Summer Vacation 2016

There was so much to do, and so little time on our 12 day mid-west vacation. You know you're having a good vacation when your only problem is figuring out how to fit all the fun in.  We drove through the night to get to Heather's house, slept a while, and then stayed down on the Plaza in a beautiful hotel.  Once we got back to Heather's, we enjoyed doing some work in the Kansas City Temple, we swam at a local water park, enjoyed a BBQ, walked through the arboretum, tried gf cupcakes from a "Cupcake Wars" champion, saw the movie Tarzan, and the guys went to a KC Royals game with the kids while I enjoyed pedicures with my mom and sister. I'm pretty sure we ate at the Cheesecake Factory a couple times too. *Happy sigh*  As a family, we celebrated the fact that Hayden earned his Eagle by going to the Great Wolf Lodge.  Forget Disneyland.  I think GWL is the happiest place on earth.  The kids had more fun than I've ever seen them have!  We enjoyed the waterpark, yummy food, and we even threw Trenton a surprise birthday party in Heather's room.  After our time at the lodge, we continued our journey to Nauvoo, IL.  We had so many spiritual experiences there, and learned a lot about church history.  One of my favorite moments was when the Blacksmith gave us what they call "Prairie Diamonds."  I love the story behind them...
While crossing the plains to Salt Lake City, the pioneers didn't have any luxuries along the way. There’s a story of a young couple who wanted to get married but her father hoped to discourage the young man by insisting he first provide her with a diamond ring. While thinking of ways to get the ring to marry the girl he stumbled upon a horseshoe nail with a head shaped like a diamond. He took it to the blacksmith and had him bend it into a ring. The father was so impressed with the young man’s resolve that he gave the couple his blessing. The groom promised his bride that when he could he would replace the ring. But each time over the years when he offered to get her a better ring she refused and said she loved her “prairie diamond.” 
Our time in Nauvoo greatly strengthened my testimony of Joseph Smith and the history of the church.  I had feelings there that were so deeply spiritual and tender.  We didn't want to leave!  But the time came to head toward Trenton's cousin, Michelle's house.  After a long drive across Illinois and Iowa, we made it to Marshalltown.  Michelle lives in the most beautiful home that was built in 1885. The kids are so excited to stay in a Victorian mansion. We visited Trenton's dad's grave and drank a case of Diet Coke (his favorite drink) in his honor.   We also visited with Trenton's grandpa.  We hadn't seen him since his dad had passed away, so it was a very special moment. The weather was gorgeous, the company was perfect, this vacation was unforgettable, and I think we all cried a little when it was time to make our journey home. 

That being said, there is nothing sweeter than collapsing in your own bed after 40 hours in the car. We crossed the states of Colorado, Nebraska, Kansas, Missouri, Illinois, and Iowa. Never mind the fact that a hailstorm devastated our house while we were gone, shattering car and bedroom windows, and ripping apart the shutters and shingles. The fact that our house looks like it's ready for Halloween and our gardens are destroyed still can't take away the happiness I felt in being home, sweet home. This was one of our most relaxing, fun, and tender vacations. It recharged batteries in us that we didn't even realize needed charging. Our hearts are full from all the love we were given by friends and family.