Pioneers and Presidents

So I have to say that Wyoming and South Dakota

are really quite pretty!

We stopped on our way home at Martin's Cove

where the Martin handcart company was rescued

We pulled a handcart while  hearing the story of the pioneers

(the kids gave up early--if we had been pioneers

we would have had to stay behind in Nauvoo)

A monument with the rescuers' names, as well as those in the handcart company

Looking out from Martin's Cove, where the company found shelter

while waiting for the rescuers

There is actually a lot to do here--

Afton wanted a prairie diamond,

but we had to get back on the road.  

We definitely recommend a stop here.

And in South Dakota, we saw Mount Rushmore

It was actually very cool--the National Park Service has done a 

great job--lots of displays and information.

As well as a great little snack place and souvenir shop

(our kids love souvenir shops!)

Our stops were well worth the time it added to our drive home.

I love to see our history and where we come frome

and I love to show that to the kids

Westward Journey

As has been pointed out to me, I have a lot of catching up to do.

We've made a cross-country trek, played with friends and family, 

and seen more of Utah than when I lived here.  

I will just have to take it one day at a time to document our vacation!

While many of you may call me crazy 

for driving 4 kids 1700 miles by myself,

it really wasn't that bad.  

We stopped a lot, made sure the DVDs were loaded,

and I kept sane with a big Coke and 

some peanut butter M&Ms by my side.

I only had to yell twice!

We saw the Illinois state capitol--Springfield.

This is definitely a place to return to--

we didn't see anything except the capitol building...

We continued on through Kansas and visited a fun kids' play museum 

which was built in an old school. (Halle was too busy for a picture)

Our last major stop was the Denver Zoo

It is a great zoo and the kids had a lot of fun, even in the heat!

It was actually a fun little road-trip.

We had some great friends who caravanned with us,

and we stopped at places that we've always flown over.

We're taking a different route home, so it will be fun to see 

more of this great country!

Indianapolis Marathon

We headed down to Indianapolis for the weekend so Paul could run another marathon.

First, the kids did awesome on the road trip--especially with the extra traffic getting out of Chicago!

Second, it was really cold, but the kids were great troopers to support their dad.  We also have to thank our friends-the Paul family, and especially Michelle

for helping out with the kids so Nora could get a nap.

(We had a long night before the run--Nora was sick and I drove through the streets of Indy at 2 am to find a 24-hour Walgreens.  She had tylenol and juice and was back to her happy self.)

Paul did great--he was tired and sore, but he made it!

Brent also ran it and got in at 3:30--amazing!

All-in-all another great race weekend!