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Sunday, September 13, 2009

On the banks of the mighty Mississippi....



We took our flyer miles and hopped a jet for Kansas to see Alicia and Brian who are starting a new life of graduate school in the land of Oz.We were first treated to a few numbers on the Kansas State University Organ by our favorite and most handsome son in law, Brian. Ate a few cookies by his sweet, clever wife and looked around Lawrence. We were impressed with the campus and this impressive bld.

It is a beautiful building constructed specifically for the organ... no pianos allowed.








As we drove along the green roadways of Kansas, and then Missouri, I was astounded once more with the beauty of this country. Yes, there are wide wheat fields but there are long pastures and fields and fields of green. And having lived in the desert for the past 11 years, I admit, I have missed the GREEN.

We stopped on a quiet hill and walked a little trail to the site of ADAM-Ondi-ahman....it was peaceful and serene.


It was a beautiful place and the "residents" were quite calm and friendly....
Then it was back in the car for more miles, and more miles. We got in around 11ish and found the missionaries still badged and waiting like they had just got home. IT WAS SO GREAT TO SEE MY MOM AND DAD!!!
We got up early the next day and met some of the locals....It was wonderful to meet and smell em....( only a farm girl would say that!)










We took a carriage ride and loved it.



ELDER TIBBITTS talked "shop" with the handler.



We were able to go to the new temple and do a session with our 3 generations.... now that was WAY COOL. (and that climbing to the top of the spiral staircase was pretty breathtaking-the view and the huffing and puffing.)



We went to the visitors center and I couldn't help but contrast the time I had been there before when Alicia was just 2 and Steven was turning 5. We were on our way to Florida.


This is now-looks like someone has been gardening.....

There was this really nice looking ,friendly missionary couple sitting there in the shade....
We then followed Parley Street to the end and took a long look at the mighty river.....Mom says she is really going to miss it. I suspect she will leave a part of her heart there....



We got up the next morning and attended Sacrament meeting with them....everyone was warm and friendly...they get trained to do that...



Here's that daughter of mine....trying for the favorite grandchild spot....
Then we were off in the car again-headed towards Carthage. It is always sobering and yet peaceful. The grounds just felt sacred.


Then we were "on the road again" and we stopped for a FINE Sunday dinner at a royal resturant....and it was time to get the queen home. We had eaten all the Twizzlers and cookies we brought. There is no place like home....