Book Review: Argosy Junction

Title: Argosy Junction
Author: Chautona Havig

Synopsis from the back of the book:

Argosy Jct. Montana~
Pop. 13,223

Lane~ Five years after her family broke ties with The Brethren, the cult-like church still has firm ties wrapped around her heart and soul. The more she rejects them, the Lord, and anyone who claims a relationship with Christ, the more she realizes how empty life can be.

Matt~ Fresh from the inner city, Matt arrives in Argosy Jct. ready to explore the Montana countryside. He's prepared for anything but sheep, cults, and a rancher's daughter with a chip on her shoulder.

Not until she saves Matt from assault by sheep does Lane begin to understand that Christianity is a relationship rather than a checklist to godliness. Before he met Lane, Matt never understood how damaging the body of Christ can be to its own.

Join them as they explore Montana, Rockland, and the possibility of a merge between two very different worlds.

Argosy Junction is the second book in the Rockland Chronicles.

I was so excited to receive this book this summer when it finally came out! Having read the author's first book (twice) early in March, when I heard she had another ready, I was one of the first in line to order my own copy.

A large part of the story is told through letters and e-mails, giving a definite glimpse into the minds of the characters. Most of the third-person narrative is written this way as well. As a result, as the story unfolds, you are given more insight into each of the personalities involved and the stories of their pasts, both collective and individual, are woven together in a riveting manner.

It is interesting to see the intersection of the outwardly simple, but inwardly painful, life of Lane Argosy and her family with the seemingly unorthodox yet strong, solid faith of Matt Rushby.

While I don't agree with all of the theological conclusions of the book, I was convicted about all of the "trappings" that we add to Biblical Christianity. The story was especially poignant, as the main character kept bringing to mind someone that I had met shortly before I read the book and how her faith has been shaped, or rather warped, by a particularly judgmental and pharisaical church. There is much truth regarding the dangers of artificial rules being added to our faith and relationship with Christ. These rules can affect our relationship with Jesus and with the rest of His body, the Church. They also paint a warped picture for those who are looking in from outside of the Church.

I'm hoping for a sequel to Argosy Junction and can't wait to see where the characters end up!

If you'd like to win a copy of the book to read it for yourself, comment on this post. The author is planning to give away a copy to someone who comments on a blog review of her book. Also, I have an extra signed copy that I will give away to a commenter of mine as well. The author will conduct her drawing on October 31 at 9:00 p.m. PST. My drawing will take place on November 1st or 2nd (when I get around to it), but will include all comments from before midnight on October 31.

If you are interested in learning more about the author and her other books, you can visit her website at: Chautona.com

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I realize that has been a long time since I've posted, given that Joanna or, if you prefer, "Maggie" is now 7.5 months old. So, when Chautona issued a challenge/contest to review her book, I thought it was a perfect way to get back into my blogging and support someone who I respect and whose writing I enjoy. If I ever get around to it, my next post will be our "Three-Week Vacation Saga: the Eastern United States Version" complete with pictures and the journal of our travels to Kentucky, Virginia, New Jersey and Pennsylvania.

It will be interesting to see if anyone still checks this or if you've all given up on me.

Joanna Margaret

We are pleased to welcome the newest member of the McFarlane Clan!

Joanna Margaret arrived on March 8 at 9:08 PM.
She was 6 pounds 7 ounces and 20 inches long.

She is such a blessing and we are so thankful!



More pictures will be added later.

"The rains came down and the floods came up..."

Hey all! Just wanted to let everyone know that the McFarlanes are still here and doing well. When I figure out how to do it on Matt's laptop, I will post pictures of what our house looked like when it flooded on September 13 and of our kids leaving from our yard in a canoe the next day. We were so thankful to be able to stay with the Sommerfelds (for almost 2 weeks!) until we could get everything ripped out and cleaned up downstairs, but it was good to come home. Now comes the rebuilding. (Didn't we just finish the downstairs less than four years ago?) The kids are starting to feel a little confined on rainy or cool days since the downstairs is off limits and the bedrooms still have a good bit of "stuff" from downstairs. We are learning to get along well in "close quarters" and to be content. God is teaching us many good lessons.

Hope everyone else is doing well. I feel like I am losing touch with lots of people since I have limited computer access. Feel free to leave a comment in the chat box or drop me an e-mail. I will check eventually.

Ongoing Treatment

Thank you everyone for all of your prayers for our family and especially for Garrett. He is a walking (running) miracle and a testimony to God's grace in our lives!

