Rendezvous in Old Nauvoo-- GPA Day 4

 Abe said we were going to be on the road by 6:00 this morning.   I know he takes his trip departure time very seriously, so although it was 6:09 when we finally pulled away, we did get an early start.  And a good thing too because it has been a very long day.  Good, but long.

 First stop:  Liberty Jail in Liberty, Missouri.
It was a very nice display at The Church's Visitor's Center and I feel it was the highlight of the day.  That is probably because everyone was still fresh from a good night's sleep and not too much driving.  Yet.

Then came the driving.  It was a good 10 hour driving day again today.  There just is no easy, fast way to get to Nauvoo.  It is worth it to come here-- it's amazing, but you have to really want to get here.  Missouri is beautiful to drive through-- so lush and green.  We did have a LOT of rain for most of our drive today.  Not so nice, but I prefer rain to major wind, which we've also had on this trip.

Yes, I know this is a beyond cheesy picture.  I'm okay with that.  I like this statue and I feel it is very apropos.

 We couldn't help ourselves.  Bethany wanted her violin for this picture.  What do you think?  I got my head angle pretty good, huh?

The kids were so happy to meet up with their friends and fellow Pi Pod team members in Nauvoo.  Another family is here right now as well and the kids are tickled to be staying in a hotel with their friends.  It's as close to a sleep over as they're going to get!

  Everything closes down at 5:00 round these parts, so we quickly went over to the Brigham Young House to see our many times great-grandfather's house.  We are both descendants of Brigham Young.  Abe likes to note that he is descended from Brother Brigham's first wife.  I just mention that mine was younger and prettier:)
At this point of the trip Cannon is not doing so well.  He's been a hoot for the whole trip, but all the driving and excitement and lack of sleep caught up with him this evening.  I am concerned for our tours around Nauvoo tomorrow because he is talking a blue streak to anyone who will listen and then some. 

We went to a super cute little musical play put on by the senior missionary couples called "Rendezvous in Old Nauvoo".  Abe and I are sure the whole thing was good, although we each just saw part of it and took turns outside with Cannon and George.  They were allowed into the show, but they were a bit disruptive.  Shocking that a baby and toddler could be disruptive during a play.

 Happiness is a hotel pool!

The kiddos weren't the only ones who were happy to see their friends again.

GPA Day 3-- Feeling At Home in Wichita

Easter Sunday in Wichita has been a smashing success.  Before church we shared in The Other Fox Family's traditional Easter lesson by opening gold plastic eggs with tokens and scriptures representing Christ's death and resurrection.  Church was very nice--pretty much just like church back home!  The Church is consistent that way.

Russell and Melissa prepared a scrumdidiliumptious (I made up the spelling myself) ham and potato dinner for us all.  The rest of the afternoon was a litter more my speed than the day before.  Yesterday we went out and about.   Today we stayed home and visited while the kiddos played. Granted it was Sunday, but even so, I'm just not as adventuresome as I once was.  I blame Cannon.  He is almost 3, and he got loose on the campus of Friends University yesterday.  It was a trick keeping track of him.  I thought to myself, "Why is he doing this?  He's not one to run off like this!"

Then I realized I almost never let him loose in public places so I wouldn't know if he would run off or not.  Now I see that he is not yet ready for that step yet.  The constraining devices will remain in use until he can prove they are no longer needed.  We'll try again when he's four.

George and his Godfather.
Okay, Russell isn't really George's Godfather-- we don't really do that.  But George's middle name is Russell and if Russell had had a son he might have been a George Russell-- so that's close enough.

Megan, how would you feel about taking a couple weeks off school and coming with us to be George's nanny for the rest of the trip?

These girl cousins have been very helpful with Georgie.

Cannon got quite a kick out of pillow jumping off the couch until Uncle Russell's feet attacked him and he screamed, "Get off me, Stinky Feet!"  Cannon has been in fine form this weekend.

Funny.  He was kung-fu Wonder Woman.

Elinor and Allison were reporters and Faith and Kristen were their sidekicks.  These little darlings found ample means for entertainment and none of it involved watching a movie.  I like that.

Bethany?  Is that you?  I hardly recognize you-- it's been so long since I've seen you.

She and Caitlyn have been no where to be found with the general company of the house.  They've been in Caitlyn's room playing board games and writing poetry.

Poetry-- by Betsy Fox
They sit in their room
And write poetry.
Quite delightful poetry.
Pages and pages of poetry.
Lots of rhyming poetry.
Much better poetry
Than their mother can write.

Uncle Abe (A.K.A The Pied Piper) entertained the youngest little ladies with lots of stories.

We've had a wonderful visit here in Wichita. The cousins are still giggling in their rooms soaking up the last of this fun cousin time for a while. Many thanks to Russell and Melissa for hosting and feeding our large brood this weekend.

