Thursday, July 24, 2008

Catching Up!

Although you have all been in our thoughts, time has been a little crazy over the last few months, as most of you know. So sorry for not being in better touch. Here is just a glimps at our most recent adventure. There are a few pics, so be patient and enjoy. Its worth it!



The beginning....

We began our long journey west just a few hours from home. With our very good friends the Jones', we went to Dayton Ohio where the National Air Museum is. We spent the day in awe at the aircraft in several different hangers, as well as enjoying one last hurrah together. The Jones' have been our closest friends while in Ohio, with the kids being as close as siblings! Thanks for joining us. We had a blast!








We then went to Louisville KY, where we met my sister Janel, and her family. We spent the day playing at a waterpark, dinner together, had a movie and game night and went to the zoo the next day. Unfortunately, I didn't have my camera some of the time. But I did capture a few precious moments!




We were so glad to have had this time with the Dundas. What a blessing it has been to have them a little bit close. We made great memories and had a blast. Thank you for meeting us 1/2 way Jen!


Just having a bit of 4th of July fun a little early!






We arrived in St. Louis on July 2nd and spent the 3rd at the Arch. What an amazing sight!




In this picture look carefully right down the sidewalk. Normally you can park cars down there, but the waters are so high, the boardwalk and halfway up the stairs are flooded.
Pretty spectacular!
What a cute little family!


The journey to the top of the arch was a long wait, but cool.





The inside of the elevator was like a little capsole, just holding 5 people in little tiny chairs.
It was only a 4 minute ride, but enough time for the kids to play around.


Being at the top of the Arch was soooo cool. 630 ft. high, if the wind blows hard, you can feel a bit of a sway. The windows are tiny but you sure can see a lot.



This is the city side of the arch...

And this is what we saw on the river side...Heather and the kids lying spread eagle, with an 80 ft. sign that said, We Love the Hagertys. How cool is that. We felt very special, and it sure made it a very memorable experience for us!



Just having fun in the afternoon sun....








We spent the 4th playing with the Hawtons, and seeing the fireworks by the river. The kids had a blast!!


Light Sabers were the big hit that night, along with glow necklaces and bracelets.
This is Mark and Heather

n through 3D glasses. Pretty cool!
We had a great time with our friends the Hawtons in St. Louis!




After St. Louis we went on to Nebraska, where we visited a church historical sight. This is a place where the Pioneers, when moving to the west, settled for the winter. Unfortunately, many died here due to the cold and sickness. It was a great chance for us to learn a bit about the pioneers, their lives and how they lived.



The kids played games...
And we dressed like pioneers, all of us!
The kids even tried to pull a handcart!




This is the Winter Quarters, Nebraska Temple, next to the cemetary where many pioneers are burried. Many lives were lost during the winter there many years ago.







I have to say, that South Dakota was the best part of the trip! Dan surprised the kids and I with grandma and grandpa. My parents drove up from Denver and spent the day with us. What a great memory. We were sure surprised, and had a fun day together! Thanks guys!





This is Bear Country, in South Dakota. Very cool. You drive through, like a Jurrasic Park idea, with animals in the wild. The are just living, doing their thing. Sometimes they are right next to your car. There were all kids of animals, but in one particular spot, a ton of bears, everywhere, even in between and next to the cars. They are big, but look so sweet. We all loved it!









t was so amazing to see these animals in their natural environment, just living.









This was our second time to Mt. Rushmore, but just as wonderful as the first. It is so amazing to me. It really leaves you feeling patriotic, and grateful for our country and our freedoms, and those who have helped make it all possible.








This is Crazy Horse, the monument that has been under construction for over 50 years. It is pretty impressive.

This is a statue the artist made to show what it will look like when finished. If you look to the right, you can see the actual one being in the distance.




This is the amazing Devil's Tower in Wyoming. This was still a good 15 minute drive away. What a sight. There is an Indian legend about it and how it came to be...however, it is a bit of a story so you'll have to look it up!



The lines up the rock go completely around it and are said to have been made from the claws of a giant bear.



There are giant boulders at the base of Devil's Tower from when the rock pushed it's way up through the earth. The kids had a great time climbing with dad. I was forbidden, for reasons I certainly can't understand! :)








Our last stop on the trip was Yellowstone National Park. We stayed in a cute 1950's cabin and then ate a great breakfast in another cabin with lights made from antlers and natures pictures everywhere! We were ready for a great day!





There is still great evidence of the 1985 fires, but a bit of color and beauty would shine through if you looked hard!






Here are a few shots that are pretty cool!






The kids sure didn't like the stinky ones!



Old Faithful, she is now at about every 97 minutes. We explored and played while we waited for her majestic performance, and it was well worth the wait!









This was taken just after Old Faithful blew. You can still see a bit of the steam in the background!



Yellowstone...Beautiful!!!! It was an amazing day! Yellowstone...Where the dear, and the antelope, and the buffalo and the bears play!


But the time of adventure had to come to an end, and the world of new beginnings was ahead. What an exciting time! After exploring and playing for 9 days on the road, home was not far off! (Just a side note: This picture was taken in motion on the road from the passenger seat through the front window. No cropping or adjustments involved! What a lucky shot!)




We are now getting settled into our new home, neighborhood, job and adventures. I am trying to get things organized enough to scrapbook all of this, but hopefully this will give you all a little taste of our trip and the beautiful country we live in! Take care, and don't forget - you are always welcome here in beautiful Washington! Love, The Hagerty Family
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