Oh the places I did go

2008 has been a wild ride. We have been to Las Vegas, St. George, Island Park, ID, St. Louis, MO, The Indy 500 and we just got back from Naples, Florida and Disney World. I feel a bit like Dorthy though. I really think there is no place like home. I love to travel. To see the many different landscapes of our great country, the diversity of the geography, the nice people we have met on the way. But the best part of leaving home is coming home. Family. friends, my own bed. :)

St. Luis YTB Convention

On Sunday we got back from our YTB business convention held in St. Luis. It was an incredible experience. We have found an awesome company. This company has been based on God, Family and Country. We met so many nice people and made new friends that love to travel as much as we do.

This replica of the Statue of Liberty is only 5 feet shorter than the real one at Ellis Island. I am so glad I was born in America and enjoy the freedoms that men gave their lives for. Freedom isn't free, it was paid for at an infinite price.

I wish I could capture the excitement and energy that I felt at convention and put in words on this page. You will just have to imagine what is in my heart. Over half of the speakers thanked God for His blessings. The convention ended with a song "If Jesus is 4 days late, he's still on time" that had nearly 20,000 people on their feet and lots of us in tears. Just remember with God all things are possible.

I Love Summer

I love summer. I really need to find something about winter to love. It is 5 months of the year here. Working in the yard, playing at the park, golfing, just sitting outside soaking up the rays are all things I enjoy. I don't ski, snowshoe, or sleigh ride so what could I come up with to do in the winter that I would enjoy?? Got any ideas?? Quilting, maybe but that doesn't count. It is indoors. Shoveling the walks after a snow storm, trying to build a bigger snowman every big storm we have, going for a walk in boots. Ok, maybe I'll make it a point to learn how to love winter too.

Weekly Summer Grandkid Days

This spring we got together to decide on activities for our grandkids day. Thursday seemed to work best for everyone and except for camps and vacations it has worked very well. We have visited Liberty Park, The Aquarium, the 24th of July pre parade Float preview party, the blue park, had a Pirates and Princess party, and this week will be our family olympics. I have to say I have the best grandkids in the world and these days we get to spend together are such a joy. We have fun, fun, fun. Even though the ages range from 4 months to 14 years old every one has a good time. I am so proud of the older grandkids that help us with the younger ones. They are so good them. It really helps enhance the experiences we have.

Wolf Creek Vacation

Our daughter invited us to go with her and her family to Wolf Creek last month. We had a great time. Ogden has some very fun family places. The dinosaur park and the Tree House Museum were spectacular. The kids loved them. The best part was just being together. We swam, hiked, went on nature hunts, played games. I nearly stepped on a snake. That was exiting. I would love to live in that area. Not a lot of people and it is beautiful.

Yellowstone 2008

June in Yellowstone was cold but a great way to see lots of animals. It was snowing part of the time. Welcome to summer. We saw 3 black bears. That is almost unheard this time of year. Tons of elk and bison were out grazing. It is a wonder to see.

The Indy 500

We went to the Indy 500 over Memorial Day weekend. It was a blast. Saturday is the annual race parade in downtown Indianapolis. The place was packed with race fans. The floats, cars, clowns, celebraties and more added to the excitement leading up to the race.
Sunday, Race day. Started with a 1 1/2 mile walk to the track. Over 200,000 fans trying to converge on the track was quite and experience. Our seats were on turn 4 so we could see all of turn 3 and down most of the straight way that the start/finish line was on. What a thrill when we heard, "Ladies and Gentlemen start your engines!" and we all cheered. The roar of the engine was defening but a chill went up my spine. It was so exiting and I would not really call myself a race fan. I am now. Scott Dixon won after 500 miles in less that 4 hours!
Monday, we went back to the track to walk around. We visited Gasolline Alley, the Brickyard, the Pagoda, the pits and the museum. This photo was taken on the winners podium. We would like to thank our race enthusiast, Scott and Cinnamon for a great time. They enriched our experience and their children were so cute and loving. It was a trip of a lifetime.