2.27.2013

KANSAS

Consider what I say,
for the Lord will give you understanding in everything.
2 Timothy 2:7


Join us as we make a stop in Kansas to stretch our legs


In 1929, Chrysler became one of the big three automobile makers.

This is the humble beginnings of Mr. Walter P. Chrysler



Bath anyone?


Miles is ready to go for a test drive


Make a wish....


This was a neat Museum, so glad we stopped

No penny "squisher" but they did have a postcard

Mmmmm.......GOOD EATS
Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steak Burgers

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This was the only thing we stopped to visit while passing through Kansas. 
Needless to say, this is definitely a State we will need to re-visit!

Check out the Kansas Visitors Center

Have you toured Kansas.....let us know what areas you visited!

IDAHO

Little children, 
we must not love with word or speech, 
but with truth and action.
     1 John 3:18


Join us for an Adventure as our family shows us around Idaho


Who remembers the book or movie,
Where the Red Fern Grows?

This statue of the main character, 
can be found at the Idaho Falls Public Library


Look another cool statue....




The water flow over Twin Falls is controlled by dams 
used for irrigation and hydroelectric power generation.


Not much of a "Twin Fall"


but it is still pretty neat to see



The single largest forced relocations in US history is Minidoka's story.

"Ten weeks after the attack on Pearl Harbor and amid 
widespread anti-Japanese hysteria, 
President Roosevelt signed Executive Order 9066 forcing over 
120,000 West Coast persons of Japanese ancestry (Nikkei) 
to leave their homes, jobs and lives behind 
and live in camps under armed guard."

The marker at the road reads 
the Hunt Camp


"This camp operated from August 1942 to October 1945
and held approximately 13,000 internees
from Washington, Oregon, California and Alaska."


This camp included 8 guard towers, 600 buildings,


and 5 miles of barbed wire fencing. 


This is what remains...... 


to tell their story.



You can also view a Minidoka Exhibit 



Home to the Hagerman Horse bones
 and many other fossils are being found each year.


Unfortunately we were unable to view the fossil beds upclose


but there is a Vistors Center with information and exhibits



The boys loved looking at the fish


Especially the HUGE Sturgeons




It is best viewed in the Spring, as diversion of the Snake River
for irrigation often diminishes water levels in the Summer and Fall.



It is still quite a sight to see....


Since it's a Park, Marley was able to run and play




In 1974 daredevil Evel Knievel, 
on his specially engineered rocket motorcycle,



tried and failed to leap the mile-wide chasm 
of the Snake River Canyon.

That's one big jump


No "squished" pennies here but I did get postcards,
a Darth "Tater" (yes you're reading it right) T-shirt
and an Idaho Spud candy bar---yum





Though inspired by Anne Frank, the Memorial is designed to 
actively engage us to think and respond to the human rights issues today.



Anne Frank Statue




"Both the triumphs and tragedies of the human story are on display



but in every quote we see the profound power of a single voice or bold action,
to overcome great odds and alter the course of history."




This is a must see....
make sure you have time to spend here 
because there is a lot to read.



In 1890 Idaho was signed into Statehood, 
and Boise was made the State Capitol.


Sadly, no "squished" pennies but they did have postcards


Man, this place is huge


WOW....check out the domed ceiling


George Washington Statue


Look at the tile work


We had a great time touring the Capitol


THANK YOU,

Uncle Jon, Marde & Marshal for showing us around




We can't wait to visit again

Mmmmm.......GOOD EATS
Guidos Pizzeria
Flying Pie Pizzeria
Eddie's Diner 
(you've gotta try the cinnamon roll for breakfast)


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We had such a great time exploring Idaho and look forward to returning soon for more fun:


Check out the Idaho Visitors Guide


Have you had exciting adventures in Idaho.......let us know!


*Quotes from the Anne Memorial are from the Idaho-Human Rights
*Historical information about Minidoka came from Preservation Idaho
*Evel Knievel information can be found at Roadside America
*Information pertaining to the Falls can be located at Wikipedia

2.24.2013

COLORADO

Above all, 
maintain an intense love for each other,
since love covers a multitude of sins.
                           1 Peter 4:8



Come along with us for an Adventure through
 Colorado Springs, Colorado. 


This Welcome Center has so much to see, let's get started


The boys are watching Adventures in Odyssey at the "Theater"
while Jeromy & I enjoy the Main Level 


Downward we journey to Whit's End 

There are 3 fun ways to travel:

HUGE slide, 
through the Atrium (the stairs) 
or ride the elevator

All 3 ways it is


Lots to see when taking the route through the Atrium


This whole level is for the kids & "kids at heart"



Sadly, no "squished" penny but they do have postcards


If you are a fan of Adventures in Odyssey, 
this is a must see---the stories really come to life



What can you spot at the Visitor and Nature Museum?


Miles spotted plenty of postcards and a penny "squisher" machine....


watch out for the "Buffalo" 


Who can climb to the Balanced Rock first?


Hurry Mom, this thing is heavy


As you can tell, ALL of the "boys" had a fun time exploring




They had so much fun that we visited this Park several times


Pikes Peak is in the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains within Pike National Forest. 

There are a few different ways up the Mountain: 
Drive, Hike or Ride the Cog Railway


We chose to drive and stopped at many sights along the way


Miles found postcards and "squished" pennies at two of the visitor centers



Pikes Peak was named after explorer Zebulon Pike Jr. 



We reached the top
The Elevation here is 14,110 Feet above sea level

Yes the lack of oxygen does makes you feel......different
                        

Oh Beautiful for spacious skies.....


For purple mountain majesties.....


America America

Yep that was inspired by these views.....
in 1893 Katherine Lee Bates came to the top of Pikes Peak
and wrote the Poem that became 


The Continental Divide


The next time we visit, the boys want to ride the Cog Railway



Learn about the Native Americas who lived in these unique dwellings at the Museum


Pssst.....they have post cards and "squished" pennies


What a COOL home 


Are these 2 "house hunting"?


Marley thinks they should keep looking......


Marley finds this one to be very spacious,


and it has a great view

 

They've agreed to take this one---it's easier to move


We had an excellent time walking through the Cliff Dwellings


US AIR FORCE ACADEMY
As an Army Family when we travel, we have the option of staying at Military Lodging.


On this trip we were lucky enough to stay at the US Air Force Academy.
This place winds up a Mountain and has breath taking views!

While in the area we also visited Fort Carson Army Base
which has great views of the Mountains.

Mmmm.....Good Eats

Saltgrass Steak House
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We had such a great time and can't wait for the opportunity to explore the rest of the State.



or 

Check out the Colorado Visitors Guide

Have you had exciting adventures in Colorado.......let us know!

A Note about Miles' pennies: Friends of ours brought these penny "squishing" machines to our attention while visiting us on their vacation. Their kids loved locating the machines and enjoyed collecting these pennies as their souvenirs. Miles decided it would be fun to see how many he & Marley could collect on their many adventures! Besides the pennies Miles gets postcards from each adventure to send out to friends, family and one for his photo adventure album. 


What kind of souvenirs do you like to collect from your adventures?