Our Great Trip

Sorry it took me so long to post, again. I have been trying to add pictures for you, but can't do it with the updated blogger. I guess I'll call Dave later and get the scoop on what to do. Wasn't this version supposed to be easier?

Anyway.... We had a great trip to Nashville. It was so fun to be altogether after8 months. Keep in mind that you should NOT move too far away from you family. I digress. We started out making a stop in Iowa. That was fun for us, although it was probably just work for Tammy. We only stayed overnight. I was sorry that we missed seeing the "tabernacle" from earlier in the day and hope they got pictures to post from that. Tammy and Greg have amazing children. We had fun playing with them, even though Ben and Lizzie really didn't warm up to us until morning. Tammy even got out of bed to make us waffles before we left. It was exciting to think that next time I stop at Tammy and Greg's I will even get to see Todd and D. Now when will I make it to Texas? Even worse...how long will it take me to make it to Nevada. I promise I am coming April!
(Maybe I don't blog much because I ramble?)
We spent a half a day in Nauvoo. The temple wasn't open so we missed that, but we loved the rest. We went to the land office and found out where several of Rick's ancestors lived. That was pretty awesome! It was amazing to know that we were standing on the same land that they owned. I know I am not related...but my children are. I think we will go better prepared next time with more names and personal info about their pioneer heritage.
We got to Nashville just afternoon on a Tuesday. Preston seemed excited to see us, but still trusted only his mom or dad. We toured Dave's lab and campus and a nearby park.
Wednesday Nan and Allie flew in. It was so cute to see the little ones together. They held hands as they walked. When I learn to add pictures I will show you. We went to the Grand Ole Opry, downtown Nashville, a civil war battlefield, the Nashville Zoo, President Jackson's house (The Hermitage), and an indoor playground. It was freezing after the first day. We actually had snow (although it melted as soon as it hit pavement). It isn't fair to have record cold when we were expecting balmy days! Anyway..the best part was just being together and watching how much Preston has grown up. Ya-ping had just gotten back from Taiwan so she was pretty tired, but was willing to play with us anyway. We are lucky to have a daughter-in-law that we love and that loves us. Thanks, Ga-go. The hardest part, of course, was leaving. We hope to be able to fly Dave's family here for Mark's farewell which should be in Sept. or Oct. but that is a long time. Our only bad travel day was the last day through Wyoming. The roads were closed in the morning so Rick and I cooled our heals in our warm hotel room for a couple of hours. When the freeway finally opened it was snowpacked and SCARY! I was glad Rick was driving. Several places were white out conditions. We saw the aftermath of several wrecks but got through safely. Whew!
That is enough for one blog. Congratulations to those brave souls who made it all the way through. We love and miss you all!