Iowa

We've been talking about going out to Iowa to see my sister and her family for a long time now, and at the end of June, we finally got the chance to go. It's an 18 hour trip which can be done in 1-2 days, but we wanted to see some stuff, so we took 3 days to get there. Our first stop was at Fort Bridger. It was a good introduction to all the Pioneer stuff we were going to see. We also saw Martin's Cove by Devil's Gate and Independence rock with were both route markers for the pioneers along the trail. Then we drove up into South Dakota. On our second day we saw Devil's Tower (made famous in the movie Close encounters). We went through Jewel caves, and then we saw Mount Rushmore. We were there right before dusk and by the time we left, the lights were getting ready to turn on, so we pulled off the road and watched the lights come on. That was neat. Our 3rd day of driving was just driving. That's a long drive. It was so fun to see my sister and her family. The kids really hit it off. The big kids decided to have a lemonade stand, and the little kids played in the water. We played base ball, and went to my one of my niece's soft ball games. One of the days with them, we drove to Nauvoo. It's only 2 hours from their house! We had a great time seeing all the sights!

We went to the blacksmith shop to see how they made wagon wheels and Horse shoes. We also learned how to made rope and candles. And the kids got to help print newspapers the old style way. On the way home from Nauvoo, we went to Carthage Jail where Joseph Smith was killed. We had quite the experience at Carthage. When we went into the visitor's center the weather was fine. But when it was time to go into the Jail itself, they told us that there was a tornado warning and that we had to go into their storm shelter, which happened to be the Jail. So in we ran with umbrellas. While we were in the jail we could hear the rain, the wind and the thunder outside and the lights kept flickering off and on. It was a really cool experience.

We had a great time at my sister's house. But all things must come to an end. The kids had a great time with their cousins. On the drive home, We detoured through Missouri where we saw Adam-ondi-amen. We also stopped in Liberty to see another Jail where Joseph Smith was kept, and Independence, where the Mormons settled for a while. The next day of travel, we went back up into Iowa to see council bluffs. It was here that Brigham Young was made the prophet. It was also where one of my ancestors, Tunis Rappleye, lived in the winter with his family while he helped wagon trains travel all the way to Salt Lake every summer for several years! That was really cool to see. Our next stop that day was in winter quarters. The church has a really neat visitor's center here where they talk about the experiences and progression of the Mormon Pioneers as they were kicked out of their homes and eventually moved west to Salt Lake. During part of the Tour, the kids got to dress up and pull a hand cart. It was a really fun hands on experience. Our last day on the road was just driving. We drove straight through Nebraska, Wyoming and then home. That was a long drive, but it was well worth it. It was great to see all the historic sights along the way, but best of all we got to see my sister and her family. They've lived there for 6 years. It was about time we went to see them! Thanks to Monica for hosting us!

June accomplishments

Not much interesting happened in May. At least I don't have any pictures to show for it. But June made up for it. Devin finished up Soccer. He had a great season. In the past, he's been tired of running and not so sure he wanted to continue soccer. After taking a season off, he has loved soccer this season! He's so much better and that helps. He loves his games, and John loves it too. It's been fun for them to practice together. Erin had her dance recital to finish off the year. I was so excited when she showed some interest in dance this year. It brought back so many memories from when I was a child. The only problem was that she had to choose between Karate and Dance. Now that dance is over, I think she'll go back to Karate again. It was great to see her up on stage. She didn't smile during this performance at the park, but she did for the full on recital. My pictures didn't work very well for that though.

It was really funny that when she tried the costume on she said, "It's not very modest, Mom." I've raised her well, but it was had to explain why I allowed this immodesty while she was dancing, but not in normal life. I was proud of her though, and I'll be watching that more carefully in the future.

Devin's had some more fun stuff happening. He had a big preschool Graduation! It was so cute to see him up on the stage singing his heart out. At his Christmas program he sang the first couple of songs and then lost interest. At this one he sang so hard! He did all the actions and paid full attention the whole time! I am so proud of him! Here he is with his teacher Miss Gaylene.

He's also learning how to ride without training wheels. I am so excited for this, cause the boys his age near us all ride and he's just followed along in his car or his Hot Wheels. Once he really learns, he'll be able to keep up with them much better.

As for Colin, I haven't blogged about him is some time, so I thought I'd talk about him a little here. He is so fun!!!! He's getting to be a big boy! He talks, and talks, and talks. Sometimes he drives me crazy with the talk, but it's usually very true and insightful stuff. He's always trying to be one of the big kids. He's a teaser too. Here he's untied John's shoes, and it trying to tie them together. he's always full of hugs, cuddles, and giggles. What a fun kid.