The Big One

Yes, we are finally home and I don't think any of us could be happier. Now I am going to attempt a huge post that briefly displays all our August adventures. A big thank you to everyone who hosted us along the way! At first I was going to do them one by one as I found time, but who ever finds that time? And what are the chances nothing new will happen in the mean time? Anyway, here they are for your viewing enjoyment! (It may take you a few visits to finish.)

McCubbins

First stop, Illinois to visit my sister Melanie and her family. Here we are on a walk around the University where James is attending law school. And here is Paige just having finished displaying her panties for the camera (you can still see evidences of it). You may notice we are cracking up.
It was a beautiful and very large campus. And with all the open space Cameron and Paige enjoyed the favorite games "Chase" and "Run."
Minus the fighting and biting that sometimes ensued, the children had a fantastic time together.Of course the grown ups had an awesome time together as well. This is not exactly representative of the situation as a whole, but Melanie and I took on the project to paint the kitchen, little girls room, and an accent wall in her new place. I was glad to have time away from the kids so we could just talk.
I just had to post this picture because it is hilarious. These children and millions like them will never know a world without computers. I was so happy to finally be able to bond with little baby Sarah. What a sweetheart!

Beautiful Nauvoo

We nearly passed up the opportunity to see Nauvoo and I am so glad we didn't! Since it was only two hours extra for our drive and a couple hundred dollars to spend, we decided we could never do it so cheaply or easily again.
First stop, Carthage Jail. What an amazing experience. It helped bring the story I have long known to life for me. (Cameron had a jolly time playing with the well; that wasn't sacrilegious of me to let him was it?)
On to Nauvoo. This is the beautiful scuplture garden dedicated to women. I was able to walk through alone with just Cameron and cried the whole time. What a neat thing to be a woman. (P.S. You may notice I said "alone"--the pagent finished the weekend before and the crowds had significantly diminished.)
How Cameron enjoys Nauvoo.
Brigham Young's back yard. Since there were only a few of us on our tour inside we were allowed upstairs.

I have ancestors who lived in Nauvoo with the early saints. I was able to look up any plots of land he owned at the Land and Records office. Here I am at one of the two inside the city.Of course we watched a couple of shows, all of which Cameron loved! He actually stayed in his seat for the whole hour! He really likes music and dancing.The beautiful Nauvoo temple. I was able to do some temple work the second day.

I cannot emphasize enough how amazing Nauvoo is! The spirit is everywhere! Even Cameron was very well behaved--he must have felt it too. We were only there 1 1/2 days but when we had to leave I was inordinately sad to leave! It felt as if it were my home and I would be homesick for it. Interesting, because when telling these thoughts to my sister Melanie who visited for the first time a few weeks before, she got goosebumps and said she felt the exact same way. After visiting I feel a connection I can't explain to our Mormon pioneer ancestors. A profound respect and reverence and love for them. Maybe it's the promise that the hearts of the children shall turn to their fathers? Again, I gained a testimony about the stories and people I have known about my whole life. I encourage anyone who can go to do it!

Larsons

After two more days of driving we stopped briefly at my sister Holly's house. We always have a great time with them.Holly and I artisticated it up and painted this cute threesome of oars to go in Caleb's room in their new house. I can always count on Holly for some quality crafty time.
We also did an abbreviated camping trip, aka, dinner in the canyon. We had a quickly planned but deliciously executed dinner (thanks to the men's campfire cooking skills).
Cameron was able to play with his favorite playmate Jack more games of "chase" and "run." Jack and Cameron play so well together.
And of course the children, especially Cam, were able to get sufficiently dirty. FYI, this picture is after we had already cleaned him up really well at least once.

Graduation!!

A highlight of the trip: Tyler graduated! Well, he has one semester left but he donned the robe and cap, processed, I teared up with pride, and multiple celebrations ensued! Look how handsome he looks!Most of Tyler's family was able to make it which was so nice. We all made sure to spend an extra day together after the graduation festivities were over for a family reunion.
My parents and little sisters showed up to celebrate Ty's big day(s) as well! Here we are partying it up at Goodwood!
(Had to post! HI-larious!)
And because we love to party, Tyler's mom and sister Kara threw for Tyler a big party at Kara's clubhouse! It was so much fun! Lots of good food, good company, games...
and a sweet theater room! I spent longer in here than I care to admit. Thanks to everyone who helped make the party happen. It was a great success!

Pendleton

Tyler and I spent our birthdays in Pendleton. My family had to leave only a few days after we arrived so they gave us a birthday party a little early. Here we are having my dad's delicious Chinese cooking in the tea house. I always love doing that!
Happy 26th to me and Happy 25th to Tyler!! After our birthday brownies we had presents (thanks everyone!) and played games. I love my mom's birthday parties, she has always, for as long as I can remember, made sure we feel celebrated on our birthdays.
As always, we loved our time in Pendleton. We spent the days at my parent's house and evenings with Tyler's family in the country eating his mom's delish food for dinner (thanks!) and enjoying the warm summer evenings. Here's Cameron dressed country boy style enjoying his favorite novelty in Pendleton: the dogs!
He LOVED the Merrill's two dogs and my parent's one dog. He also loved how much time he got to spend outside doing as he pleased (within reason) and getting dirty. (I felt bad bringing him back to our apartment with no yard. Happily, however, he is better at staying near me and we've already been able to spend lots of time on the grounds here.)

Home Again, Home Again

We are finally home and getting quickly re situated (subletting was the best decision I could have made). There are lots of things to tackle this semester, Tyler's last. We will hopefully find out where we will be moving to for Tyler's work, and Tyler also plans on studying for and taking the GMAT. We're equal to and ready for the task.