Sizzling Summer

Papa Norm and I recently returned home from a wonderful car trip to the Midwest. We were in 11 states as we traveled, saw incredible sights, and had wonderful times with family and friends. After driving through beautiful Colorado we headed to Kansas to find Papa's first school. He attended there from 1st grade to 5th grade. It actually took us some time to find it. The town, Lovewell, KS, was not really much of a town any longer, and the school was hidden behind trees and overgrowth. Papa and his family had to move because the farmland they were farming was being taken over by a dam project that was being built. The area now is a lake used for vacations and water activities. 

 

 

 

 

 

From Kansas we went into Nebraska and looked around near where Papa's grandparents lived and farmed. Next we went to Des Moines, Iowa where I grew up. We had such a great time with my Aunt Pat, my sister, Aunt NJ, and Uncle Bob,  and a number of cousins who either live in the area or drove to Des Moines. Our cousins day was spent starting at Gray's Lake where we walked to see some memorial plaques located on a bridge that are in place for family members. Following that we went to a local brewery that produces a beer named after our great grandfather Thomas Beck, who was a coal miner in Des Moines. Below are some of my cousins, my Aunt Pat, my sister, and Papa. Some of the cousins aren't in the picture, sadly. The first two pictures were taken by my cousin Nini and her hubby, Paul. Thanks for letting me use them!

 

 

 

 

 

 

On our way home we stayed at a lodge called Elephant Head Lodge in a lovely and quaint little cabin. The lodge is located outside of Yellowstone Park . Here is a picture of Papa in the room where we ate breakfast and dinner. The décor was pretty interesting.

 

 

Papa and I both felt the Teton Mountain range was the most beautiful sight of our trip and considering all that we saw, that is saying something.

 



 

We eventually arrived in Idaho and had a wonder visit with some of Papa's cousins. It was a nice respite before we started on the last part of our journey to home.

 

We were blessed with safe travels and lots and lots of memories. We came home to a bit of a disaster (broken water pipes) to deal with at our house, but these things come and go, and we are trying to get through it. Four more nights in a hotel near our home and we are ready to be in our own bed and stay there for a while.

 

Of course we couldn't wait to catch up with the three C's and see them again. As I have said before in this blog, that is the hardest part of traveling....not seeing our grandchildren. They had a very busy two weeks while we were gone, attending swim lessons, and Claire and Chloe attending a music camp, and a Vacation Bible School. On the 4th of July they were with other extended family at Uncle Larry and Aunt Paula's cabin. Here is a picture of Chris at the back of a boat. They had a wonderful time from what we hear. Chris is a totally "big boy" now, if you know what I mean, another milestone in his life. :) Love that little guy so much!

 

 

On Sunday morning we attended a musical play that was a result of the music camp the girls attended.

Following church, we had a very fun lunch out and then spent some time with all three kids at their house. They were in great spirits and eager to pose for my camera. Notice part way down the girls switch dresses and continue to pose. They are so much fun. Chris was having Papa check out his piggy bank. 

 

Hope you are having a memorable summer as well! LIFE IS GOOD!