He does have some upcoming appointments just to rule out some potential problems. One of his eyes keeps going cross-eyed. So, he will be seeing an ophthalmologist this Saturday (August 23) just to make sure the accident didn't cause any lasting eye problems. The eye in question is his left one, which is the side of his body that was hit by the car.

Also, when he runs, he is dragging one of his legs. He says nothing hurts, but it seems to bother him to put pressure on his left leg. So, the family practice doctor wants him to see an orthopedic specialist. He will be doing that next Friday (August 29).

Another small issue is that the paint from the accident scene investigation is in the street right in front of our house. It really seems to bother my older kids and makes it hard for them to move on from their memories of the accident, even though Garrett is doing well and looks great. Please pray for peace for them and a continued trust in God. Pray that this would build their faith and cause them to recognize God's goodness and faithfulness, rather than causing them to be uncertain and fearful.

Shoes

While we attending to Garrett after his accident, I noticed his shoes (fake "crocs" from WalMart) lying the street. They had obviously been thrown off his feet when he was hit. In the midst of all of the hubbub, I didn't even think to pick them up. Matt apparently threw the clothes the paramedics had cut off of Garrett into the entry when he went in the house to get his keys. Karen Arneson actually picked up the bag of fruit that I had been carrying for Garrett (a gift as we were leaving the party). I thought to run into the house and grab rice milk and cereal for Micah for the next morning. But, no one picked up Garrett's shoes.

The day after he was released from the hospital, our neighbor wanted to treat the kids to a Slurpie from 7-11 in celebration of Garrett's homecoming. When Garrett went to get ready to go, he wondered where his "crocs" were. No one knew. I knew that I had seen them in the street, but no one had mentioned picking them or having them. So, we had him wear different shoes and get ready. Honestly, if a $5 pair of shoes is all that is lost when your child is hit by a car, you are very blessed.

This morning the phone rang around 7:30. I assumed it was an insurance adjuster. Then I noticed on the Caller ID that it was the Carol Stream Police. When I answered the phone, I wondered what they needed. The officer on the phone informed me that they had Garrett's shoes. We have an appointment to pick them up today.

On the way to the hospital on Monday morning, I asked myself if I would have been able to say as Job did, "The Lord giveth and the Lord taketh away. Blessed be the name of the Lord." if Garrett had been killed in the accident. I'm still not sure of my answer, but I am currently thankful that it was not the time for God to test my faith in that way. Instead, today I am feeling like Job after everything was restored without having ever to experience his great feelings of loss.

Garrett looks almost as good as new. (He's currently got a funny haircut from when we were trying to keep the hair out of the scrapes on his face, but once I use the clippers on it all it will be fine.) His abrasions are almost healed. He only has bruise where they drew his blood and put in his IVs. He's back to harassing his siblings and we get another chance to work on kindness with him. He's doing better than the few days before the accident on potty-training. (Go figure!) And by this afternoon, we will even have his shoes!

Normal

Yesterday Garrett was looking and sounding much more like himself, but he was still moving pretty slowly and acting a bit sore. He still wanted to be carried up and down the stairs. He still wanted to be lifted into his bed and into chairs.

Today he is acting much more like himself. He has been going up and down the stairs while just holding the banister or the wall. Just a few minutes ago, he decided he wanted to "fly" and jumped over the last few stairs-- although he did ask Micah to catch him. He seems to be healing well. His abrasions on his face are looking much better too. Not bad for less than four days after getting hit by a car.

Thanks for all of the prayers!

"It is I. Do not be afraid"

Those are the key words from the sermon that our pastor preached yesterday morning about having courage in the midst of the storms of life. The text that he used was from Matthew and was the story of the disciples being in a boat in the midst of the storm and Jesus walking toward them. This is the same story where Peter walks on the water. When you read these accounts and recognize God's power, it's sometimes difficult to put yourself in the place of those in the story.

Yesterday morning, as I was standing in the back of church holding Garrett, I kept whispering to him, "Quiet. Listen to Pastor Phil. He's talking about one of the Bible stories that you like. He's talking about the storm and Peter walking on the water." I also whispered at one point, "He's talking about having courage. That is what Mommy and Daddy pray for you. That's why we named you Garrett. We want you to be a courageous soldier for the Lord." Little did I know at the time that it wouldn't be long before both Garrett and I needed that courage.

