Missouri - Family and Friend Visits and FALL Arrives

We scooted down through Iowa with an overnight stop near Des Moines, headed for northwestern Missouri. Craig's family roots are in the area and we were blessed to catch a visit with several of the cousins from his dad's side of the family. Judy, Joyce and Doug met us with their families for lunch. We were very amiss in forgetting our camera, so we have no photos of the gathering! Judy took a picture of us, but we can't figure out how to transfer it from email to the blog. We're hoping to return through the area again in the spring and hopefully will have our act together to capture some photos of family next go 'round!



Craig was also able to catch up with his good friend, Brent and we visited the cemetery where Craig's mom, dad and grandparents were buried.

We also took a day trip to Hannibal, most famous as the birthplace of Samuel Clemens. His boyhood home and his father's office are preserved, as well as Becky Thatcher's house and Tom Sawyer's white picket fence. Mark Twain's name is everywhere and statues of the author and some of his characters are dotted around the community along the Mississippi River. After a lunch at a local diner, the boys ordered dessert. What's more fitting than Mississippi Mud Pie? Unfortunately, the dessert was quickly demolished and this is all we have to show you....

We also introduced the boys to Hannibal-LaGrange Baptist College, where Craig attended classes for a few semesters before attaining his degree from U of M at Rolla.

We trekked further south to Columbia and paid a visit to the main University of Missouri campus. We also shopped around to finally acquire a keyboard for our musical pursuits. Having music in the house again is well worth the investment!

We took another day trip to the Lake of the Ozarks, but unfortunately chose a very stormy day! A cold front blew through and we took refuge at a McDonald's to let the worst of the storm pass before continuing the drive back to the RV park.

Mostly, we enjoyed the very seasonal weather and more glimpses of trees turning bright golds and reds. Now, off to the northwest to capture a glimpse of Mt. Rushmore before the weather turns too cold and messy!