The Church History Tour

On August 15-19th we moved from St. George, UT all the way back to Lansing, MI. This time we decided to take some time and have a little family vacation along the way. We have always wanted to see the church sites so we decided to stop along the way to see some of them.

Our first stop was to visit Independence, Missouri. There wasn't a lot to see but it was very interesting to see a few of the sites there. For example: the lot where Joseph Smith dedicated land to build a temple, but was never able to. We were also able to see the temple of the Community of Christ(RFLDS). We also got to see where Governor Boggs house was as well.

Our next stop of Liberty Jail. As soon as you walked into the room where the jail was you could feel the spirit so strong. As the missionaries shared the story of Joseph Smith in Jail it sent chills up our spines. We were in awe, especially to learn a few new things like: they were in that jail for 4 months before being released early & also that previous to being put into Liberty Jail, that Jospeh Smith had always had a spokesman speak for him. After being released from jail he always spoke for himself.

Our 3rd stop on our tour was Carthage Jail. I was anxious to see this site. I had heard and read so much about where Joseph & Hyrum Smith were killed, along with others. To be there was very humbling. As we made our way from room to room I felt myself pondering & trying to imagine myself in their place or even being around during that time. As we sat in the room where the mob came that day I was almost in tears. The spirit, again, was very strong!!!!

Our final stop was to see Nauvoo. Nauvoo is such a cute town, where the church sites are anyway. As for downtown Nauvoo....well, it's pretty old and run down. When we got out of the truck and looked up on the hill we saw the Nauvoo Temple. It was almost as if we were looking at a painting. It was almost like a dream! It's beautiful and reminds me of the movie "Legacy". We are actually going into Nauvoo tomorrow morning to really look at things. We plan to take a carriage ride that gives a tour of Nauvoo, then check out some of the shops around town too.

Although touring has been really hard in a 22 ft. truck + a van being towed behind it...we are so very grateful we took the time out to see these sites. Not many people get or take the chance to exerience these things for themselves. I can't wait to read D&C again and have it come to life as I read it again. I HIGHLY suggest you come see these places if you haven't already.

The All American Family!!!

We are now members of the "All American Family" club. We are married, have children, and now have a van. I guess the only thing missing is a dog and a house. That'll be here someday!!! We have been wanting a bigger vehicle for quite some time now but haven't been able to afford it. Plus, we thought there was no way we could get out of our Ford Focus. So, lately we've been test driving vans, SUV's, etc.and really researching what's out there. Tonight, on a whim, we headed down to the Ford dealership to just look. Low and behold, we found a van within our price range, lower miles than we have on our car, and was so dang comfortable. Of course, I would love to have a Honda Odyssey but there's no way in heck we could afford that. So, we took the next thing....a Ford Windstar. It's white with grey and black interior. I absolutely love, love, love it!!!! We made out like bandits 'cause now our car payment is less than what we were paying on our Focus, the Interest Rate is AWESOME, it has less miles than our Focus, and we don't have any payment due until September!!!!! Woo Hoo! I am so happy! It gets better! Tomorrow is my birthday so HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME!!!

Logan, UT Fireworks 2006

One of the traditions our family has is to go to the Logan City fireworks at the USU Stadium. It's not what you would call the "Stadium of Fire" but it's a lot of fun! This year we decided to have a pre-fireworks party. Everyone brought food, drinks, and treats to snack on. We had a great time!!! I love family!!!

Talk It Up!!!

I am so excited because today I got my own cell phone!!! Wahooooo! You have no idea how happy I am about this! Mike and I used to have one phone together. Well, because of Mike's job he had to have the cell phone at all times. I ended up never getting to use it. Our phone ended up dying on us. We had to get a new phone. So, we just decided to get on a family plan so that we both have phones and when we move to Michigan we won't have to get a land line!!! Now I can be reached anywhere and anytime!!!!

Good Times, Good Memories!

Connor and Allison

(Top) David, Bryan, Kyle, Jacob

(Bottom) Anthony, Garret, Connor, Kaylie, Shelby, Baby Anna

Connor, Mike, Anna

Getting together with all the grandkids is such a blast! When they're all together there are 12 grandkids (5 girls & 7 boys). My sister is also pregnant with girl #6. It's a party!!! They all run around together and have such a good time. The great thing is that all the kids have someone their age to play with!

I'm A Big Kid Now!!!!

This month has been a fun & busy month for Connor, already. I took him to the Dr. on Monday for his 15 month check-up, even though he's 16 months old. We were in Wellsville when he turned 15 months old. Anywho.....we found out he is 24.10 lbs. and is 31.5 inches tall/long. He's still in the 50% for weight but jumped to 74% for length!!! How great is that?!?! That's a first 'cause he's always been around 45% for length. He was immunized for chicken pox, Hepatitis A, and one other one. Unfortunately they found he had an ear ache in both ears, especially his right ear. We knew he was miserable but had no idea his ears were bothering him. He's been on antibiotics for 4 days now and I've already seen a huge improvement in him. Also, Connor is FINALLY WALKING!!!! Since about 13 months he's been standing on his own, taking a step or two here and there but, never really doing much more that. Needless to say, he has gotten very fast on his knees. Well, we got back to St. George on Monday afternoon & ever since then he has taken off! How fun it has been! I love seeing how excited he is getting around on his own. He is so pleased with himself and always claps once he reaches his destination!!! He makes me laugh and smile every day!!!

