Cousins!! Claire, Alyssa, Kara, Kaitlyn, and Me
The cutest kids in the entire world with their Grandpa and Grandma
Jessica Lilly Taylor-One VERY BEAUTIFUL and VERY LOVED little girl!!
My favorite 4 year old and I.
I stole this from Dev too. Granmpa juggling for everyone.My trip was wonderful and much needed!! It was a busy vacation but also very relaxing. I flew to Memphis for the night, hung out with the family, and the next day my newest niece was blessed. Right after the blessing we loaded up and drove to Nauvoo. We stopped at the Home of the Throwed Rolls (Lambert's Cafe) in Sikeston, MO on the way. We also drove right through St. Louis. It has changed so much there. The next day we hit as many sites in Nauvoo as we could. We toured the bakery, the gun shop, the blacksmith, the brickyard, the Family Living Center, Pioneer Pastimes, the red brick store, a few shops downtown, and of course the FUDGE SHOP! We also took a carriage ride and afterwards went to the Visitors Center and heard a lovely BYU choir, who happened to star a friend of ours. Later that night we went to another outdoor show on the old stage where we performed in the pageant for 9 summers. It was so great being back there, it really feels like home to me. I miss those summers so much.
So the next day we loaded up to head to the town I grew up in. We headed to the cemetary to visit my brother and my nephews' grave. Seeing my brother and his family crying in front of my nephew's grave was so hard. It is hard seeing people you love going through such hard trials. It is hard to go back there but it is really good to be there. I miss that small town, although it is really run down now. We stayed with some family friends that night and ate a deicious feast. It was so great to be back in a house I remember going to lots when I was young. I love the way it smells there. And I miss the FLAT, open fields soooo much!! I love how simple and beautiful it is there!
We woke up the next morning and headed down to Southern Indiana. While there, some of us stayed in a very old but neat bead and breakfast while the rest of the gang stayed at my Aunts. It was a crazy couple of days with all of the family together (my mom's side). We swam, watched the World Cup, and just hung out. On Friday, the 18th we had the surprise early birthday party for my grandpa. The next day was my cousin's wedding reception. My last day there was sunday. We all went to church and my grandpa gave a great talk. I learned so much about his life and luckily I was on the ball and took notes.
That night I left but to make a long story short, my trip home was delayed with a cancelled flight and some lost luggage. I stayed in a very nice hotel for the night, finally made it back Monday morning and my bags made it the next day.
Things have been crazy busy since I got back. Work has been pretty hectic and the volunteer thing I do has had some drama to say the least. I have had lots of things to catch up on but it is all good. I played softball and volleyball tonight which was way fun!! I am still undecided on my plans for the fall but WILL decide soon...I hope!!!