Yesterday afternoon, we enjoyed a graduation open house for one of the Bible quizzers from our church. It was just around the corner from our house. So, of course, on a beautiful August afternoon, we walked. Shortly after 8:00, as the party was winding down, we headed home. As usual, Karissa was in the lead with Garrett not far behind. Micah and Rachel were walking with Matt and I. While we were still a ways back, Karissa looked and then crossed the road from the sidewalk to our house. I told Matt, "Garrett's going to go too." And then said, "Garrett stop." He wasn't quite to the driveway across from ours, but didn't hear me. As he neared the place where we would cross, I saw lights from a car rounding the corner from the next street. I told Matt, "He's going to get hit." It all happened so fast. Garrett stepped into the street, was struck by the car, thrown onto the hood and then was thrown back onto the street when the car braked. We were not carrying our cell phones. So as the driver and passenger stepped out of the car, Matt (who by then was next to Garrett and had moved him out of the road) yelled to them to call 911. At first Garrett was not moving or crying. When he first started crying, at least I knew he was alive. However, he was still not responding at all when the paramedics and police arrived.

During all of the hubbub, I ran inside and grabbed a phone and called the Arneson's house, where several people from church still were. Josh Christenson must have leaped over fences and run through back yards, because he was the first person I saw. Many others soon arrived. It was so comforting to have people to immediately care for our other children and begin praying for Garrett and for us as we faced this situation.

Riding in the ambulance, Garrett started to respond to his surroundings. Following him into the ER, I recognized how concerned and ready the staff there was. I have no idea the number of people that began working on Garrett the second he was pushed into a room. At first, we were taken around the corner to a waiting area where we prayed and waited for news. Although it seemed like a long time while we waited, it wasn't long before a nurse came to get us because Garrett was crying for us.

I happened to mention to one of the nurses that I was expecting our fifth child. So, as they began to do x-rays I had to wait in the hall. While I waited, I filled out my written statement for the police. It was then that I began to think even more about the terror that the young man who was driving must have been feeling. As I prayed for Garrett, I also prayed for the driver. As well as asking the policeman to notify him of Garrett's condition.

As was our experience when Garrett was hospitalized last year, he was so cooperative. He didn't complain about the neck brace or the IVs or all the poking prodding and questions. After the initial x-rays, Garrett was wheeled past and he and Matt went to the room where they would do the CT scan. So, more waiting and praying.

When they were finally done, Garrett was wheeled to one of the children's rooms in the ER and I was able to stand next to him and talk to him. Since Matt had been in with Garrett during the x-rays, it was now is turn to talk with the police and write out his statement. It was then that I remembered Pastor Phil's sermon. I was able to tell Garrett, "You are having courage just like Jesus said. Do you remember Pastor Phil saying, 'Take courage' this morning?" He said yes and seemed encouraged. It was also at this time that I realized that I need to "not be afraid."

As we talked with friends and family and recognized how many people were praying. We were very encouraged. Soon reports began coming back that there appeared to be no internal bleeding. Next, we learned that there appeared to be no broken bones. Once again, he had to be taken for more extensive x-rays and Matt went with. For a while I sat in the room alone and prayed and thought. While they were still gone, Pastor Phil came back from the waiting room. He had driven Matt in our car to follow the ambulance and waited so patiently. Although we mentioned a couple of times, "One of us should go get Pastor Phil." Things were happening so fast that we never did.

It wasn't long after Pastor Phil arrived and I had talked with him about God bringing to mind the words, "It is I. Do not be afraid." that Garrett and Matt were brought back to the room. And very shortly after that, we were taken up to a room in the PICU.

We decided that I would come home, get some things for the kids (who were staying at Pastor Phil's house with his wife Penne) and try to get some rest. Garrett's biggest concern when I left was that he couldn't really kiss me with the collar on his neck. On the way home, Pastor Phil called Penne and we learned that kids were asleep. So, I decided for sure to leave them there for the night. Matt spent the night at the PICU with Garrett. I was home before midnight, but the house felt very quiet. With such a busy mind, not much rest has come, but God's peace certainly has been present. At one point, I noticed a flashlight on the porch and a police car in the street. So I went to the door. The officer was giving me the name and insurance information of the driver which I would need for hospital and insurance paperwork. All I could think of at the time was how the young man must be feeling and again asked the officer to please let him know how Garrett was doing. As you think of it, please pray for him. Pray that if he does not know the Lord, that somehow this situation would be used in his life to draw him to God.