Old McDonald Had A Farm!!!!!

David, Greg, Mike & Connor
Laura and Connor

For the 4th of July my family got together for a cookout. We were all outside, having a good time, and decided to get out the tractor. The grandkids TOTALLY LOVE getting rides on the tractor. So, we took them around the farm. I even managed to drive the tractor w/ Connor on my lap and not crash it at the same time!!!

I Am So Lucky!!!!

My husband, Mike, is the sweetest guy in the whole world!!! I don't know what I did to deserve him! These are some flowers he had sent to me today! He's been in St. George while I've been in Wellsville, visiting family, since May 27th! I miss him so much! It's definitely lonely not having him around. He's been so sweet by sending me little presents in the mail. I ask why and he just says 'cause I'm special to him!!! Ohhhh! :) I love you Mike!!! Thanks for all you do!!!!

Off We Go, Into the Wild, Blue Yonder....!!!!

My brother, his wife, their son, Connor & I were able to go to the Thunderbird Airshow at Hill Airforce Base! It was an anniversary year so not only were the Thunderbirds there but many, many other jets, helicopters, and planes! I have a HUGE, HUGE, HUGE fascination of planes, jets, and helicopters so I was in heaven! These are just a few of the pictures I was able to get. I was able to get autographs of the 6 main pilots as well as get my picture taken (seen above) w/ the head pilot! Ahhhh! I can't deny my love for a man in uniform!!!

School Days, School Days!!!!

Lately I've been trying to collect pictures of where I grew up. For example: the house I grew up in, the schools I went to, etc. In these pictures we're at Wellsville Elementary where I went grades K-5! I loved school! So, we took the kids and let them have some fun on the swings! There's nothing like swinging!!!

Popsicle Heaven!!!!

(Grandma Jeppesen, Jacob, Connor, Stacey, Garrett, Sam)

It's been pretty hot and humid here in Wellsville! We take every opportunity we can to relax and cool down. The kids absolutely love popsicles, not to mention their mom's do too!

Two Peas in a Pod!!!!

One day my Mom was putting some things away in the fridge. Connor and Garrett (cousins, 3 months apart) were very interested and had to go inspect. Next thing we knew they were climbing inside, pulling things out, knocking each other over, and having a good time! We can't seem to keep them away now!

Class of 2023, or something like that!!!!

Wow! Class of 2023! That's weird to think about!!! I'm not even sure if that's right but it's close. My brother was graduating that day and I decided to put his hat on Connor. I think it fits already! Look out world!!!

Catchin' Some Summer Rays!!!!

Last Monday my sister, Stacey (& kids), my sister-in-law, Wendy(& kids), Connor and I made a trip to the Logan City outdoor pool. What a blast! It was pretty hot and we were scroched afterwards. It was worth it though for some much needed R&R!!!!

If you look at this picture, at the top of the line, you can see me raising my hand in the air. Connor and I are waiting in line to go down a water slide.
Here's Connor and I coming out the slide.
When we were done Connor pointed to the top of the slide and got really excited. So, we went down again. I've decided that if there was such a thing as reincarnation that Connor would've been a fish in his life before this one. He loves the water and enjoys splashing around!!!!

Shave and a Haircut, Two Bits!!!

Haircut time for little ones is not the highlight of their day. Garrett (my nephew) tried to be so brave while we cut his hair. Even Mom tried to help out. He even has soooo much hair that I think his Dad may be jealous....just kidding Greg!!!! :)

Stamp It Up!!!!

Grandma M. was in her office cleaning out her scrapbooking supplies. The blue crate, that you see in the pictures, was full of different stamps. Connor had gotten into the office and when she turned around, there sat Connor in the crate, happy as could be!

Future Olympic Swimmer

Connor has always loved swimming, bathing, or anything to do with playing in the water. Last year we were spoiled enough to go swimming in a pool all the time. This year we have to settle with a $6.00 plastic swimming pool from Wal-Mart! Woo Hoo! :) That's ok, he loves it just the same! When we go up to Logan we'll be able to go to the awesome pool up there!

Chocolate!!!! Mmmmmm!

One day I had put Connor in the play pen while I ran to the bathroom. When I came back I found that he had gotten into Grandma's Easter candy and had shoved 3 chocolate eggs into his mouth!!!

You Are Getting Sleepy!!!!

One of Connor's favorite things to do it to swing on Grandpa & Grandma's back porch swing. Whenever he gets fussy all you have to do is take him on the swing and he calms right down. This time he was so tired that he fell asleep.

Quack, Quack, Quack!!!

Meet LaFonda! The duck with the boofy hair!
Can you see the look of fear in Connor's eyes?
I love how I happened to pose like a duck!
One of our new rituals is that Mike, Connor, and I go to a local golf course and feed the ducks there. Connor is getting more and more used to the ducks all the time! It's been a lot of fun!