Niagara Falls

AMAZING!!! That's all I can say about the falls! They are awe inspiring and gigantic. I wish I had a computer so I could post some pics but there will be some for sure when I get back. I thought they would be out in the nowheres but once again I'm wrong. Right in the center of Niagara Falls City and On the border of Canada. We were able to cross the border this morning and see the falls in Canada and the view should not be missed! Last night we stayed to watch the fireworks over the falls but instead we were blessed to be caught in a torrential downpour. We were running through a river of puddles! This morning we viewed the Falls in Canada then came back to ride on the Maid Of The Mist boats. They take you to almost he center of Horseshoe Falls and the mist is spraying you in the face. It's one of those life experiences everyone should do once. I'm so grateful to be out here with me family and enjoying all these amazing activities! I'm off to bed since tomorrow we are going to church in Palmyra and then to the sacred grove and the hill Cumorah.

Columbus, Ohio

Well we have arrived in Columbus, Ohio to stay with my brother and his family. Before our arrival here we stayed in the quaintest little town in the Midwest Galena, Illinois. Oh how I loved it! Trees everywhere, quaint shopping district, and did I mention it was green. Ulysses S. Grant was born in this cute town and so we walked up the hill to his home only to find it closed but we were still happy. We ventured through the town and stumbled upon a beautiful garden. The man who owned held tours and so we were surrounded by more beautiful greenery!

I'm going through a green envy stage right now. I keep questioning why we live in the desert but once I'm home I'll be happy.

We encountered a fun gem in Union, Illinois called The Wild West Town. Now being from the West we were curious to see what they thought of us. I was so surprised! Canoes, pony rides, archery, cork gun shooting, and gold panning were included in this fun find. The boys favorite part of the place was the Wild West Show which included gun slinging, fist fighting, and some rootin tootin good fun.

I'll get more pictures soon...these were from my mom's camera.

Lincoln, Nebraska

Well we made it to Mike and Miwa's in Nebraska. We meandered through South Dakota's Badlands National Park which was amazing. South Dakota's terrain goes from mountainous to rolling prarie hills to badlands. Once arriving in Nebraska the view turned to beautiful rolling farmland. The trains passed our car every 10 minutes so the boys were entertained. Dad was so entertained he forgot to watch his speed so we were able to meet a local who drove a fast car with flashing lights. It's the darn New York plates on our van that are getting us in trouble. The officer was nice enough and only gave us a warning so all is well.

We drove in at about 12 and quickly went to bed. Yesterday Mom, Dad, and I drove to Omaha to attend Wicked. It was great! Mom and Dad enjoyed it as well. We had 2 extra tickets so bold dad stood in the middle of the busy sidewalk with arms raised high but to no avail. He left them with the doorman and off we went hoping he had better luck. After the incredible show dad found the man and was told some fun news. The tickets were sold and to none other than the actresses parents who played Elpheba the Wicked witch!

We returned to an amazing dinner made by Miwa. Spinach quiche and a lentil bean soup was great and not fast food! Mom and I meandered through Walmart since I left my toothbrush in Midway and true to the Walmart way I left with more than just that. Church this morning was small town and nice. Nap time was a must! Now I'm rejuvinated and ready for a big day tomorrow. Omaha zoo and then off to Galena, Illinois.

So Far...

Greetings from Keystone, South Dakota! This trip has been great so far. The kids are great (especially Liv) and I've been keeping my cool with a lot of help from the parents.

Our first night we spent in Midway, Utah which is a cute Bavarian town next to Heber City. We arrived in time to watch Night at the Museum in the room and then off to bed. The boys were excited since they had their own room complete with a funny cat statue (which had to be removed later because their glowing eyes were staring at Ryan).

Next morning we were off to Wyoming. First stop Fort Bridger which was a major stop on the Oregon Trail. It was interesting to see and in beautiful country with meadows and flowers all around!

We headed to Martin's Cove to camp for the night. Yes I said camp. All I can say is Wyoming sure is windy! We all thought Ryan got his wish that he got to see a tornado! The boys were great! Luv had one freak out for about 2 minutes an Drew had to roll all over in his sleep and since those were the only problems I'd say we are doing well.

After camping we were off to Mount Rushmore! It's a fun drive with lots of wildlife to see including cows, horses, deer, antelope, prarie dogs, buffalo, and a lot of road kill (that was mom's input). Not many towns to stop and see but our good GPS friend Emily led us through a cute little town called Hot Springs, SD. We are coming back someday and I'd love to explore!

Off to Mount Rushmore! The drive is beautiful up through tree lined mountains and prarie dog infested hills. For some reason I thought it would be in the middle of a mountain range but to my surprise it was a big granite rock in the middle of some pine trees. It was smaller than I thought at first glance but once we took the trail closer it was stunning! Our hotel is 2 miles away so we drove by last night and it didn't even look like the same mountain! Pictures to come.

Now we are off to Lincoln, Nebraska to stay with Mike and Miwa and go to Wicked. I'm excited for the next leg of our adventure!

So It Begins...

Well we arrived in Midway yesterday without any hitches. The kids were perfect with stops in Beaver for some squeaky cheese and ice cream. Then dinner in Ruth's Diner up in Immigration Canyon.

Midway is beautiful! There are clouds over the green mountains which reminds me of Scotland! I love it!

Here are the tenative plans up until we reach OHio.

Today - Casper, WY
May 21 - Keystone, SD
May 22-26 - Lincoln, NE
May 26 - Galena, IL
May 27 - Columbus, OH

Catch Up

Well this is going to be a picture overload. It's been a crazy week! Family pictures, Malea and Bob were married, Liv was blessed, Dad had his 60th birthday party and all of my family came into town some as far as Ohio and Nebraska! I'll let the pictures do the talking for now but I'll post separate accounts for each after my vacation which I should be packing for now instead of blogging...oh well.

Ry Ry No Longer

(This is Ryan's favorite past time)

Me: Ry Ry did you have fun at the water park today?

Ryan: (In a deep no nonsense voice) It's Ryan.

Me: Oh. I can't call you Ry Ry anymore?

Ryan: No. I don't like it. Call me Ryan.

Me: Any other names that are ok?

Ryan: I like Ry Guy too.

So my little boy is no longer my little Ry Ry. How things are changing! First I lose the name Ry Ry and on Monday he is graduating from Preschool! I'm excited for more changes to come!

*Side note*
After my conversation with Ryan I asked Drew if I could still call him Drewbert. No he says call me kaiga. I have no idea where he comes up with these things!