Great Plains Adventure Day 2

Here we are with Russell and Melissa's family in Wichita, Kansas!  We arrived about lunchtime and then we packed more into one half-day than I usually do in an entire week! 

The children with Uncle Russell were so dignified in his office at Friends University.

 We got a good taste of Kansas wind when we had a BBQ at a local park.

Abe is very envious of Russell's beard.  Oh, Abe can grow one, but his wife is a stinker.

Elinor and Alison were great buddies.
Melissa is very good about blogging and sending weekly emails to extended family, but I'm glad to see their house and city so I can picture their lives better.

Bethany and Caitlyn are the only two children who haven't conked out yet this evening.  The kids are zoinkered, but these two social butterflies are still going strong.

Faith and Kristen are just a couple weeks apart in age.  They were very busy running all over when we went down to the lovely park at The Keeper of the Plains.  It is where the Big and Little Arkansas Rivers meet.

At home, George is like an animal constantly seeking out the security of a den.  He's regularly getting himself underneath furniture.  He was confused to find he couldn't fit underneath their couch.

We're looking forward to a relaxing Easter Sunday tomorrow.

Great Plains Adventure Day 1

Have you ever been on a boat for several hours or days and then when you get back on land it takes a while to get your land legs back?  As I sit here in the dark waiting for little people to fall asleep I am feeling some motion sickness because I still feel like I'm swaying with the moving vehicle.  It's rather a disturbing feeling, but I'm sure it will pass-- or perhaps it will rock me to sleep.

WE ARE OFF!  Our Great Plains adventure has begun.  We drove for about 12 hours today and only one person threw up--SUCCESS!!  We are traveling in a massive van that comfortably seats all of us and all our gear- which is considerable. 

The van looks gargantuous at this angle, but it is pretty dang big however you look at it.  Have I ever mentioned that this is my dream car.  I'm dead serious.  *Sigh*--someday.

Do not be alarmed!.  He actually did pretty well on the drive today.  But I think there was some built up tension that could only be released through hotel-bed-kung-fu-fighting.  He's mentally preparing for battle in the picture.

 Life According to Bethany advice tip:  Having to sleep in a strange hotel room in Kansas with your parents and five siblings is no reason to let your sense of style and organization go!

Forget anything I've ever said against D&D.  It is a source of comfort and solace to Clark when he is away from his normal routine.  He tends to like routine.

Strengthening the bonds of sisterly affection.  LOVE, LOVE, LOVE them!  I must post this picture of peace and tranquility because I'm certain I'll need to refer back to it regularly throughout the course of this trip as I hear, "Don't do that!"  "That's mine!"  "I'm going to tell Mom!"  

You've all heard it-- you know what I mean.

I present to you, Abe-- The Trip Mastermind!  He is a genius, and like all true geniuses there is some mental self-torment involved in the process, but the result is a beautiful thing.  He has researched the bejeebers out of this trip and we have a plan!  Now the key to a great trip lies in keeping the natives rested and fed.  That's where I come in.  

Tomorrow we only have a half day of driving (we can do it!) and then we'll look forward to spending Easter with Abe's brother's family (Russell and Melissa) in Wichita, Kansas.

To Get Ready

It is no small feat to prepare a family of 8 for a roughly two week sojourn across the country.

The foundation of all good packing must begin with washing ALL the laundry.  Every single article of clothing in the entire house must be washed so you know what you have to work with.  This is tricky as people must continue to wear and dirty the clothes while I am trying to get a good strong packing foundation.  Laundry is a bit like a Hydra-- you wash one load and two more grow in its place.

Did I just make a Dungeons and Dragons simile?  Oh good heavens-- what has become of me?

First off I must conquer the clothing bags.  It is tough to decide how many days worth of clothes is optimum?  I don't want to do laundry every day, but I don't want 8 loads when I do have to do it.
Clothing bags are packed-- in the same order for each child so no one ends up sans underwear.  The magic order is underwear, socks, pajamas, pants, shirt, church clothes, shoes, swimsuit, jacket.

The kiddos' "fun back packs" are next.  They take a few of their most precious belongings (toys or books) plus new notebooks, coloring books and crayons.  This bag is to amuse them not only in the car, but at numerous hotels.  The older kids get to pack their own bags, but they are subject to a thorough inspection.  There are to be no live animals and the bags must be able to zip easily with room left for soon to be precious souvenirs.

The food coolers and bag does contain the staple foods of peanut butter and jelly, and ham and cheese sandwiches that will sustain life for many days.  But that is the boring part.  They are chuck full of "pogey-bate" that we never try not to eat regularly.  I won't name particulars because some of you may think our choice of travel food is disgusting.  I'll agree that some of it is-- normally-- but not on a long car ride. 

The entertainment bag is KEY to happy trails.  We've got travel games, masses of books on tape, pipe cleaners for making sculptures,  little bags of Lego sets for Clark to build for Cannon, CDs of music from Abe's and my youth to indoctrinate our children with.
We do bring our laptop to put on occasional movies for restless little (and not so little) people.

