Missouri Monday

We went to Worlds of Fun today! Such a great day! The older kids went on their own - that was a plunge for me - and the girls went off on their own, and Colette, Gary and I had the munchkins: Brig, Ammon and Joseph...

On the Octopus.

The Mini Detonator.... what a thrill they got.

Riding the boat.

Joseph and daddy riding a French taxi.

Jade and Sariah looking cool after a thrilling ride...

We ate like pigs at the all-you-can-eat bbq buffet.... yum!

Samuel is so happy most of the time.

On the train - say cheese.

The end of the day - we're pooped.

Missouri Sunday

We had an awesome experience at Far West today... the Spirit was so strong as we stood on the Temple Ground that was dedicated when the Saints were driven out from Far West. At each cornerstone is a plaque explaining what each cornerstone represents.

The family on Far West Temple ground.

One big happy family.....

In front of the dedicatory plaque.

Sariah didn't put her wig on right - needs adjusting.

Peter at the end of the Sabbath day, playing with Samuel.

Missouri Saturday

Crossing the pool.

You can do it..... just keep crawling...

Just keep going....

Sitting in the sun - warming up.

Whoa - that was cold!

These were taken at the Trenton pool. It was such a fun pool - similar to Hamilton, but five times the price... and the weather was great!

Missouri Friday

Today we went to Jamesport - the Amish community - and bought lots of cute things, like candles, candy, home-made bread but we missed the fruit/veggie auction. Jacob and Nephi got to help out for some money, but Nephi lost his dollar bill holding it against the open window :(

Jacob and Nephi got paid $1 each to load these bags at the auction.

The kids in front of the horse and buggy.

We then went to Adam-ondi Ahman with the kids - what a spiritual high. I think the children enjoyed it as much as I did. They enjoyed the trails to Preacher's Rock, but it was so humid and sticky - the kids couldn't wait to get back to the car!

Standing on the 'altar rocks' at Adam-ondi Ahman.

Sitting on Preacher's Rock.

On the way back, we got to see the new church in Gallatin! It was amazing! So huge! Even the pews in the chapel went so far back, it was amazing...... truly inspired for some day when it will be filled....

The kids helped move chairs from the annex into the new building. Called to serve thee.....

Missouri Thursday

Today, since the big boys were gone to wrestling camp, we took the little ones, and the girls, swimming at the Gallatin pool. Well, it was a shocker for my kids - the pool was as big as the Beaudette's, with a diving board and a life guard.... I was reminded of Australia once again... with the cold water and overcast weather... I was rather shocked by the cost - $18!! We were there for only a mere 40 min. since a storm was brewing .....

Brotherly love.

They all had lots of fun, until the black clouds came rushing in... then we rushed out. The water was freezing - I'm sure our Arizona friend and family are envious of that - and the pool was still pretty crowded and expensive.

Ammon loves slides. Wheeeeeeee!!

Kristina taking her turn with Samuel.

Mom and Samuel.

Everyone was freezing - especially those from Arizona- did not want to go in!

All the kids sticking close since the water was cold and the storm was comin'

The rains came down again, and so I decided to make pizza for dinner tonight. We'll see how it goes...

Missouri Wednesday

Today was a fun girls' day out! I took the girls thriftstore shopping and we had a blast! I'm so grateful for Elena and her 'maternal' qualities - she took care of Samuel in the car on every stop. There was a lot of cheap stuff, and a lot of cool stuff, but not much cool and cheap stuff at the same place .... Sariah bought me some cute flip-flops. It's pretty muggy, but we can handle it with the a/c in the car....

This is pretty, helpful Elena.

Jacob in the gameroom.

Sariah playing with Samuel.

Mischa and Joseph - good buds.

Sariah and Kristina are always being mistaken for each other - do they look like sisters or what????

Missouri Tuesday

Today was a plentiful day - lots to see and do 'spiritually'. We went to the most sacred places I've been to. First, Adam-ondi Ahman, where we saw Preacher's Rock, the valley and walked where Adam and Joseph Smith had walked..... then Far West had the cornerstones of the temple laid year ago. I was definitely holding back the tears from feeling the spirit so strong. It was truly a significant place - gave me goosebumps taking the photos.

This is the valley of Adam-ondi Ahman.

More of the Valley.

..... and more of the Valley.

This is the service road by Preacher's Rock - where Joseph Smith delivered a couple of sermons.

These rocks are by Tower Hill - where the Nephite altar was found.

Gary made his amazing chicken and pasta tonight. It was quite a hit! Then we went househunting..... just for fun! ☺

Missouri Monday

Wow, what a day! We went to Jamesport, where the Amish live. I think if I didn't find the church through a member, I may have become an Amishite ...... Gary disagrees. It's amazing to see the way they simplify their lives and live with just the basics. I have been reminded much about simplicity whilst traveling around Missouri, especially in the country area. No stress, no commotion, just the simple life - with all its challenges, trials and moments of truth.

This is a horse and buggy that Amish folk use to go places.

This is a typical Amish house - very modest, white and plain.

It was wash day as we drove through town.

For Family Home Evening, we went to the Hansens who have a humdinger of a home - built in 'gym' and game room. Needless to say the boys were in game heaven! To top it off, Brother Hansen held Samuel almost the entire night - what a grandpa! - and Sister Hansen made the most amazing brownies and blondies. After watching a cheesy 'church' movie, talking to Randy, who was on his way to the Brisbane Australia mission, and playing ping pong, we headed back home around 1am! It was amazing to see how late the sun goes down. Eating dinner at 8 or 9pm has become a common practice amongst the Steeles.......

Missouri Sunday

Today was a busy day.... even though church was at 1pm - seems like you'd have plenty of time to get ready - we had to leave the house at 12 noon. It reminded me so much of Australia suburbia. I feel like I'm back in my neck of the woods, amongst the town folk...even the church building was very similar. There's a lot here that is reminiscent of times in Australia, especially in the Croydon ward area - no mother's lounge, small classrooms, cozy chapel ... but the spirit was very strong. They talked about geneology and really inspired me.... Sunday class was amazing - great teacher. Knowing your stuff well is a great attribute!

The Durfees came over to home teach Mike and his family, so we got a great lesson on the plan of salvation. They are an awesome family and it was great to meet them.

Here's some family pics before the evening....

4 Little Monkeys sitting in a tree.......

Teasing Miss Mischa "You can't catch me!"

MISSOURI!!

These are pics on the drive to Missouri - at least the first stretch. Happy faces, going through the states.....then, things changed......ARE WE THERE YET?!?!
Gary had 5 hours sleep and I had 3 and yet we still made it! I took cat naps along the way and Gary tried, but couldn't get more than a few minutes here and there, so he popped some no doz and drove anyway. The kids complained of being tired, but they don't know what sleep deprived means....
We finally made it! It took 24 hours instead of 18, but we took the scenic route with more people than seats in the van.... We had many beautiful scenes along the way.... this particular photo is in Texas, where we didn't take the right route and just kept driving, just keep driving......

When we arrived, I got to go see Sabrina and Kristina play in a softball game and then we celebrated Jade's birthday.....