Trip to Missouri

Bruce's last remaining uncle on Dad's side passed away on August 15, and so we made a quick trip to Missouri for the funeral. Uncle Don was a wonderful man and very strong in the Gospel. He will be missed by many. We left  about 4 am on Tuesday and were back home again by 9:30 am Thursday. It is about a 13 hour drive, so not nearly as bad as traveling there from Arizona. The funeral service was very nice, and we enjoyed very much visiting with relatives that we hadn't seen for many years. We also visited with a friend in Kirksville that we had never met before who hunts and looks over Bruce's property. Andy and Tina Jackson and their family are delightful...felt like we have known them forever. While we were in Kirksville, we spent time at the cemetery where several of the relatives are buried, went out and visited the property, and drove by the hospital where Bruce was born. 

Branch building in Macon...Uncle Don was instrumental in getting the building approved

We shot these pictures as we were leaving to come home

Bruce with aunts Leila (Uncle Don's wife) and Margaret

Bruce with all of his cousins

Andy and Tina Jackson and family

Deer killed on Bruce's property

Bruce standing on steps of old school on his property

More of property (both sides of road)

William and Esther Leavitt headstone (with my reflection)

Bruce's grandparents

Bruce's great grandparents (Grandma Leavitt's parents)

Bruce's great grandparents (Grandpa Leavitt's parents)

Hospital where Bruce was born

It was very hot and humid in Missouri. I was glad to get back home to Colorado. Still, we were glad that we made the effort to go, and it is good that Bruce has reconnected with his extended family. 

Week with Aaron

We just took Aaron back yesterday, after having him spend a little over a week with us. Grandpa and I came home and crashed yesterday, and were still pretty tired today. Didn't realize how much energy we spent doing things with Aaron, even though we had a great time and we'd do it over again in a heart beat. He is a sweet boy, and we enjoyed having him here...even though he took over my Wii. My goal this week is to get more exercise in before I start getting super busy with cakes again, starting this weekend. Here is a recap of our week...

Wednesday, July 21
Left after Bruce got off work to meet Brent in Grand Junction to pick up Aaron. Got back home about 5 am, after stopping for a little snooze on the way home.


Thursday, July 22
Went to see Toy Story 3 in 3D. Great movie...we all enjoyed it!

Friday, July 23

Went shopping for some new clothes for Aaron and birthday present for Dallin. 

Saturday, July 24

Went to Pioneer Day celebration at the church...lots of fun.

Old Time Pictures of Aaron and Grandpa and Grandma

Had BBQ and visited with John and Gaylene Winters on Saturday evening.

Sunday, July 25

Went to church with Aaron and the Winters.

Monday, July 26

Visited Grandpa at work. Called Mom (Rachel) to wish her Happy Birthday, watched "Princess and the Frog," and went to Rizutos for ice cream.

Tuesday, July 27

Went to the May Bug Museum...very cool, and then off to the Rockies game...very, very, cool. It was so much fun, and perfect weather! 

Wednesday, July 28

Went to the top of Pikes Peak on the Cog Railway. Beautiful trip, but in the clouds and very cold on top.

Thursday, July 30

Went fishing and for short photo shoot at Garden of the Gods.

Friday, July 30

Went out to breakfast at Wade's, made cookies, played more Wii, and got packed up.

Saturday, July 31

Left early to take Aaron back home. Met Brent again in Grand Junction.

Thanks Aaron, for a very fun week! Love you lots!