I will be going to the hospital soon, but wanted to let our friends and family know about God's amazing grace and mercy in our lives. We are so thankful that he spared Garrett's life. We so thankful for the loving church family and natural family that we have been blessed with. Most of all we are thankful for God's presence in all circumstances.

I had many other thoughts during the night, including a glimpse of understanding of how a God who loves us far more than a parent loves a child would be willing to take that child's place and be willing to die for that child. But the amazing thing is that God loved us while we were still sinners, alienated from Him and hostile toward Him! Don't we serve an amazing God?

I realize that since I have rarely posted here lately, many will not check. But I hope that it is an encouragement to any who read it that God is faithful and we do not need to be afraid because He is the I AM.

23 Days, 6611 miles, 3 weddings, Laura Ingalls Wilder and the Fourth of July

Disclaimer: If you don't like long posts, vacation stories or pictures of our kids, you won't want to read this post! Or you can just pretend that I post every day and that you are catching up on three weeks worth of posts.

Well, I have a long title for this post, but it's been a long time since I've posted. I don't have a good excuse for the previous couple of months, but for the past few weeks, we've been on a huge family adventure.

It all started when we found out that my cousin Kaleb, the youngest of the Baker K's, was getting married. We wanted to be able to go, but knew that we couldn't afford to fly. So, we decided to make a family vacation out of it. We thought we'd go to a National Park or two, go to a Laura Ingalls site or two (we DO have a ten year old daughter, you know) and then see what else we could fit in.

Not long after we started planning, we found out that a good friend in Michigan was also getting married. How exciting! And even more exciting, he asked us to help them celebrate by inviting Matt to be in the wedding. When Matt asked when it was, we found out that it was six days before Kaleb's wedding in California and five days before we wanted to be in Santa Maria. Well, that would change our plans a bit, but we thought we could make it work.

We were further along in our planning (and already had some reservations made) when we found out that Matt's cousin Josh was getting married in Iowa and that they would like Garrett to be the ring bearer. The wedding would be eight days after Kaleb's. But, we really wanted to make it work. So, we re-worked our plans once again. And we are glad that we did!

This has been our first "significant" family vacation and it was a great time together!

We spent June 12 packing up the pop-up trailer that we were borrowing from friends at church. Then, June 13, we left for Michigan (minus the pop-up). Matt and I quickly dropped the kids off to spend time with Grandpa and Grandma and then left for the wedding rehearsal. It was fun to see some people that we hadn't spent much time with in years. The next day, of course, was the wedding. The ceremony was beautiful, the reception was nice and we are so happy for Heath and Lisa! I was so busy with the kids while Matt was in the wedding that I didn't get ANY pictures! When things were winding down, we left straight from the reception to go back to Illinois to finish preparing for the longer portion of our journey.

On Sunday June 15, which also was Father's Day, we went to church at our own church and then headed home to eat a quick lunch, finish the last minute packing and head out. Matt's goal was to leave by noon. We left a little before 2:00. (That would make getting to the Grand Canyon in time to set up camp on Monday night a little more difficult!) Our family affectionately called June 15-16 "Smonday" since we planned to drive through the night until we reached our destination.

On the way we experienced rainstorms, but otherwise the trip went pretty smoothly. The kids liked seeing the Saint Louis Arch (and Busch stadium) in Saint Louis.




We stopped for breakfast at rest area in the morning and EVERYONE was ready to get out of the car for a bit.






Several hours before we arrived at our destination, the landscape was noticeably different.




After about 30 hours, we made it! However, as we neared the Grand Canyon, I had called about the availability of camping sites where we hoped to stay and things didn't look good. They referred us to a Kaibab National Forest campground, not far from the Grand Canyon, called Ten-X. There were no showers and there were only pit toilets! I wasn't too sure, but it sounded like our best option. We arrived just before 8:00 MST and were ready to crash! The campground hosts recommended a great site. It was somewhat "private" and was right across the street from the "bathroom." By the time we got camp set up, it was almost dark. Matt also had trouble getting the grill going. Two of our kids were asleep before "dinner" was ready and the other two ate very little. But, it was good to rest!

The next morning, I went to the car to get something and looked across our yard and saw a large animal. I went to the trailer and mistakenly said, "There's a moose in our yard." Everyone came out to look at what was really an elk.




After exploring our campsite...






...we set off to hike around the Grand Canyon.







