Lock and Dam

There is a lock and dam on the Mississippi River in Keokuk. My mom came home from work today and let us know there was a barge in the lock, and asked if we wanted to see it. Everyone was excited, so we bundled up the best we could and headed down. It was a slow process but it was amazing to watch. The water was pumped out and the barge lowered down, the doors opened and the barge continued down the river. What an amazing engineering feat!

After some time up on the overlook bridge, we decided to go down to the waters edge. The kids really enjoyed exploring and no one fell in the water.

The barge is making it's way out.

Treasures!

The barge is huge - well, all the cargo is.

Paddle boat - we were going to go in the museum, 

but my parents said it wasn't worth the money...

they thought it was free.

Making more wonderful memories!

Goofy String in a parking lot

We brought the three cans of goofy string that Camdilyn received for her birthday and everyone was excited to use them. Gaffa didn't want them used in his yard so we drove to a nearby park and enjoyed spraying them in the parking lot. It was a bit chilly but everyone had fun - until the nozzles got clogged or we ran out of stuff. The fun didn't last long but it was fun!

We have never seen this before!

It might be silly but my kids enjoy looking for the strange and odd things in life. For them, it is exciting when they find cereal squares that aren't cut apart, or other things like that. They are excited by 2s, or 3s and really excited about 4 stuck together. This morning, Harmonie found 8 squares stuck together!!! How did that get through quality check? Glad it did because my kids just thought it was amazing!

Random Moments at Grammy and Gaffa's house

I had one of the kids help out with dishes every meal.

Just like we do at home,

but it was time with Grammy and Gaffa.

Showing me her somersault.

We always enjoy the kaleidoscopes.

The older kids played games with Grammy.

Lots of fun memories!

Another Special Event

We were able to come to the temple again today, this time to witness my father being set apart as a Temple Sealer. What a special calling for him and it was special for us to be able to be there with him and my mother. I know this call came from the Lord and that my father is doing the work the Lord wants him to do. It is such a wonderful opportunity for him and I know he'll continue to do what the Lord wants/needs him to do.

Marissa and Emily in front of the statues of Joseph and Hyrum Smith.

Baptisms for the Dead in the Nauvoo Temple

What a special experience for all of us. I drove my kids back out to Iowa to spend some time with my parents. We were able to join their youth at the temple and it was Emily's first time! The history of the area and the temple just makes it a little more special, as well as having my father there to perform the baptisms. We had such a wonderful time together.

After conference treat

Tried something new with my blueberry pie!

Little Helper

I have to make two - because we all love it so much!

Delicious!

If you're interested in watching any of the General Conference talks from the prophets of God or the other leaders, please feel free to click here.