Missouri!

Matt, Nora Lee and I just returned home from an incredible trip to Missouri. Most of my mom's side of the family lives there and it was time for a visit! Although I hadn't been back in 13 years (and Nora Lee and Matt had never been), it felt like home. I have such dear family and they welcomed us with open arms, hearts, and homes.

On July 1st we flew out of San Diego along with Colleen, Clay, Cameron, Mom, Dario, Karl and James. I've never had so many friendly faces on a flight before!


Colleen and Cameron


Karl and James


Clay and Aunt Dolores


James and Cameron


Brett


Aspen, Cameron, and Dusty


Clay


Cindy and Mom


All of us!


Nora Lee gets ready to swim


Cameron, Mom, and Colleen


Aspen and Uncle David


Dario and Matt


Mom and Dusty


Uncle David

On the Fourth of July we went to the town parade. Nora Lee was most excited about the candy they threw from the parade.



Nora Lee and Dusty

Jordon

Nora Lee

Nora Lee and Matt

Aspen and Karl


No matter how hot or humid it was, Colleen always looked stunning.

Cameron and Nora Lee

Matty

Mom and Dario on Dusty's ATV

Bottle rockets start off the evening of fireworks


Adarius and James

Uncle David

Shelly and Jimmy

John is the grillin' man



It turns out that Nora Lee is a fly swatting ninja. She went on a rampage to eliminate the enemy. She won.

Dusty and Nora Lee

Aspen and Nora Lee

Clay rides Dusty's horse, Babe.

Nora Lee enjoys a sparkler!

My cousin Dusty is a true Renaissance man. Among many other talents, he is a gifted auctioneer. He is 21 years old, owns 40 acres of land and each week holds several auctions where people can sell and buy things - all kinds of things. I saw an auction that was entirely produce, much of which was grown by the local Amish community. I am fasciated by the Amish and really enjoyed getting to spend half a day with them. They prefer not to have pictures taken of them so I left my camera in the car but got some shots of horses and buggies.



We also got to explore Fantastic Caverns! It turns out that the caves were discovered by a dog while out hunting with his owner. Later when the owner wanted the caves explored he put out an ad in the paper and a group of twelve women from the Springfield Womens Athletic Club responded to the ad and explored it first!



Brett, Tonya, and Jordon on the tram that took us through the caverns





All-in-all it was a perfect trip and we are all excited to return!