Along the way, we saw a sign regarding hiking to the bottom and back up in one day that reminded Matt of his family trip to the Grand Canyon (this is something that he and his Dad did). Thankfully on their trip they escaped serious injury.




The evidence of God's creation and Noah's flood that can be seen at the Grand Canyon are amazing! The sights are breathtaking and are difficult to capture on camera.







Our budding geologist, Micah, enjoyed looking at all of the "rocks" at the Grand Canyon.



Garrett was often our "hike leader."



Karissa just couldn't believe how BIG it was.



Rachel enjoyed the ride...



... but did some hiking too!




We also liked seeing the blooming prickly pear cacti. I didn't have a good spot to stick in a picture. So, here it is.




Back at the campsite, the kids enjoyed some catch and some playing in the dirt. We all enjoyed a steak dinner and then a campfire.






The next morning, we left Arizona and headed for California. As we passed into California, it was HOT! We ate lunch at a rest area in the Mojave Desert and it was REALLY hot and dry! (It was so hot that we didn't take time for pictures.) Let's just say that by the time we had made our sandwiches, the outside of them was like croutons. Karissa wondered if she could make a toasted cheese sandwich on the sidewalk! It was HOT!

Also in California, we saw what Karissa affectionately termed "weird beard" trees. I still don't know what they really are, but we had fun looking at them.



On the evening of Wednesday, June 18, we arrived in Santa Clarita, CA where we stayed at a La Quinta Inn and relaxed in the pool. We were so grateful to Uncle Skip and Aunt Bonnie for sharing their points with us. It was a nice break in our trip.

The next morning, we headed toward Santa Maria and the festivities surrounding Kaleb's wedding. On the way, we stopped at Refugio State Beach. It was the first time any of our kids had seen the ocean and we had a wonderful time. Micah ended up with a lasting memory of our time there due to a bit of mis-communication. I asked if he had sunscreen on and he said "Yes." I assumed Matt had helped him. Matt asked and assumed I had helped him. He had done it himself. He got the middle of his back really well. It's hard to get your own upper and lower back.

Here are some of our family's first moments at the Pacific Ocean...







...and some more beach pictures.







Waiting for the "good waves":






What happened to their feet?



Don't worry! We didn't leave the kids stuck in the sand-- although they all would have liked to stay at the beach longer. After lunch, however, we headed to Santa Maria to check into the hotel and to meet Grandpa and Grandpa Bradley, Uncle Burt and Aunt Cindy, and Uncle Kendall and Aunt Joan. From there, we went to the rehearsal dinner for Kaleb and Whitney's family and friends. What a great time of "catching up"!

Here are the bride and groom and their parents:



And Kaleb and Whitney again:



My Dad and Grandma Dunn:



Jack, Kami and Kristi:



Mom, Kelli and Garrett:



Kyrk and Deborah:



Uncle Kendall and Aunt Joan:



It's not the best angle, but here's a picture of my cousins, their spouses and Uncle Rob and Aunt Patti:



The next morning, the kids went swimming at the hotel pool with Grandpa and Grandma while Mommy did laundry and Daddy got the oil changed.

In the afternoon we went to the wedding. It was a small event with just family and close friends -- or as small as a family event can be when you are the youngest of eight children. The wedding was outdoors at a home in Atascadero, CA. The reception was there as well. Everything was beautiful and relaxed and celebratory. What a great day. However, I have NO pictures. Right before we left the hotel, Rachel burned her hand on the curling iron I had used to curl Karissa's hair. In the confusion, we forgot the camera. Bummer! Who knows if I will ever see all of my cousins together at the same time. It was definitely a great memory. Too bad their kids couldn't be there as well. But, only baby Robert (Kyrk and Deborah's youngest) and Kari's kids (who live in Santa Maria) were there.

The next morning we drove to Nevada. On the way, we ate at the Mad Greek Cafe in Baker, CA. Our family actually likes the gyros at Smokehouse in Wheaton better, but it was definitely a different experience!

On the trip, we saw windmills...



... and more "weird beard" trees.




That night, we camped at Lake Mead National Park. It was over 100 degrees at midnight and there was no electric, therefore no air conditioning.

Here are some views from our campsite at Lake Mead:







Here are some pictures of the sunrise the next morning:







On Sunday morning we went to church at Bethany Baptist Church in Boulder City, NV. As we were leaving the campground for church, we saw this:




After church, we went and saw the Hoover Dam.






