Last Stop Vicksburg, MS

 From the Ozarks we drove to Pelatachie, MS to camp at Jellystone Park. We had a great time swimming in the pool, sliding, and playing in the splash pad. It was very hot, so the pool was a welcome relief. We also  drove to Vicksburg National Military Park where we learned all about the battles that happened in and around Vicksburg during the Civil War and how instrumental it was in the Union victory. One of the most fun parts of the museum was the interactive children’s area where the kids could dress up, build forts, and play. After the visitors center, we drove through the park to see the monuments. 

Jellystone Park 

Fun in the pool 

The Illinois Monument at Vicksburg National Military Park 

Playing dress up 

Receiving their Junior Ranger badges 

Setting up battle lines 

Dressing up as Union Soldiers and here is Josh with a picture of the youngest Medal of Honor receipient (14)! 

Jacob’s Ladder 

We ended up leaving our campsite a day early to make it back in time for Caleb’s freshman orientation. I can’t believe we have a high schooler! We packed up in record time and got on the road. We made it home around 1am. What a long, fun adventure we had. I’m super grateful for these opportunities and adventures we had. Thanks for being on this crazy journey with us! 

Almost Home

 This is our last week of our summer adventure. We started the week in Sunrise Beach, Missouri at the Lake of the Ozarks. We stayed at an AirBnB with a beautiful view of the lake and had a couple relaxing days on the water. One afternoon we rented a tri-toon boat and went tubing. It was such a fun time. The tube was more like a chair with a back. It was great to ride, but choppy because of the wind, so sometimes we felt like Dave was trying to throw us off! We stopped off at a restaurant on the water called Bear Bottoms for drinks and nachos. It was a nice, relaxing time. And now Dave’s all excited to buy a boat. 😂

Enjoying the screened in porch 

View from our AirBnB 

I was so proud of Dave for backing up the Bean on this steep gravel driveway…that wasn’t easy 

Fun afternoon at the lake 

Relaxing on the boat 

Best tube ride ever! 

Favorite picture of the day 

Friends in CO and NE

 Our next stop was Colorado. We went to visit friends that Dave first met at Officer Training School in Alabama many years ago. We were also stationed with them in Japan. It was great to see them. Their family is such a treasure. We had a few days of rest…swimming, playgrounds, the library, a Costco visit and the boys even got to mountain bike! 

Slide races 

Annabelle and Jodi 

Dave and Jordan 

Caleb, Justus, and Josh 

Annabelle busy reading 

Mountain biking trails right behind their house 

After CO we had another long day of driving to get to Omaha, NE. We stayed with friends of Dave’s from college. They were in the same campus ministry together. Dave got the opportunity to share communion at the Omaha Church of Christ Sunday morning which was really special for him. It was neat to connect and people that knew him as a young college student. I heard lots of funny stories. 

The Larsen’s beautiful farm at sunset 

Annabelle had a blast playing with Timmerlyn 

Dave sharing communion 

Dave and Chris 

Trevor, Jen, and Dave 

Cuddling with kittens 

Grand Tetons

After we left Helena, we drove back through Wyoming to camp at the Grand Tetons. It was our second boondocking experience. This time we were in Bridger-Teton National Forest. I feel like we were camping in a field of wildflowers. It was beautiful, but the bugs were intense. We started our day at the Jenny Lake visitor center to catch a boat ride across the lake where we hiked to Hidden Falls and up to Inspiration Point. We saw lots of chipmunks, but talked to a few other people who saw a bear at the waterfall. I feel both bummed and glad we missed it. That evening we hung out at our campsite which was really nice to cook, play, and enjoy the campfire. It was a short, but beautiful time in the Tetons. 

View of Jenny Lake 

The Grand Tetons 

Even though we celebrated early, here’s our actual anniversary dinner…white chicken chili at our boondocking site

Annabelle and Liam in fields of huge dandelions 

Hidden Falls 

It was a very rocky climb up to Inspiration Point

We made it! 

On our way back across Jenny Lake on the boat 

Liam got his Jr Range badge for the Tetons! 

Taco Tuesday at the campsite 

Goodnight and goodbye Grand Tetons