We are so very excited and glad we have a whole day of driving to decompress from life and shift to a vacation mindset.  I'll be sure to post pictures of our adventures.

GO TEAM PI POD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Dear Family,

 

 Dear George,

It would be very helpful if you could speak right now.  Perhaps you could tell me what is bugging you these days.  Is it your teeth?  It is about time that you got some, but no sign of them yet.  The fever really threw me off the track this week, but the Dr. confirmed you don't have any ear infections.  As your Mama, I would really appreciate it if you would get this irritability all out of your system before you come on a really long car trip. 

Love, 

Mommy

Dear Elinor,

I'm so happy your softball season is finally in full swing.  All the rain really slowed up the start of the season.  Your games get me outdoors soaking up some vitamin D and the sunshine is very good for my state of mind. I particularly enjoyed listening to you leading a chant for your team about burying the other team in the softball cemetery when you beat them.  I'm so proud of your good sportsmanship! I thought it was a little over-dramatic when you said you would kill yourself if your team was blue again this year, but nonetheless, we're both happy you're team color is pink.  What a relief!

Love, 

Mom

Dear Joker... I mean Faith,

It looks like you really enjoyed our early Easter celebration this year.  We won't be in town next weekend, but we always celebrate the Easter Bunny festivities on Saturday anyway.  You are a good example of why.   Chocolate+sugar+candy=crazy children.  Like I want to deal with that on Sunday morning.  I'm glad you had fun and I'm glad you consumed all your candy so quickly so it's all gone for Monday morning.  By the way, you were super cute when you gave your talk in Primary today.

Love,

Mommy

Dear Cannon,

Is that chocolate egg you're eating good?  The Easter Bunny was so sure you would love this Duplo Lego Cars set.  And I think you did, but I guess you really liked Clark's regular motorcycle Lego set.  Please stop taking his Legos and then running away screaming when he comes after you to get it back.  Oh, and it looks like you probably need another haircut soon.  I'll put that on my list of things to do before the big trip.

Love, 

Mommy

Dear Bethany,

You have been so helpful with the little ones lately.  Please forgive Daddy and I for being rather grouchy this weekend.  We've got a lot going on to get things ready for the trip, but that's no excuse.  I loved watching your heart being touched when the Special Needs Mutual came and did a Sacrament program for our ward today.  Also I'm sorry that our big trip coincides with your dance competition and you will miss it this year.  Thank you for being understanding.   

Love,

Mom

Dear Pi Pod... I mean Clark,

No, actually I do mean Pi Pod.  I see some of these boys so much I feel like they are my own.  I can only imagine how the team coaches feel.  What a fun ride it has been so far and we are all so excited for the adventure you're about to have in St. Louis.  You are awesome boys and we're so glad to get to interact with you and your families.  Oh, and Clark, we're looking forward to watching you in Much Ado About Nothing at the Midvale Main Street Theater on Wednesday and Thursday night.  That being said-- it's pretty much entirely your fault that we have an unbelievably crazy, busy week this week.  We love you anyway!

Love, 

Mom

Dear Abe,

Thank you for doing Easter eggs with the children.  They really wanted to and you made it happen.  My apologies to you for our misunderstandings this weekend.  We are only a few short days away from getting on the road and beginning our Great Plains adventure.  I love you!

I Wish I Was A Kid Again

We had a busy house full of playing children this week.  Watching their clever, creative play made me wish I was a kid again.  Although, I'm pretty sure I wasn't anywhere near as clever or creative as they are.  Maybe I just don't remember-- I have a very poor memory of my childhood.

Pioneer mothers having a picnic under the shade of a tree.

They found an abandoned cabin on the prairie and they were able to fix it up to make it suitable.

Such nurturing little women.

These two needed a little less conversation and a lot more action.

They went for a karate themed picnic.

Knock on every piece of wood in my entire house--- but for how much play there is on this trampoline, I can't believe no one has been seriously injured.

These little sweeties had a picnic of their own.

CLARK:  Mom, can we please play on the computer.

MOM:  Do you have your stuff done yet?

CLARK:  No.

MOM: Sorry.

CLARK:  Grrr.

MOM:  You'll have to find something else to do. (10 points for Mom!)

 Oh no!-- What are you boys up to?

Why are you filling up that bucket of water?  It looks messy.

 Is that a huge bag of baking soda and a bottle of vinegar?

Are you making a mud pit down in THE HOLE?

Army men scaling the snow (baking soda) covered peak. 

The homemade smoke bomb goes off in the background.  Very dramatic.

AHHHH!-- The volcanic erruption!!!!!!!!!!  Save yourselves!!!!!

After so much creative juice flowing through the house, I sensed that perhaps we were teetering on the edge of actual destruction of property.  I gave in and let the boys play the new game they are both obsessing over-- RuneScape. 

BOOORING.  I liked your other games better.