Once again, it was HOT! When we left, the thermometer in our van read 120 degrees for a long time. When we got outside of Las Vegas, it was STILL 109 degrees. Hot, hot, hot!

After the Hoover Dam, we made our way to Springdale, Utah and Zion National Park. On the way, we had some interesting scenery. As we were driving, there were times we wondered where the road would go and then it went between two peaks!





Once again, we arrived just before 8:00. We set up, ate supper and got ready for bed. We really appreciated the electricity and air conditioning that we had!

All of the Angel's Trumpets at Zion reminded us of our neighbor, Mr. Gould, who does such a great job of growing these:




This is Rachel on the shuttle bus, before we even started our first hike at Zion:



Another beautiful part of God's creation:




Garrett was a good trail leader. He kept us all moving at a good pace.



Karissa enjoyed going in the Virgin River at the end of the Riverside Walk.




Matt and Garrett cooled off a bit as well.




Micah and Rachel just hung out a bit.




Here's a family picture on the trail:



Ahhhh.....






The next day Matt, Karissa and Micah got up before 5:30 to hike Angel's Landing. It is a very strenuous,steep hike and towards the top there are chains to hold on for extra balance and support. They made it almost to the top!

This is on the way to the cliff.



THIS is Angel's Landing!




Off to a good start.



A little higher.



A "rest stop" along the way.



A little unsure.



Feeling better.



The view.



Wanting to finish the WHOLE thing.




Ready to come down.



Walter's Wiggles





Another great view from the trail



Victorious Hikers



More of Zion National Park



On the way to their next hike Matt, Karissa and Micah saw LOTS of these (and Karissa even caught some!):



Karissa with the prickly pears.



These bother Mommy a lot more than lizards.



On the way to Middle Emerald Pools.



At the Pools.







After the hikers were done and the laundry was done, we went back to our campsite for a quick rest. Then, we went back out to let Karissa have a new adventure. While the rest of us hiked Lower Emerald Pools, this is what Karissa did.





This is the rest of us on our hike.






This is what we saw up the hill on the way back from our hike.




Karissa returning from her one hour trail ride.





Cooling off in the river while Mommy made dinner:




Our trailer, van and the view in the background:



More views from our campsite:





On Wednesday, June 24, we left Zion National Park by the East Entrance so that we could go through the Zion-Mt. Caramel Tunnel.

These are on the way out:






Some last shots of a cliff called "The Altar of Sacrifice":




The tunnel:





Goodbye Zion!



Remember "Smonday" at the beginning of our vacation? Well, in order to keep from having too many long travel days on the way to Iowa, we decided to have a "Whursday." Uncle Skip and Aunt Bonnie had graciously gifted us with a second night of their hotel points. So, our goal was to reach Omaha, NE in time to check-in on Thursday afternoon and then enjoy an evening of swimming. On the way, we stopped for gas and an attendant noticed that one of the trailer tires was splitting and said that we should change it. Since we were getting gas there, they offered to do it for free. When they opened the spare, it wasn't a whole lot better and they also noticed that the other tire wasn't in great condition either. So, we decided that the best plan was to have them put on two new tires, even if it would delay us a bit. The tires were an expense we weren't counting on, but they threw in balancing and disposal for free. We were thankful that someone noticed it, rather than having a tire blow while we were on the highway. God was definitely working out the details of our trip!

Even with our delay, we reached Omaha just before 2:00 check-in time. The hotel wasn't quite what we were hoping for. It was kind of dirty, not in a very nice neighborhood and the service we received was somewhat rude. However we were tired and ready to stop. So, I just asked where the pool was and after receiving directions, we headed off to our room. Matt went to get some ice for the cooler and Karissa and Garrett went with to look at the pool on the way. They came back very excited-- but not in a good way. The pool was closed! Our plan was to drive like maniacs for 24 hours and then relax and now the pool was closed! Since their member points were paying for our stay, we called Aunt Bonnie to let her know about the hotel employees that had given us directions to a closed pool. She told us to check out. She said that they would find us a different hotel and work out the details. So, we decided that Des Moines, IA (about 2 hours away) would be a good place to stop and if we left right away we could arrive by 5:00 p.m. Before we had been on the road too long, the details were worked out and we knew we had a place to stay. It worked out beautifully. The hotel was nice. The kids got to swim. I did laundry. We walked to Wendy's. Karissa bought herself a Frosty. Plus, since we were closer to Dysart, IA (where we needed to be for the wedding rehearsal on Friday), we were able to swim again on Friday after breakfast and have a leisurely morning.

