) are said to be part of the altar that Adam built.

We walked around and hiked down little hills, discovering more and more of the endless beauty.

We found a beautiful and serene grove of trees where we took the opportunity to kneel together as a family and have prayer. There is definitely a special Spirit here and I'm grateful that there were no other people around so that we can feel the peace and tranquility as our own little family.

Just a few minutes away is this very small town called Jamesport where the Amish and the gentiles (non-Amish?) coexist. We visited a wood shop where they make gorgeous swing sets, benches, gazebos and such for extremely reasonable prices. However, it would more than double the cost to try and get the items home. Too bad. John was really diggin' some of the quality craftsmanship.

We found the Amish people in this town to be extremely open and friendly. I talked at length to an 18-year old boy about his culture - he was great! We had lunch at a Mennonite diner and John was more than pleased that he got a large slice of home made lemon meringue pie.

On our way out of town, we spotted this little buggy being driven by little kids - with the dog following! The children all waved to us as we drove by. It was awesome and I think my kids were a bit jealous!!! :-)

Liberty and Independence, MO

On Sunday we visited a ward in Liberty and also toured the Visitor's Center and jail. Liberty Jail is a replica exactly on the original site, using the original stone floor. To see the size and the condition of the place is really heart-wrenching, especially knowing that it was during the long harsh winter months.

Can you imagine the stench?

Men trapped down there with very little ventilation, poisoned food which caused vomiting, no baths, changes of clothes, toothbrushes, or toilets . . . only a bucket. I can only imagine how torturous it could be with the aromas of halitosis, B.O., vomit, and human waste and yet it turned out to be one of the most spiritual experiences with a great many revelations received. It shows that in the throws of great humility is when one becomes the most teachable.

Then we headed over to Independence and bumped into Matt and Heather at the Visitor's Center. It was fun to meet up with them early (instead of just in Nauvoo).

(Rachel, Brooke, Jenna, Ashlyn, Jordyn)

The cousins had a blast playing together in the VC, then touring the Community of Christ temple.

(Nathan)

This is a large field across from the CoC Temple and kitty-corner to our Visitor's Center. It is said that Joseph Smith stood on this ground and dedicated this area for a temple. It is now owned by three different churches, which makes it quite interesting.

Christa, Brooke and Ashlyn dancing like the statue.

(Brooke, Christa, Jenna, Ashlyn)

This temple building was inspired by the nautilus shell - symbolizing unity as shells are found on every shore of ever continent. Hmmm . . . It is certainly memorable.

Kansas City

We arrived in Kansas City, MO on Friday and had good ol' KC BBQ for dinner -

It's world famous, y'know, and for good reason; ribs and burnt ends were fabulous.

So far, the weather is beyond fabulous. We were expecting nothing but heat, humidity, and mosquitos and have been surprised with 75 degrees and a light cool breeze.

A-maz-ing!

The first three nights we stayed in Tiffany Springs which turns out to be a beautiful area not far from the airport.

Just a jaunt away was this fun water park where we splashed away Saturday.

Saturday evening we went to Kaufman Stadium (the "K") to see the Kansas City Royals play the Tampa Bay Rays.

The stadium was gorgeous with rolling green hills for miles, gleaming bathrooms,

nice and courteous people, and even the nose-bleed seats were such that we could see perfectly.

The Vacation Countdown Begins

We leave for our Nauvoo vacation on Friday morning!!

Yipee! Yahoo!

We planned this more than a year ago

and made the reservations and paid for the house last summer . . .

But in the meantime, amid all the packing and prepping for a family of six to endure 8 days of planes, trains, and automobiles

or rather planes, rental cars and covered wagons,

there are said six people that still need to be entertained.

Or at least four of them . . .

Madison started the week at Apple Camp where she is learning how to make movies

and the art of iPhoto. She'll have a great time with a video camera and a computer on our trip! Look out . . . you may be on candid camera.

We were glad to have an impromptu-nearly-surprise visit from Carolyn and her darling kids. She stopped by to visit with Andrea and me while on her way up to Carpinteria Beach.

