Our family turns 24 year old

We seem to never be home on our anniversary. 😂 Today marks 24 years of marriage, and we celebrated by continuing our drive across the USA toward Idaho and Utah for some summer fun. ❤️

Today’s adventure took us from Carthage, Illinois, to Sioux Falls, South Dakota—and, most importantly, we had a successful day with ZERO car trouble! 🙌🏻

Since we missed all of Saturday in Nauvoo, we decided to at least drive by all the sites and take some pictures. Unfortunately, everything was closed, so we couldn’t actually take the kids inside or do any of the tours.

I think I was the only one who was genuinely sad about this. 😂 I LOVE Nauvoo and was really looking forward to showing the kids around and sharing some of the history with them. But I guess that just means we’ll have to try again another year!

Our Airbnb 🏠

My favorite quote of the stay came from Nick:

“Mom, this house is so old it should just die.” 😂

Also noteworthy: this absolutely massive door that led to the bedroom.

And then there was the four-poster bed… Every time I opened my eyes in the middle of the night, one of the bedposts looked exactly like a person standing in our room staring at me. 😳 Needless to say, I did NOT sleep peacefully. 😂

Not exactly the romantic anniversary getaway you picture when you hear “24 years of marriage,” but honestly, I wouldn’t trade it. ❤️

Carthage Jail:

Nauvoo Temple:
Funny story, I loved Nauvoo so much I really wanted to get married there. We would have been married on July 2, 2002 - but moved it to SLC temple, June 28th.

American Gothic Painting:

This was the spur of the moment side visit - which I love. This is the house from the American Gothic Painting depicting an Iowa farmer and his daughter. Fun fact...that wasn't a farmer and that wasn't his daughter and they never even met until 12 years after this painting was completed. The guys was a dentist in the town who was assured that nobody would know it was him and when people reconized him their relationship was forever damaged. The girl in the painting is the artist's cousin. The artist made $300 in awards which is equivalent to $8000 today.

Then we got back in the car and drove to Sioux Falls. We pulled in around 7pm. Christopher took the littles swimming, Andrew caught up on his phone, Zack skateboarded, I went to the store for dinner supplies then made dinner for everyone. Easy day.

Skater boi-s

 Sometimes I seriously question my parenting. 😂

Zack asks if he can go hang out with friends and skateboard. I say yes. Seems simple enough, right?

Then, next thing I know, these are the pictures I’m getting from him. 😂 Apparently, “going to skateboard with friends” actually meant taking a little adventure around the city—walking about a mile from his friend’s house, finding new places to skate, getting snacks and shakes, and generally seeing where the day took them.

I had no idea any of this was happening. 🤦‍♀️😂

But honestly, I’m just happy they all made it safely back home—and that they had an adventure, discovered new places, ate some good food, and made fun memories along the way. I guess this is what happens when you give your kids a little freedom… and try not to ask too many questions. ❤️

Nick's 1st Grad Fun Run

 37 laps for this kid!

Ben Play in Mines

Morgan (Ben's friend) is really into caving and has taken Ben along for the ride! We got these photos from Ben, along with a video of them riding in an old mine cart, of their most recent adventure. He said it was a tight squeeze to get into the mine shaft, but once they were in it was huge! I'd be good if this was a one time deal!