Wednesday, July 19, 2023

LOTO

For our family summer vacation, we road tripped down to Lake of the Ozarks and stayed with my Aunt Clotene and Uncle Craig at their Missouri getaway.


For nostalgia, I brought along my old Rand McNally and I have to admit it was rather useful. Google maps is not absolute.


The first day we broke up the 7 hour drive with an overnight at a hotel in Chillicothe, MO.  The kids loved the hotel as much as any other adventure on our trip.





After many windy roads and a change of route to longer but straighter path, we flatlanders finally made it to the Bose's on Long Acres Dr.






Fun in the sand at Captain Ron's.










The gorgeous mimosa tree in bloom.


Lunch at Bear Bottoms.

Zona was loving the extra lovin'

The kids were brave enough to try the sky walk course at the Malted Monkey. Tuck tried his best but didn't make it as high as Mason and Jentry.







We explored the fascinating underground world with a mile long tour of Jacob's Cave. We saw reflective pools, prehistoric bones (mastodon, bear and peccary), and the world's largest geode. There was every type of cave formation imaginable, from millions of soda straws and massive stalactites and columns, to delicate helectites. Evidence of six ice ages and three earthquakes could be seen. 












On the last evening, we took a night cruse to watch the fireworks from the water.




It was a perfect little getaway with a balance of relaxation and adventure. Craig and Clotene were the most generous hostesses and made us feel right at home. The road trip home went smoothly and we only had to stop for bathroom breaks three times! LOTO, thanks for the memories.

Sunday, July 16, 2023

Summer Fun Part One



Exploring in the trees.

Lake time!


Memorial Day peonies.

Jentry's cousin, Parker, graduated in Arizona.



We hired Kylie Baumert to nanny the boys this summer and they are having a blast.





Kylie's dog, Sadie



Sunbathing.

Tucker and neighbor, Cole.

Pool time at the farm.



Sunset firepit at the Hamilton's.


Lots of baseball.



Beach day.





Tucker's beautiful flower pot.

Vacation Bible School!