We laughed,
we became a part of history,
we celebrated love,
and life.
We witnessed nature's beauty,
and enjoyed each others company.
But most of all, we enjoyed being with one another as family.
Such a beautiful couple, inside and out. I'm so proud of the both of them, they are my pride and joy.
She's grown so fast, from a tiny cuddly little baby, to a beautiful young woman. God Bless You Tara, Happy 15th!
Tara and Kiley enjoyed sitting in the snack bar area, Brass Armadillo isn't exactly on young teen-age girls list of fun things to do!
Me in one of the booths, were so many nostalgic things.
Since Mom moved, she has wanted a white wicker rocker. While there, I found this one marked at $40! I went to my husband, took him back to see it, and in the 5 minutes I left it, it was gone! We went up to the check-out and asked if anyone had just bought it, and the lady told me the dealer just went out the door with it, she was changing up her booth! You're kidding me! We went outside to see if she was still in the parking lot, and she was gone! Really, she changes her booth out just as I find this rocker!? I was telling Jenny how bummed I was, when in came the dealer with the rocker! One of the employees went outside and tracked her down, she couldn't believe the rocker that sat there for so long, was wanted in the 5 minutes it took her to haul it back to her truck. I got it for $32. To fit it in the van, Chad folded down one of the seats.
Kiley sat in the rocker on the way home, with me singing "Beverly Hillbillies" to her. It reminded me of Granny Clampet riding in her rocking chair on top of the truck. We got home, and fixed a full course chinese dinner, from soup to nuts! Awesome awesome day!
We rode on the 1920's train, pulled by a steam locomotive.
The conductor was an excellent tour guide, we found out the mountains we rode through hid Bonnie and Clyde, and that moonshiners were rampant throughout.
Ken, settled in for the ride.
Going over the 150' high trestle was a riot! It gave a spectacular view of the mountains.
This picture was taken looking straight down to the Des Moines River bed.
When we finished our ride, the engineer of the other train let the girls come up and sit in his seat. What great photo ops! Here is Tara,
Kiley,
and the engineer. What a great, relaxing and fun afternoon, followed by dinner at Famous Dave's barbecue. The most awesome ribs I've ever had!! Tomorrow is the antique malls, Monday is Tara's birthday, Tuesday is Chad and Jenny's anniversary, then Wednesday we head home via the Chicago Field Museum. I hate to leave!
Pelicans by Saylor Dam, in one of the streams
Seagulls flying at the dam.
Chad and Jenny, aren't they the cutest?
The Hogback was built in 1824, and is 97' long. It sits in it's original spot, and is named for the limestone quarry at the end of the river.
The wooden floor of the bridge really shows its age, I loved walking it, becoming one with its past.
The last we visited was the Cedar Bridge. It was also featured in The Bridges of Madison County. Built in 1883, it was burned to the ground on September 3rd of 2002. It was rebuilt with authentic materials, and to the specifications of the original bridge.
It's the only bridge that traffic can still travel on, as the picture of my little family driving through shows.
Here are some shots taken during our day trip.
Tara and Kiley.
Kiley jumping on the river bed below the Hogback.
She didn't know I was taking this awesome picture.
At the gazebo by Cedar Bridge.
Again at Hogback riverbed.
What an amazing, fun day!