Summer has hit and we are enjoying the blazing hot (ha ha - 85 degree) days and

are finding the need to cool off with daily popsicles.

Bomb Pops say Summer!

The Lakes has free kids activities on Wednesday mornings. Today was a marionette show and afterwards there were craft tables set up for the kids to make their own bug puppets. They loved being imaginative. The older girls really got into it and even made jewelry and shoes (out of pipe cleaners) for their bugs. Cute and creative (and best of all FREEEE!).

We met the Johnsons there and just that alone is enough for our kids! They love being together!

Gwen and Darby Johnson came over for a playdate afterwards. Well that was just way too many girls around for Christian to handle so we invited one of his best bud's, Stewart, over, too. It was a crack-up to watch these two little boys immediately grab the light sabers and play against the girls.

After all that exhausting play, there's nothing like cooling off in the pool. We went over to the Johnson's (community pool) for a little splash fun. Then Ashlyn decided to kick back by me like a big girl.

One more day of entertainment and we're off. I'm so glad that Kim Boynton and the boys are going to be staying at our house while we're gone. We are very relieved to have Cole cared for! He's going to be sooooo spoiled!

And seriously Kim, if I find dog hair in my bed . . .

ha!

Summer Happenings

Monday! July 6

The start of another fun-filled week of summer. John is in Florida all week, we have very few commitments, and have the ability to play, play, play!

We met friends (The Johnsons) at the park then decided to head over to the water area at the mall for some cooling off fun.

Tuesday is pool day! bummer! no pictures! Then Madison and Brooke had playdates with their new friends, Gwen and Darby Johnson, and couldn't be happier!

On Wednesday, I had an appointment with a [new] dermotologist (which is a nightmare story to be discussed later. Or not.). Lisa was nice enough to watch my kids for me.

We are going to miss having her so close!

To mix in a little adventure, I had Madison and Brooke ride their bikes to Lisa's (grandma's) house. This is Brooke's first time riding outside our cul-de-sac. She learned how to ride a bike years ago, but always prefers her scooter - and flat out refuses to ride her bike - until now. I followed them the whole way and they did great! It will be fun for them to someday be able to ride their bikes all the way to grandma's house (they move back soon) by themselves.

On a side note, I don't recommend Dr. Searle in Camarillo.

Thursday - Beach Day!

We met Tina, Iayn and Adin, and Marie and her kids at Zuma.

They had a great time playing and even made it to tennis lessons and ward picnic in the park afterward. It was a non-stop busy fun day.

Rebecca Tarbet, Brooke (buried), Harrison (in green - Christian's friend that we brought)

On Friday I thought it would be fun to take the kids on a hike, and that Cole would love it, too (which he did). There is a field at the end or our street that goes into "open space" and proves to be quite a nice hike. Our friend Iayn slept over and a neighbor girl, Alana, joined us so I had six kids and a dog. Initially I had planned to go in the morning, but I suppose that it takes six kids and a dog a while to actually stop playing and get ready to leave - so we ended up going at noon - nice and hot.

The kids loved it, the dog loved it and we were all dirty and exhausted at the end of it.

Taking a little break in the shade of an oak tree. Here they were educating Alana on Nauvoo, the prophet Joseph Smith and pioneers. Good little missionaries!

Ashlyn was a trooper and only needed to be held at the very end. She reminded me of a little Laura Ingalls here. When we got home, they all had a Bomb Pop to cool off and said they were ready to die and decided that they wouldn't make it as pioneers.

THEN I decided to brave Coscto with six kids (minus Alana, plus Iayn's brother Adin). They were great, but let me tell you . . . it is difficult to maneuver a large cart with 7 people through the crowds at Costco. I ended up taking detours to less populated aisles just to avoid the hassle (and the rude glances). We had fun and were surprised to run into four different people I knew, particularly because Costco is not in my city. I think we would have been out of there much quicker if I didn't stop and chat. It's a good thing I don't sneak around because one of our friends saw me coming in the store and immediately starting texting John! :-)

Yeah for midnight! John arrived safely home and all is well. I think it's one of the only times that he's been gone and nothing noteworthily dramatic has happened! Nothing broke in the house, nobody got sick. Amazing!