After swimming and packing up the car, we headed off to find the farmhouse that we were staying at in Buckingham, IA which is less than 2 hours from Des Moines. Our hosts, the Becks, were so gracious and welcoming! Mrs. Beck even helped with my ironing and braided Karissa's hair for the rehearsal. After settling in a bit and changing clothes, we headed to Dysart for the rehearsal. Garrett did a great job going down the aisle and was an instant hit! Just for practice he wore his jacket and bow tie that he would wear for the wedding.





Since both the Wilsons and the McFarlanes have a Scottish background, there was a bagpipe recessional. Garrett was enthralled.





At the rehearsal dinner, we saw Grandpa and Grandma McFarlane and Aunt Sara in addition to the wedding party. (The extra girl in the picture is a second cousin of the kids who was the flower girl in the wedding.)



Karissa and the flower girl had fun with bubbles!



The next morning, the kids had fun at the farm. Karissa went with Mrs. Beck to make deliveries for her mother-in-law's commercial bakery. Micah played catch outside with Daddy. Garrett and Rachel played with sidewalk chalk. Garrett had fun playing with an old tricycle with the Beck's daughter Lydia (who is probably 20 or 21). Garrett also got to help Mr. Beck give the sheep a shot. And Micah and Garrett helped gather eggs.

In the afternoon, Garrett and Mommy left for wedding pictures while everyone else continued to relax. Once again, Garrett did a great job.






Pre-wedding jitters.



Garrett did a great job walking down the aisle, as did the flower girl. However, during the wedding Garrett fell asleep. When it was nearing the end, I tried whispering to him and tickling him and gently nudging him in order to wake him. All to no avail. I figured, "Oh well, when the bagpipes start after the bride and groom are announced, he'll wake up, have a minute to collect himself and then be able to walk down the aisle with the flower girl." But, he didn't even stir when the bagpipes started! I even tried to standing him up. He just started to crumple. When it was their turn to go out, the flower girl came back to the third row where we were sitting from the first row where she had been sitting, took one look at Garrett and decided that if he wasn't going, she wasn't either. So, the kids didn't participate in the recessional.




The kids had a great time at the reception as well.







When the wedding party went out to dance, Garrett decided to join right in.



Later, he and the flower girl were showing everyone their moves.



Taking a break.




Rachel also had fun on the dance floor... literally. By this time she had taken out her pigtails. So, she was sporting her "wild woman" look.




More fun.



More dancing.







We got a couple of family pictures. In the one of just our family, I look like I have a pigtail growing out of my eye, but it's the best one we got. We never seem to get a good family picture!




Before arriving in Iowa, we had assumed that we would go to church in Dysart the morning after the wedding. However, once we were there we realized that it was almost half an hour from where we were staying and in the opposite direction from where we were planning on traveling on Sunday. So, we decided to go to church in Waterloo on our way out of town. However, once we were back at the Becks' home and the kids were in bed, Matt tried calling about 10 churches in order to see if they had service times and directions on their answering machines. None of them did. One even had a message, "This voicemail has not yet been set up." We enjoy going to different churches and worshiping with believers all over. So, it was a little disappointing. Plus, Sunday just didn't seem like Sunday. We did get to join some of the family that were still in town for a brunch at the hotel in Waterloo and then headed for De Smet, South Dakota.

We arrived in De Smet that evening and decided to camp at Washington Park in town. At first we were trying to figure out where to set up and then we realized that the sites were just along the road. It wasn't the nicest camping we'd ever experienced, but it was cheap, convenient and met our needs. Plus, there was a big park right across the street!





On Monday morning, June 30, we went to the Laura Ingall's Wilder Memorial Society. We took a tour of the Surveyor's house that the Ingalls lived in during The Long Winter, a couple of schools and the house that the Ingalls lived in when they lived in town after retiring from homesteading. After that, we went to the "Discover Laura Learning Center" at the Sigurd Anderson school. The kids had a lot of fun there!







After a quick lunch at the park next door, we headed to the Ingalls Homestead site.




Here we saw information about Laura's Travels, including a covered wagon...




...looked at a dugout and a shanty...




...hiked around the Homestead...



...pumped water...



...washed clothes...





...went to school...




...had pony cart rides...




...and pony rides.











