Recent Trips

A couple of weeks ago, I convinced my sister to drive over from Indiana so that we could go to Kirtland together. I thought, no husbands, 5 1/2 kids, day trip, what could be more fun? Well, it was fun.

We stopped at teh LDS visitor's center and got a tour from some very patient sister missionaries. I love church history and visiting the sites, especially one as original as the N.K. Whitney store, really touches my heart. To think that I walked EXACTLY where Joseph Smith walked...pretty awesome. The kids enjoyed a few tidbits, here and there. Joshua was one fast toddler and poor Kristy had a hard time keeping him behind the ropes, but like I said, the sister missionaries were very patient!

Here is Emma trying to push the stroller after our picnic lunch.

Then we went up the hill to see the Kirtland Temple. The Community of Christ owns it and we had quite a tour. Our tour guide must have known every little tidbit imaginable about the construction of the temple. I would have found it fascinating any other day but with three kids half laying on the benches saying "I'm BORED. Is it over yet?", that tour guide couldn't move fast enough! The funny thing is, as soon as we got home, Jacob and Rachel gushed to Michael how they got to go INSIDE the temple! The experience was worth it then.


Running on the temple lawn. Get that energy out!

To finish the afternoon, we took the kids to a park my sister found. The toys were great and very toddler friendly. The cousins all had a good time together. Now Rachel tells me that she wants to move to Muncie, Indiana and live next to Katelyn.
Thanks for the fun trip Kristy!

Our next trip was to Charlevoix, Michigan (on the northern part of the mitten) to visit our good friends, the Sullivans. We had SO much fun! Ellie and Rachel were complete opposites in that Rachel runs to dirt to play in it and Ellie disdainfully says, "Rachel is getting her hands dirty"! But such good friends none the less.

Watching some trucks back boats into the bay. Pretty cool to watch. Jacob should have brought his sunglasses!

Emma and Jack playing in the sand. I think this was a highlight for all of my kids. Even though the water was freezing, Rachel still managed to get her pants soaked and Emma discovered that she doesn't like dry sand but wet sand is amazing!

We met with the endodontist in the area and the boys got to see his practice. He also happened to have a boat which he graciously took us out on. They even provided hors de vours. I think Rachel ate every baby carrot on the tray. And that's not because she likes carrots. It's because they had DIP! Michael got to drive the boat for a while. Looks pretty comfy there, doesn't he?

Jacob's favorite spot was in the back where he could feel the spray and watch the wake. He was pretty amazed.

Mike let the kids help him fill the bird feeder. We saw all sorts of wildlife in the yard from stuff-cheeked chipmunks to deer munching on hostas.

Enjoying the summer weather!

After we got home Jacob said that he wanted to move to Michigan so he could live next to a beach. Then he changed it to Florida. I think because Florida has more beach.

Thanks Carol! It was wonderful!