My one any only trip out of state this summer was up to hot and humid Illinois to visit the Duffins. What fun! It was the first time I was meeting the youngest Duffin, Erin. She is just a cutie. It was so great getting to see what the Duffin family is up to. I especially enjoyed Allison's version of The Oddessy in which she starred, directed, produced, edited, etc. If you get a chance, ask to see it sometime. It was also fun to bring Sarah back to AZ with me. I will have to write another entry soon about some of the great things we did with Mom and Dad (or Grandma and Grandpa depending on who is reading this). It was fun to see her fascination with all things "lizardy". Lauren is just darling. She is taking on the role of older sister so well. She is helpful and plays with Erin. Actually, I was impressed with how well all of Erin's sisters play with her, read to her, and help to take care of her. Lauren also really looks up to her older sisters (even though she probably won't like me saying that).
While spending the day in Chicago we watched an Omnimax movie while at the Science Museum, got wet at the spitting fountains, used a groupon at Jamba Juice (love the groupons), listened to a free concert at the band shell, saw the mirrored bean in the park, and cooled our feet at the garden walk stream. It was a fabulous day!
As part of my on-going goal to eventually visit all 50 states, we also spent a day in DuBuque, Iowa. We went to the Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium. We learned all about the steam ships and Lewis and Clark's expedition. We also say alligators, turtles, otters, ducks, and all sorts of UGLY fish. Carol Lee and I took a walk down memory lane when we went into one room where there were crawdads. It took us back to fourth grade at Green Gables Elementary where we did a unit study on crawdads and had little habitats in the classroom for them. I think Carol Lee was a little disappointed that the guy wouldn't let us pick them up. Much to the glee of Sarah, they also had a great exhibit on lizards from all over the world. Twenty-seven states down, twenty-three to go!
Overall it was an incredible trip! Here is a slide show (if it works, this is the first time I am trying one) of some of the main events.
As you can see from the last picture, one the way to the airport we had a small problem. Our tire was flatter than flat. This could have been a major disaster. Luckily, the highway patrol rescue truck saw us and was there less than 5 minutes after we stopped. We were so thankful! We could have figured out the spare tire, but it would have taken us a lot longer than the fifteen minutes it took them. As we got back on the road we said a quick prayer of thanks. Sarah and I made our flight with no problem.
Thanks for a great trip Duffins! I love you all!
1 month ago
