Moab Mo' Better!

Several days in Moab and all we can say is WOW! What a great experience taking small hikes through red rock formations, off roading in a Jeep through steep canyons, and paddle boarding down the Colorado River (even a few rapids)! We'll let the pictures do the talking. 

Cool Couple in Colorado

A short but sweet stop in Colorado Springs gave us a chance to visit with our friends, Greg and Laura Melendes. It was great to see them and hear what God is doing in their life. We enjoyed our evening out at a wonderful Italian restaurant. We thank Greg for generously loaning us his camera so we can carry on with pictures since mine died. Now onto more beautiful scenery across the Rockies.

Prior to Colorado, Blue Boy got in trouble because a Kansas State Trooper thought he didn't properly display his license plate. Tom had to remove the bike cover blocking the plate and then we got off with only a warning. Thank you, Lord! 

Now our little mascot needs to help keep a look out for future troubles with the law.

Royal Cardinal Review

Rolling further down the road across the midwest through Missouri and Kansas
we stopped to enjoy a bit of the local attractions.

Feelin' the Spirit in St. Louis   

What a fun night at Busch Stadium with great fans and a win for the Cardinals!               

Before leaving town we checked out a few of the historic eateries on Route 66, made known to us through Guy Fiereti on Diners, Drive-ins and Dives. Yes, those donuts were worth the calories.

 Ted Drewes, famous since the 1930's, really does have the most delicious ice cream I have ever had!

           

The Cathedral Basillica in St. Louis is an amazing work of art that rivals the one in Rome. Construction of the building was started in1907 and completed in 1914. The intricate mosaic art work that covers the  interior ceiling and domes was not finished until 1980. What a feat!

                     

 Next, on to Kansas City for spicy ribs at Gates BBQ where we were greeted with an enthusiastic southern, "Hi, may I help you?"  The line was backed up out the door and it was hilarious to hear the counter girl calling out to you before you even get close to the front. We enjoyed the whole experience and the crowd too, as the Royals fans filled the place for some pre-game chow.

                         Tom is lookin' to buy some tickets at Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri

The Royals mascot "Slugger" spots the the Meadows in the Diamond Club seats...sweet!

              Wow, what an awesome scoreboard the Royals have, the biggest and best we've seen yet!

Family Fun in Glen Ellyn

The week has quickly passed and now we drive away with sweet memories of our time with family in Illinois. Some days were warm and muggy, others days with cooling rain showers and thunderstorms.

We had time to enjoy it all and even helped get a few projects done in the yard. Many thanks to our kids, Brian and Monica for allowing us to park our RV on their driveway (with full hook ups) so we could be close to grand kids 24/7. So fun to have Leah and Zoe with us too! Our family was almost complete. We loved being with you all whether dining out or cooking at home, playing in the yard or exploring the arboretum, hanging out on the front porch or going to church as a family...it was all wonderful. Here are a bunch of random shots that will help us remember our time together. 

To start with, these three cuties filled up on Portillos famous hotdogs 

and then were nearly inseperable the rest of the week. 

                                      

Sharing precious moments watching a warm thunder shower from the front porch.

                         Parker gets a hair cut at the Wheaton "Mens" Barber shop

                  

                      Papa gives the infamous "shake-a-brain" demonstration
                                while Nolan watches in amazement.
                  

Hanging' out in the in the backyard, some are having more fun that others. 

                                      

                                             A nice view of the back 40 after a fresh mow by Papa

                                    Fun times at the beautiful Morton Arborteum

                                                                                


                                  

A date night out for the adults in downtown Naperville

Adios to our precious family, we loved being with you!