Beautiful Place

My Mom came and visited us and we thought we would take her on a little tour to Nauvoo.  The kids have not been yet, and since Kyle won't take time off of work unless we are actually GONE, we thought it would be a great time to go.

We first went to Dubuque, which we love.  Staying at the Hotel Julien and a visit to Catfish Charlie's are a must.  Order the catfish or fish and chips and onion rings.  You can't go wrong.  

Next up was a trip along the Mississippi to Nauvoo.  It really is a beautiful drive for the most part, and I am sure it would be breathtaking in the fall.

The Nauvoo temple.

Statues of Joseph and Hyrum Smith on their last ride to Carthage Jail before they are killed in cold blood by mobs.

One of my favorite sculptures in the Women's garden, a mother with her children.

The Christus.  There is another large sculpture at Temple Square in Salt Lake City.

The beautiful temple stands in the original place the first temple was built.  

Beautiful flowers and greenery along the Mississippi.

The time I felt the presence of the Spirit the most was during the early morning hours after a run down to the Joseph Smith Historical sites.  There were no tourists around and it was serene and reflective.  I can't even begin to grasp the difficulties and challenges the early Saints faced as they were forced to flee from one place to another.  Their work in Nauvoo brought forth a beautiful city with hopes of peace.  Their hard work was left in the blink of eye and they continued on their journey toward religious freedom.  I took time to walk around their home, their graves and pondered what it would mean to give my life in pursuit of the ability to worship God freely as our founding fathers had intended.  I found solace despite the many crimes committed against many of the Saints that the Lord's work will go forth even in the depths of tragedy.  Their death did not end the work but instead allowed it to flourish.

Our hosts for our carriage ride...Dan and Doc.

The statue of Joseph and Hyrum outside of Carthage.  

The original door showing the holes from the bullets as Hyrum was shot and killed first, then Joseph.

Outside the window Joseph fell out of on his way to death.  For those vicious men it wasn't enough, they continued to shoot him after he was dead on the ground.  This is a very reflective place to visit.  How many of us would willingly die for what we knew to be true.  Would you?  Would I?  We know Joseph and Hyrum did.

Taylor trying his hand at some pioneer games.

More pioneer games.

The Nauvoo temple at night.  

Hinckley and McKay are enjoying being pulled in a handcart.

Next stop...Honey Creek Resort

Nestled in the south eastern side of the state on Lake Rathbun is this seemingly undiscovered little resort.  I had heard about Honey Creek Resort a few times, but dismissed it until, while traveling home from Omaha, Kyle decided he wasn't quite ready to go back to work, so we thought about places not to far away and decided on this one.  I am sure glad we did.

The highlight was the indoor water park, which was perfect for the kids.  I will say the older ones got a little bored after two hours, but for younger children this is a gem.  The deepest parts of the pool are a little over 3 feet.  Plus, it is smaller so you can see where your children are at all times.

Our room was spacious and we managed with just one for our big family (and since we only stay one night it worked well).

The great thing about HC is that there are a variety of options.  There are cabins as well as camp sites.  With a golf course, lake, and walking trails there seem to be a lot of fun things to do.  They offer excursions, kayak lessons, fishing pole rentals, bike rentals and activities as well.  Had it not been raining it would have been fun to do some of the activities.  The restaurant was pretty good and the price point was very reasonable as well.

I only wish I would have taken more pictures of the resort, but it was raining the whole time.  And...we needed to get on the road because we wanted to take a detour to Pella to stop at Jaarsma bakery for molasses cookies.  Yummy!

Over the river and through the woods...

Well, not really, but we did head south to Indianola for our annual visit to Walnut Ridge Tree Farms to cut down our tree.

Right before we arrived, my little adorable feel asleep so we got to hang out in the car while the rest did the hunting.

Photography by McKay

Despite their best efforts, a tree was not to be found.  We had a feeling it would be a bit difficult this year as last year it seemed like the trees over 9 foot were in short supply...and we were right.  Fortunately they  have a sister farm, so to speak, and they were able to bring in larger trees cut down just a week ago.  We ended up with a beautiful Fraser Fir and 4 fir swags for the lights and one for the front door.  Pictures to come when we are finally done decorating.

We'll look forward to next year when they should have some ready to cut down in the size we need!

A Snow Day First

Hinckley had his first snow experience last week.  

We received quite a nice first snowfall of the year and the boys couldn't wait to get outside and play.  So before school they went outside, and I have to say it was the first day that they were actually ready WAY before school started, and had their first snowball fight of the year. 

Well, Hinckley was not going to miss out so I got him all dressed up and Grant took him out.  He loved it!  It was a little funny watching him try to walk in the snow all bundled up, as he was top heavy and kept tipping over, but he still had a great time.

He was not happy to come in, and the snow had already started to melt after school.  I guess he'll have to wait until the next time.

This is MY Wyoming

I am not found of traveling in a car for 10 long hours, going through a mostly barren state to get to an even more barren state.  But, my family begged me to go and off we went for a few days to visit my husbands sister and her family.

Not a lot of pictures, but these say enough.

My sweet little man loving on Grandpa.  He couldn't get enough of Grandpa Aaron.  Must be the curly hair!

There is beauty in every state...there is.  But only in Wyoming and Montana do you see the really blue sky and beautiful sunrises and sunsets.  This was the sun rising as we were on our way back to Iowa.  I am in awe often at the beautiful creations all around us.  I don't even understand how one can question the existence of our Heavenly Father.

Celebrating the first day

Kyle and I decided that we needed a good way to celebrate the first day of school.  Is there any better way than taking the boys out early and heading to Kansas City to watch the Yankees?

If you have been a die hard Yankees fan like I have ( I mean really, did anyone else think they were going to marry Don Mattingly when they were going to grow up??), then you know that seeing the Yankee's play is great...but what is even greater?

Seeing the excitement in your kids eyes when the not very often happens...

Yep, that is Mo treating the fans to a little love...

And giving two fans the highlight of a lifetime...best closer in the game, probably ever, and future hall of famer.  That is a way to celebrate!!

Happy 4th

Independence Day was pretty relaxed at our house.

I started the day with the Waukee Fun Run 5K, which was actually 2.98, but oh well.  Taylor was supposed to run with me again, but despite four efforts trying to wake him up, it was obvious that he was out for this time.

Then we relaxed for the morning...well, the kids and I did.  Kyle had the privilege of working on our air conditioning because it decided to stop working.  Oh the joys of home ownership.  However, boy am I grateful that Kyle's Dad taught him about things like this.  He found the part, got it  repaired, and we finally had our air back on.  Saved me about $500.00 having him do it!  Yeah!!

While Kyle was hard at work on the a/c, the kids and I went to the Waukee parade.  It is a small little parade but we sure enjoy it.  Honestly, it was a little more mild this year, politically, and there aren't a lot of horses.  Coming from the rodeo capital of the world, it really is quite nice to not smell horse poop for two hours!

Later that evening we had a BBQ with our neighbors.  Nothing says 4th of July quite like jalapeno brats, burgers, watermelon, baked beans and potato salad.

Then on to the pyro show...in our driveway...while Kyle was listening to the scanner...hoping we don't get busted...which would have served us right since we skipped church to go to Missouri to buy fireworks...because they are illegal, you know...but it was worth it for two very excited boys...

Once in a while, it is okay to do things like that.  Everyone needs a mental health day now and then.