Our fall break was wonderful. We went to Missouri to visit my family and loved seeing that part of the country at this time of the year. Each year at this time they have a Maple Leaf celebration with activities all week long. So we wanted to get in on some of it. And my youngest brother Luke is leaving on his mission, so we needed to see him before he left. Well, we've been home now for almost three weeks, so I'm way past due on this post, but here we go.
It rained on us for most of the drive there and was really coming down as we got into Missouri. In a day and a half's time, they received 5 inches of rain. So much was flooded, including the park were our century bike ride was to begin and end. As well as about 5 or so roads along the route. So after some much needed sleep, we headed over to the bike shop in Joplin and found out that the race was canceled for sure. Disappointed, we went out to see what the damage was for ourselves.
This is the park under water, not stagnant but full on running water. The actual river was off to the side and usually had a 4-5 foot waterfall, but it was completly hidden in the flood.
Because the ride was cancelled, we were able to go watch my niece Sierrah (Andy's daughter) play in her volleyball game. This was one of the youth leages at the YMCA. She is dang good at age 9, and is so tall. She is going to be kicking tail when she gets older!
Paxton had her 5th birthday while we were there. For weeks, she and her cousin Gracie have been on the phone planning what they wanted to do for their combined party. (Gracie, Heather's daughter, is a year older than Pax). Here is Paxton on her B-day.
One of the first things the girls did for their day was has a little spa day. It consisited of: facials, pedicures, manicure (complete with fake press on nails), makeup and hair. Here are a few pictures during the process.
And during all this "girly" stuff, Caden found something to pass the time with his cousins.
And Daisy did as well.
Later the kids spent a couple of hours at House of Bounce. Lots of castles, slides and obstacle courses, all inflatable. They enjoyed running like wild animals all over the place. Afterward we went to see Andy and April's first house. They just bought it and are loving being 1st time homeowners!
Daisy didn't like this slide at all, but the rest of them loved it.
We checked out the maple leaf parade. This parade is huge. It is 2-3 hours long and they broadcast it on tv there. High school bands from surrounding towns march in it and later have a band competion. The kids were not used to this at all. The only parade they have ever seen is the town of Kearny parades. Max time=usually 22 minutes. Spencer asked the kids which parade they liked better this one or the ones in Kearny. Paxton said, "this one, but in Kearny I'd be home by now."
I love this picture with the Town Square in the background.
Oh and did I mention how cold it was while we were there? In the 40's.
They even have the Budwiser Clydesdales in it.
Here we are hanging out at my G-pa Cliff's house.
You know those 3 wheeled, body powered bikes? The Trikke? Well my Grandpa has one and loves it. Spencer and I gave it a go. It was fun and hard. My G-pa got on to show me how it worked and he made it look so easy as did Spencer. It's a workout! I could handle the flats and go down hill just fine, it was the up hill that got me.
Andy, April(his wife) and Calvin.
Uncle Luke, Paxton & G-pa Asa
G-ma Barbie & G-pa Asa with the Kiddos
It was a fun trip and we are looking forward to going back. Maybe in March to ride in the rescheduled ride. It's a good excuse to go again! Glad to be home and glad the driving part of it is all over, but we sure miss them all.
And here they are after I finally got down to it and spent a few hours with them. They are going in the girls room along with a new(for us) but really an old mirror that I got at an ebay sale. 
