Our trip continued to Nebraska...

... where Gary served his mission.

Our first stop was The Kanesville Tabernacle (actually in Iowa). When Gary was on his mission he helped build the replicated meeting house of the Saints. While working away he and his friend Brandon carved the last initial of each of their names into the building in such a place would not be able to be sanded or stained out (K-Kirkman M-Moore). He told us stories and reminisced his mission days. We drove by a couple of his apartments--one was condemned and the other replaced with a new and trendy supermarket. However, the spirit of his service still remains and we are grateful for that.

Kanesville Tabernacle:

Then we crossed the Missouri River to Winter Quarters. A place where 3000 pioneers stopped for the winter of 1846-1847. Many lives were lost (mostly children) and hearts broken. We toured the site, the boys dressed as pioneer children, and we walked around the grave sites near the Nebraska Temple. Trek enjoyed dressing up and playing pioneer games. When asked by one of the sister missionaries how he helped Jesus, Canyon thoughtfully replied, "I carry the wind."

Winter Quarters:

Our last stop (and most exciting for Trek & Canyon) was the Henry Doorly Zoo in Omaha. It was simply AMAZING!! Our favorite stops were the Jungle Room, the Monkeys, and the Butterfly Room. When visiting the snakes Trek said, "nake, no, run, run." He shares the same dislike for snakes as his Daddy!

Henry Doorly Zoo:

~Historic Nauvoo~

We traveled over 3000 miles, spent countless hours in the car, took 500+ pictures and enjoyed every minute of our ADVENTURE to see Gary's parents on their mission in Nauvoo. On the way Canyon talked about his "Missionator" grandparents and sounds of laughter echoed in our back seat (seriously). I learned that Kansas is incredibly flat with a strange amount of water tours, grain silos and solitude farm houses. I learned that my father-in-law is quite the actor and that my mother-in-law is adored by the young sister missionaries. I learned that they work very hard every day to share the message of the gospel that they have a definite testimony of. I learned that the pioneer Saints worked endlessly and willingly to create a beautiful and precious city that they had to prematurely leave to be able to practice a faith they loved dearly. I learned that I could spend many hours in a row with my sweetie and still find him irresistibly handsome and entertaining. I learned that I am a girl that loves the southwest, the mountains and the desert and that returning home is even more appreciated after the blessing of a priceless, unforgettable trip. Here are some of the pictures:

Walking up the hill to the Nauvoo Temple.

The Print Shop.

The Post Office.

The Woman's Garden.

Stoddard Tin Shop.

Pioneer Pass Times. The boys loved this spot!

Scovil Bakery.

Oxen Wagon Ride.

Browning Home & Gunsmith Shop.

Sunset Practice. Check out my M-I-L playing the gut bucket!

Three generations of wonderful men.

Carthage Jail.

The Brickyard & The Webb Brothers' Blacksmith Shop. The Blacksmith shop really caught Canyon's attention.

Us at Inspiration Point.

Rendezvous! The most entertaining play I've seen in a long time. It was great to see Gary's parents performing with their good friends the Parker's.

Family Living Center. Canyon helps wind rope. Trek built towers. And I couldn't help but photograph the weaving.

Us with the Actors after Rendezvous.

The Wagon Rides.

Some random shots.

A beautiful Nauvoo sunset overlooking the Mississippi River.

~Jesse's Graduation~

My dear, sweet, and wonderful nephew graduated from high school a couple of weeks ago. We had so much fun celebrating the EVENT. I am so thankful for the wonderful parents he has and the wonderful young man he is. And I am excited to watch him grow in this next phase of his life! Love you Jess, love you so much!

The proud parents!

The two graduates have known each other their whole lives. How sweet to share this moment together... with their fabulous mamas!

The Holly Family

Some pictures from the graduation party.

We hit the Albuquerque Botanical Gardens and Aquarium while we were there.

Just so I don't forget...

Canyon

Canyon recently asked for a puppy. When Gary and I asked if he would walk and feed the puppy he obliged willingly. When we asked, "Who will clean up the poop?" After a pause he said "Gross. I will just get a girl." (Gary broke it to him softly that girls do in fact poop).

Leaves me his beloved green blanket and wiesel to sleep with during the day after I have worked all night "so I can feel safe."

He sang in sacrament meeting at church on Mother's Day with the rest of the primary kids. He was a bit shy to go up to the front, but a sweet little boy put his hand on Canyon's back and encouraged him to come along and on the way back he got lost and was hollaring out "Mama, Mama." During the song he belted out the chourus but spent the other parts just looking around, taking it all in.

At Easter during the easter egg hunt he passed up candy for hard boiled eggs and came home with over a dozen hard boiled eggs.

Trek

He is very into superheros and runs around with a cape on at all times. He recently met girl at the park that was a couple of years older than him dressed in an Iron Man costume. She informed him that she was "a real superhero and so was everyone in her family." I am pretty sure he instantly fell in love and ran after her the entire time we were at the park. He was heart broken when she went home.

He sleeps in his own bed in the room he shares with Canyon all night (usually). (This is huge & wonderful accomplishment for Gary & I).

He has a fanstastic imagination and makes up games with animals, trucks, action figures, and even vegetables from dinner... He pretented two artichoke leaves were a Daddy & Baby for about an hour after dinner was finished. And when he plays these games his favorite spot to set up camp is at my feet.

He is says new and sweet words every day that surprise us, melt our hearts and make us laugh.

Today Trek Turned Two

All day I reminisced. I reminisced on how grateful I am to be a mama, especially to Trek. How blessed I feel that he has the Daddy he has and the big brother he has. I think about things that have happened over the year and the changes and growth that have occurred. When I thought about Trek this past year I couldn't help but think, what a big year for my baby! This past year he stopped nursing, learned to walk, started sleeping in his own bed (sort-of), started talking, feeding himself, and many other milestones. Everyday he shows me that he is silly, sweet, determined, imaginative, and kind. Everyday he plays, and kisses, and hugs, and laughs. Everyday I fall more and more in love with him. Everyday I am thankful for April 28th, 2009 when I was given the gift of Trek, when I met one of the most important people in my life. Everyday I learn from him and love to teach him. Happy Birthday my baby!

While he was napping Canyon and I made party hats and decorated the table. I made brownies and Gary got pizza.

Easter in no particular order...

(my boys made it next to impossible to take a picture--this was my favorite, silly shot)

(catching up with a dear friend)

Bubbles, Balloons, Buzz, & my sweet Baby Blue...

...Celebrating {2}

(The Cake: Cake Pops-they turned out perfectly & were a hit)
(a little help blowing from brother)




(Austin showing off his car & medal from the Pine Wood Derby earlier that day)
(Phase 2 of the Party: BUZZ... after Trek received this gift from Mom, Dad, & Canyon all other interaction was lost and he spent the rest of the party taking on the wind with BUZZ--he has since toted the too heavy-noise making-laser shooting-space ranger everywhere he goes--including bed)