G&G Wallace and the Keyes Come to Joplin

Mike's parents were able to come for a visit June 29th through July 8th.  Unfortunately this is the only picture I have from the visit.  I was preoccupied with finishing summer school, getting Tucker ready to leave for Tonga (July 3rd), and getting Ilah and I ready to leave for girls camp (July 4th).

When the Keyes arrived on Sunday, everyone came over for dinner (prepared by Fran, Amy, Jim and Syd) and to play some ping pong.  Then on Monday we managed to squeeze in a lake trip thanks to Jim and Amy.  Tucker, Ilah and Henry LOVED the jet skis.  I loved watching cousins have fun together and cooling off in the water.  On Tuesday Tucker left for HEFY and then Ilah, Heather and I left for camp on Wednesday.  From what I understand Henry and Mike had a great time going with family to a rodeo, watching Jimmy and Amy two stepping at the ATA (Anti Thief Association) Dance, and playing in the creek.  On Sunday we drove Jim and Fran to the Springfield airport.  From what I understand it won't be long before they visit again as Jim and Amy are planning on getting sealed some time between Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Mike with Mom & Dad

Sydney and kids came to stay at our house from July 10 through the 16th.  We went to Schermerhorn Park (in Galena) to cool off in the creek.  This is my new favorite place close to Joplin.  It is free and provides hours of entertainment.

Ilah and Abby

Henry with his buddy Ian

the new slim and still sexy Mike

Henry swinging off the rope swing

Shea getting ready to swing

Hello...Goodbye!

Ilah taking a turn

Syd, Mike and Abby

Henry jumping from the tree

Ilah jumping from the tree

Ian gets enough courage to try it

He loved it!

Shea jumping from the tree in the background

Mike and Nate racing

Love this smile!

Nate trying to rope climb

Really love this smile!!

Henry showing us a big rock

Syd talking with Ilah

One night we went to the county fair in Neosho.

Shea didn't want his photo taken

The boys wanted to shoot the gun

Jim and Amy at their conceal and carry booth.

 

We watched the greased pig competition, walked through all of the animal booths, saw Jim and Amy, and the kids rode a few of the carnival rides.  We were going to watch the tractor pull, but found out it cost $10/person - so we stuck with the free stuff.

On Friday Syd came with us to the Kansas City Temple.  One of the young men in our ward was taking out his endowments prior to leaving on his mission.

Syd and Mike

On Sunday (July 15th), we got to have FHE with Sydney and kids.  Ilah prepared a fun interactive lesson.  She had everyone come into the kitchen and each person had to come up with one ingredient to add to make a delicious cake.  We added cocoa, sugar, flour, milk, shortening, baking powder and eggs.  Then Ilah told us she was going to add the "coolest" ingredient.  All of the cool kids LOVE it... spaghetti sauce.  After she dumped a bunch of that into the mix, she let the kids try the batter.  They seemed to like it.  We put it in the oven and went out to play trampoline dodge ball.  When we came back in the house, it smelled horrible, but when the cake was done, Shea and Nate took a bite.  Nate spit it out, but Shea continued to eat.   We were surprised.  Mike asked him if it was good to which he said no, but that since it was the treat/goodie, he was going to eat it.  Ilah explained her object lesson then pulled out a delicious cake she had make previously.

Monday (July 16th), Syd and kids went back over to Jim and Amy's to get ready for their quick trip to Nauvoo.  They were able to see the Nauvoo pageant and told us- that alone was worth the trip.  So it looks like we'll have to figure out a way to go to Nauvoo next July :)  On Thursday Bob flew back in to Springfield to help with the trip home.  Thursday was also Henry's 12th birthday so everyone came over that night as we attempted to celebrate with homemade cookie dough ice cream and Macadacia cake.  (That is a story for another time.)

Joplin doesn't really have any attractions so to speak, but I remember how much I loved going to visit G&G in Eagar, AZ.  That small town experience was so different from what I was used to.  I loved it!  I think Syd, Shea, Nate, and Abby enjoyed their "country vacation".  From Jim and Amy's cows, to county fairs, rodeos, hanging out at the creek, and going two-stepping it almost feels like you're stepping back in time.