First off, it was an awesome summer! I knocked off 3 things from my bucket list! If that doesn't make one fee accomplished, I dunno what does! So my sister Jessica, lives in Georgia with her cute family. This summer we got to drive across country to go visit them. It was the longest, yet rewarding road trip I have ever experienced. Now, I have been on some long road trips before. The whole concept of long car rides is not foreign to me. My sister used to live in Wisconsin and I have driven out there several times. But we took the long way so we could see more stuff! And it was amazing. I have always wanted to go on a road trip like this.
So we set off onto the open roads, hitting the less "scenic" states such as Wyoming, Iowa and Nebraska. Every time my family drives through Nebraska, something goes wrong. It is the "state that shall not be named." And for good reason. Usually it is because we can never find a hotel there. They are always booked because of ridiculous things like American Idol auditions or a herd of bikers are filling all the rooms because of Sturgis. Every time without fail... This time, it was because there was a little league baseball championship game the next day and ALL the hotels were booked solid. We had to drive until 3:00 AM until we could find a room open.
Nebraska is a strange place. Along the way, we passed a billboard that said "Don't beat your kids" -God. What kind of place is this where they have to put that on a billboard?!
While in Iowa, we got to stop and see Fort Madison, which is where black hawk had its first battle with the U.S troops. It is the first permanent U.S military fortification on the top of the Mississippi river. It was cool to see the history of this historical place and see the Mississippi river. I LOVE seeing water. Ocean views and rivers and lakes are always my favorite scenery's and this was one of the pretties I have witnessed.
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| Fort Madison, Iowa |
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| The Family! :) We even included half of the dog. |
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| Holland enjoying her few moments of freedom before we stuff her back in the car for 2 more days! |
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| The most amazing view of the Mississippi river!! |
Next, on the list was Missori and then Illinois. Illinois was my favorite part of this trip. We spent a whole day there. First off, that is where my dad was born and raised. We went to the house he lived in and he told us stories of my grandparents and his childhood. Things I had never known. I never knew my grandpa because he died before I was born so it was really great to learn more about him. We also visited with my great aunt. I had never met her before but she was the sweetest lady I have ever had the pleasure of meeting. Her name was chick. She was in her late 80's I believe, but was still as sharp as could be. I think she almost had a better memory then I do! She was telling us all kinds of stories and climbing on things to get us her books. She even gave us all a gold dollar coin as a keepsake. I loved vising with her and learning more about my family's history. We also visited my Grandpas grave. That was a neat, touching experience as well. It made me appreciate my family and how blessed I am.
After my little family history lesson, I had the pleasure of going to Nauvoo. This was a check off my bucket list! It was a pretty big deal! Unfortunately, since we had to get to Georgia by a certain day, we weren't able to stay very long. We also had 3 kiddos in the car and by that time (day 3) they weren't so happy anymore. But it was still a neat experience. My favorite part was the temple. I didn't get to actually go inside, but just being on the grounds was enough. I also loved Joseph Smiths grave. It is owned by the FLDS church however, so it didn't have quite the same spirit. But it was neat to see where him and all his family were buried. I didn't get to go into very many of the houses due to time. I hope to go back there someday though.
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| This was my ultimate favorite part of Nauvoo. This was directly across the street from the temple. Apparently, right before Hyrum and Joseph left for Carthage Jail when they were killed, they stood in this exact spot and took one last look at the temple. They build a monument there because of that moment. I also went and stood in that exact spot and looked at the temple. Knowing that Joseph Smith stood where I was standing and thinking of all he was probably feeling at that moment was a moment I won't forget. I am sure he knew that things weren't going to go well on this quest to Carthage. But he was willing to sacrifice for the Lord and his work. It was a cool experience. |
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| My amazing Sister, Jessica :) |
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| They also had a place where you could see how the pioneers lived and played. It was mostly for kids, so we spent quite some time there for the kiddos. They had dress-ups and stilts and crafts and pioneer games. Harper liked riding the sheep. Cuz... apparently that is what pioneers do |
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| Child Labor |
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| This lasted a whole 2 seconds.... until I was on the floor! |
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| Cutest baby in the world! :) |
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| Joseph, Hyrum and their parents graves. |
Next on our adventure was Kentucky and Tennessee. Tennessee was another one of my favorite stops. Remember in 5th grade, when we had to do a state report? Mine was Tennessee and ever since then I have wanted to go there. So it was basically a dream come true. Kinda.
This was the most scenic part of our trip. Tennessee is a beautiful place. If you ever can go there... do it. If you like pretty places that is.
So upon our visit to Nashville, we stopped at a "Steak and Shake" and ate some grub. It was a really yummy 50's type diner. Really fun. They gave you hats and everything. Anyways, while upon enjoying being anywhere but the car, the missionaries came in and sat at the table next to us. We started talking to them. It was some sisters and elders. 3 of them were from Utah and 1 from Idaho, which is the suburb of Utah... haha Come to find out, one of them is related to my brother in law. So we were basically family! Small world.
We ended up paying for their dinner and talking to them some more. They were so nice and I felt so blessed to have met them. I dunno why exactly... but they were just amazing! I love missionaries! That is hard work and it takes a lot of courage and faith to give up everything and go teach. I admire them all so much. They are great examples.
That night we drove all night long and got to our destination at 2:00 AM. I think that was the best sleep I have ever had. One of my other bucket list goals is to go to all 50 states. On this trip I went to 4 new ones. So I guess I technically didn't accomplish it... but I got closer! It was a really cool experience and I created some great memories with my nieces and nephew. I loved learning about new places and exploring. I liked gaining a better understanding of the gospel and Joseph Smith and the saints and even learning about my own family along the way. It was a full, action packed vacation. One I will never forget. This summer has been a great one and I feel very blessed! :)
Now... I said there were 3 things I knocked off my bucket list. We covered 2 of them. One was Nauvoo, second was visiting the states and.... 3 has nothing to do with any of this. I went cliff diving like a champ! And THAT, folks is a story for next time.
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| Holland and I stuffed like Sardines in the back of the Van :) We are crazies! |
