recap: 7 - Nauvoo to Kentucky

We spent longer than intended at Nauvoo, but we got our souvenir bricks, were mistaken for EFY kids, and saw a former missionary Kate and I were neighbors with in Tampa. Oh, and I saw a couple of clarinetists from BYU. I even waved.

After Nauvoo, there was Carthage.

Followed by Hannibal MO. St. Louis, Indiana, with our stop in Lexington, KY.

r-e-s-p-e-c-t

A lot of posts I've read lately have been political in nature. I tried to not say much, though I did complain about the effects of living in a battleground state with all the lobbying schmuck being thrown around. I have never been more grateful to not own a tv!

I am excited for this new Presidential era. It will be a time for people to settle down and hopefully stop looking at all the things that are going wrong, but instead, focus on what is going right. And, as there will be things that do go wrong, perhaps we as a people will be more willing to do something, instead of finding someone to blame for what is going wrong.

I appreciate that my friends are not those who have sat passively by with problems, but have done something about it. Unfortunately, you all live far far away.

I have found it most interesting that 'all our problems in America are the fault of one man.'

I know there are some ideas that I don't fully support President Bush on, but I feel he has been disrespected and made to bear the blame for things that were beyond his control. Perhaps I'm old-fashioned in thinking that elected officials deserve our respect, even whilst in disagreement with them; frankly, I'm embarrassed for my country, and the way we've treated this man.

Here is an article that speaks more eloquently on the subject.

And another.

for frau

I know it's not quite the same, but I'll share!



The stickers are very important! As I was getting ready to vote, the lady who was in the booth before me asked where she could get a sticker. I don't know if I'd have been brave enough, truthfully.



I guess they were giving free coffees at Starbucks for those with stickers....

recap: 6 - Nebraska to Nauvoo

We said goodbye to Dave, and headed out, stopping first at Winter Quarters, arriving in Nauvoo around dusk.

Kate wandered around town, while I talked to mom and dad online. I was tired, not having slept well the night before. This trend continued the remainder of the trip.

For all those thinking of staying at the Nauvoo Family Inn and Suites, there is an emphasis on Family there (i.e. little children running amuck at all hours) and don't let them put you in a room near the elevator, either. They do have free wireless, though.

happy birthday, dad

Christmas 2005



Christmas 2007




Enjoying an awkward street moment at the expense of his beloved daughter. He later was sucked in by someone wanting signatures for an anti-drugs petition, who liked donations, too.




At the 'puter.







Things I've learned from my father:

Don't cut up photos.

These next two came at different times while we were driving in the car somewhere. I know it was in Mesa, well, at least Arizona.

Everyone has the bible - that's why we need prophets

Get an education

He also taught me how to braid hair, thanks to a kind My Little Pony. Posy, to be exact. (This was useful, because the I adapted that so I learned to french braid my own hair - my mom pulls tight! [I know, not as tight as granny did, but still.])

Don't play games on Sunday. :) You'll ruin it for everyone.




Thanks dad, for everything. As much as I like Tom and all, I'm glad you are my daddy.

Love you, and see you soon.