Trip to Historic Nauvoo

 We were able to spend two days in Nauvoo during the second weekend of October.  And if that wasn't special enough...Jared, Genevieve, Hyrum, and Amy happened to be there at the same time!  It was a wonderful, memorable visit and we already can't wait to go back.  

Lillian volunteered to dance a jig with one of the performance groups!

Admittedly, we were pretty non-stop while there.  We'd bounce from demonstration, to tour, to performance one right after another.  The kiddos were incredible and engaged the entire time.  There were a few moments where we weren't sure if Kyron would make it through a tour, but he truly was amazing...and exhausted.  When we were at the Family Living Center, I turned to Geoff and told him I was going to the restroom.  Right when I got back, Kyron said he wanted to go to the restroom so Geoff took him only to return a very short time later with a funny grin on Geoff's face and a disgruntled look on Kyron.  The minute Geoff had opened the door to the restroom, Kyron looked up at him and said, "No!  This is a bathroom!  I don't need a bathroom, I need a RESTroom!"  ha ha ha!

Lots of things to do at the Family Living Center

Uncle Jared (yes, that's him with those lovely locks) was a super good sport when he got called out from the audience to 'help'.

Jared and Genevieve not only made the appointment for us all to attend the temple together, but also volunteered Hyrum and Amy to watch our kids to make it possible!

Imagine our surprise to learn that the gentleman driving the team of horses was Dad's cousin and stand partner in band: Ray Lynn Hurst!  It was so neat to make that realization (thanks, Genevieve!) and visit with Ray Lynn and his wife.

We can't even begin to comprehend the sacrifice that these men and families made so we could be richly blessed with the gospel today.

On the banks of the Mississippi where thousands of saints began their journey of the next chapter full of so many unknowns but overflowing with faith.

Trip to Wisconsin Dells

Our family had the opportunity of visiting Wisconsin Dells June 6-June 8 this summer.  We loved every minute of the adventure and only wish it could have lasted longer!

 Our first stop was to "Ripley's Believe it or Not" museum where we saw things like this snake made out of fingernails

And this cow made out of the soles of shoes.  (Kyron was in a 'serious pose' mood, but as you can see he was starting to break character here.)

There were many oddities in this place--some of which were a little too creepy for my liking.  The kids enjoyed it but I think the one most delighted about this museum was Dad!

After we were done touring the museum, we headed over to the "Great Wolf Lodge" where we were introduced to the wonderful world of indoor water parks! I didn't take any pictures until the last day...and I didn't take many at all.  But just know the kids all LOVED it there and are already asking when we can go back.

Lillian and Hylie in the wave pool.

Trying out some super tasty desserts

On day two of our adventure we headed to place called "Wizard's Quest".  My goodness was this a HIT!  It was an attraction where each group has an opportunity to complete different quests by navigating different worlds and finding different clues.

Lillian and Kyron were in my group and they were pretty brave exploring dragon skulls while they worked on completing our quests.

The scenery alone was extremely impressive--we truly felt like we were under water.

Here we are exploring under some floating lily pads!

Eliana ready to call it a night in our hotel room.

Hylie wanting to just sleep and not pose for a picture

Lillian was stoked to get the top bunk!

Our mornings were nice and chill, hanging out and playing games while we waited for attractions to open up.

We spent hours and hours at the pool over our three day stay.

These smiles NEVER get old!

Geoff was all about screaming (and we mean SCREAMING) down the waterslides.  Unfortunately I started the recording just as he was finishing up his epic screams--but I love Eliana's response to his loud vocals at the end of this video.

To finish up our last day, we went on a "Duck Boat" tour to see the Wisconsin River and some pretty incredible rock formations.  Do you see the "smashed" grand piano to the right of the rock?

How I loved all the family time and an opportunity to do something outside of our regular routine.  Already looking forward to our next adventure together!

Last Day of School!

This day could not come fast enough for these kiddos.  Hylie was ready to finish 5th grade.  Eliana was ready to not have to 'waste her time' at school, and Lillian was super ready to be with Mom 24/7 again.  I'm not sure how Kyron feels about losing his 'one-on-one' time with mom, but so far he's been pretty happy to have sisters around all day again.  I attended Hylie's "clap out" where all the kids of the school stand in the halls and clap as the 5th graders walk the halls for the last time in their Elementary Career.  We then headed straight to 7-11 to officially ring in the summer with a Slurpee!

Lilacia Park

 I recently found out about a beautiful park nearby that specialized in lilacs--so Kyron and I made a quick trip to check it out and we were not disappointed.  Kyron was very sweet and was patient as I oohed and awwed over all the flowers and took way too many pictures.