And while Mommy was busy taking ALL of those pictures of Rachel, Garrett decided to have his own adventure. Supposedly he was standing right next to me while Matt was helping Rachel on the pony. On their way back in, Matt started motioning to me, but I had no idea what he was trying to tell me. Apparently, Garrett had seen a golf cart that someone who had difficulty walking had been using to get around the Homestead. He had climbed on and started pushing the pedals. Matt heard the engine start to engage and tried to get my attention. When Matt and Rachel got back to us, he pulled Rachel off the pony and quickly went and grabbed the wheel. By this time, Garrett was coming right toward me and a pony cart. When asked what he was doing he replied, "I pushed the accelerator, turned the steering wheel and was driving." He is always asking me questions when I am driving. I guess I have given him too detailed of answers and he put them together well.

After the golf cart adventure, we went into the last building at the Homestead where the kids made corn cob dolls, ground wheat and made rope.




On the way back to the gift shop, the boys found a good old-fashioned see-saw.







The next morning, we packed up the camper and then went to the De Smet Cemetery. We were able to see gravesites for many of the characters in the Little House books. I was amazed at how much Karissa remembered about all of the people! After a couple more stops around town, we left for Minnesota.

On the way, we saw lots more windmills (which has become Matt's new interest).






Camden State Park, where we planned to stay for the next few days, was only a couple hours away. So thankfully, it wasn't a long travel day. We checked in, went to our campsite and then did something that I never thought we'd do. We went back and asked to switch to a non-electric site. There was an area of the campground that had lots of space, a sandbox nearby and a good bit of shade. We thought it would be great area for our kids to play. So, before the campground got crowded for the July 4th weekend, we decided to move.

We stayed at Camden from July 1-4. While at Camden, we enjoyed campfires, swimming and lots of just relaxing! (I also made a trip to urgent care with Garrett for a swollen bug bite by his eye that was reminiscent of the incident last year.) One day while Mommy went to town to do laundry and the little kids napped, the older kids even had time to learn to play cribbage. It was a relaxing few days toward the end of a busy trip.





On July 2, we took a morning trip to Walnut Grove, MN and saw more pioneer and Laura Ingalls stuff.








It seemed that every place we went that Rachel had to do at least one face plant. After so many, Matt decided that we needed at least one picture. This is about the third one in five minutes. The funny thing was that even though she was hurt, when I got out the camera, Rachel smiled...



... at first.



On the morning of July 4, we left Camden State Park and headed for Chanhassen, MN to visit our good friends, the Beebes. They lived in Carol Stream until three years ago when they moved to the Twin Cities to be closer to their three daughters. While here they were like a third set of parents to us and were a wonderful support and example to our family. It was so good to be able to visit with them in their new home.

Not long after we arrived, we went to the local parade where we met their oldest daughter and son-in-law, three of their grandchildren and their youngest daughter.







That evening we enjoyed a cookout and then went to the fireworks with their family. What a great time! Here's a picture of Karissa and her friend with their glow-stick earrings on.



The next morning we spent more time visiting with the Beebes and then said goodbye as we left for Wisconsin. We also were able to get a picture of the kids with Uncle Gary and Aunt Becky.





A few more pictures of Uncle Gary and Garrett.





Once we arrived at Grandpa and Grandma McFarlane's in Wisconsin, it didn't take long for the kids to "hit the pool."








Micah used the opportunity to try out his new cribbage skills that he had learned on vacation. It was fun to see three generations of McFarlanes playing. A different time when Karissa, Matt and I were playing with Granny, we realized that it had become a FOUR generation activity!




That night, Karissa spent the night with Aunt Sara at her condo and the rest of us went to Granny's house to sleep. Ever since we discovered Micah's severe cat allergy, this has been our tradition when we stay in Wisconsin. This time was different. When Granny returned from Arizona this spring, she moved into an apartment in town. She is preparing to sell her house and much of it is empty. It was a nostalgic time, especially for Matt, as we looked around for what could be the last time. It was also hard for Garrett to understand why Granny wasn't at her house and why she doesn't live there anymore. Especially since we had just seen her at Grandma and Grandpa's house.

In the morning we went to church with Matt's parents and then came back for lunch. Before we left town, we made a quick stop to see Granny's new apartment. Then it was time to head home to Carol Stream! We made it home before 6:00 and were able to unpack the car and trailer and start settling in (and doing laundry). And we quickly went back to one of our favorite activities: visiting with the Goulds next-door. Now it's back to business as usual (or perhaps more correctly "busyness" as usual). But it sure was nice to get away for a while as a family.