Last Day in Columbus

We went to the COSI (Center of Science and Industry) and it is the top Science Center of the U.S. It was very interesting. We visited the Water attraction first. These are Water bells and as you can tell, Hallie, Alyssa and Kalene loved it.

We all had fun experimenting with the water bells.

More water fun.

Todd and the boys lifted a car up.

Shay rode on the unicycle. It was so high up, I knew I didn't want to try it.

Shay said it was kind of freaky being that high up. The boys loved a ride that was like a carnival ride where the floor drops out after spinning fast. There was a lovely play area for under kindergarten, and we saw rats play basketball and an electricity show. There was a fascinating exhibit on geckos too. We could've spent all day there but we had to get to the indoor water park.

We were amazed at the small space that so many indoor water activities were crammed in. Devree was relaxing here.

Ben and Khloe enjoying the Lazy river.

Dane and Shay loved this pool where you try to get across on the floating discs. It was sort of like Lily Pads but you can hold onto the ropes above to help you across.

Dane showing us how it is done.

Todd and Shay going down the Lazy River. You could go down a 3 story slide with the double tube and end up going down the river.

This is the jacuzzi for Mom's and little kids. It wasn't quite as hot as the adult jacuzzi. The whole place was warm enough even for Devree. When you got out of the water it was not cold and the water was all very nice and warm.

Ben and Kalene just came down the big bucket splash/activity place. Kalene loved the blue slide behind them.

Shay showing us how it is done.

Todd going down the smallest slide with Khloe that later we found out we weren't supposed to do. Khloe didn't even mind getting splashed in the face either.

Good natured Khloe after going down.

She is one happy baby.

We had so much fun with Ben, Kacey and their darling 3 girls. We miss that wonderful family. The O'Barrs didn't get to come because it was the Pinewood Derby for Tanner. It is his last Pinewood Derby because he will turn 11 in November. We told them how fun and economical it was to go too.

It was really hard to say goodbye to everyone. Alyssa made Shay feel good by making 2 big hearts. Then she declared "Shay I love you and I'm going to marry you!" Shay didn't know what to say. So Shay has his first marraige proposal by a 4 year-old.

As you can see our Spring Break was a whilrlwind of activity. We need to recover at home, but boy was it a wonderful time getting to see so much family and friends. We love them all dearly and look forward to the next time we can see them. Thanks to everyone for your wonderful hospitality.

Kirtland

Tanner and Shay outside the Visitors Center at Kirtland.

Khloe was asleep.

Kyree, Kacey and Kalene by the sign. The first area inside was a special introduction by 2 sister missionaries with a big photo of the Kirtland temple and a large bust of Christ. The sisters said "Listen to these scriptures." A deep voice started speaking from the above speakers. Kalene told Kacey "That is Jesus speaking." Little Hallie that doesn't turn 2 years old for a few weeks was running around and when the voice started she stopped and looked at the ceiling and said "Jesus". It never ceases to amaze me how children know. It was a very spiritual experience when we saw the movie made about early Kirtland.

A Group picture that the Sister Missionaries were kind enough to take for us outside the famous Newell K. Whitney store. The Missionaries told us that the doors we walked through were the origianl doors and the same doors that the Prophet Joseph Smith walked through to ask Mr. Whitney "You prayed me here, now what would you have me do?"

Khloe woke up.

Hallie, Tanner, Alyssa, Emma and Aubrey at the store.

Looking inside the store where we were told not to touch anything. Every child there obeyed completely.

Listening intently to the missionaries where the Smith's lived upstairs of the store. Khloe giving us a big smile.

Sister Spring telling us some of the revelations received here.

We went to the Kirtland temple where the tour was guided by the Community of Christ member.

The temple has been well preserved with most everything as it was originally. We were not allowed to take pictures inside but as we toured inside Shay asked me "Is this where Christ appeared?" I told him "Yes along with Moses and Elijah". It was a very wonderful feeling to be that close to this special place.

The Original green doors with some original kids in front!

Khloe snuggled next to Todd and Todd put her to sleep. We are looking forward to being Grandparents, but we can wait for the right time.

We found a park overlooking Lake Erie. The second great lake was a big brown ocean too!

Kyree did not want to go. We had a 3 hour drive back too.

There was a cross down by the water that had a big sign "No Swimming" Connie went down to look. It did not say how the person died, but there were 2 boys still down by the water swimming where the sign was.

Alyssa was the perfect host while Kacey and Ben's girls stayed at her house. Kyree was dressed up and wearing jewelry that Alyssa shared before we even left for dinner.

Connie I almost got you out of the picture! You are like me and you never like your picture taken. The adults went out to dinner. It was Todd and I's 21st anniversary so we found this really wonderful East Indian Food and it was a buffet that night. We tried lots of things we have never eaten before. There was a dessert that we called "The eyeball" but all of us agreed it was quite delicious. It was an enjoyable evening. When I see this picture it makes me a little sad. I miss these wonderful people. My family and my dear friends live too far away. But we are already planning to go and see them again soon.

On to Columbus, Ohio

We drove down to see Lake Michigan on our way to Ohio. This was a charming town outside of Chicago that looked like it belonged to Europe.

We saw Lake Michigan and we forgot to take pictures. It looked like a big brown ocean with waves and everything. The kids were impressed by the vastness. These are windmills in Indiana. They were at least 100 feet tall and they went on for miles with hundreds in each direction.

Kyree and Kalene at their clubhouse where they lived. Kacey had prepared a big BBQ for us and our friends.

Kacey holding Kloe. Kloe is such a chubby baby and Kalene who is not quite three years-old calls her "Doughy" because Kalene doesn't say "K" sounds. We think it is appropriate for this cuddly baby that smiles and lets anyone hold her.

Dan, Connie, Emma, Aubrey and Alyssa looking at the goodies. We are so happy that we could be all together.

Ben made a poplular Ohio game called "Corn Hole". He made the wood on this side to represent an Ohio football player with "We're Number 1" and Buckeye leaves above because their name is the "Buckeyes". It is a bean bag toss game with a hole at the top. There are certain rules for getting it on the sloping wood, knocking off an opponent and of course getting the bean bag in the hole. Kacey told us even though the leaves look like marajuana, they are supposed to be Buckeye leaves.

Tanner and Aubrey are playing on the "Big O" board side.

Emma wears contacts now.

We didn't get a picture of little Hallie, but boy she has grown and her hair is long now. She talks a mile a minute. It was wonderful to spend time with these 2 lovely families. How we miss them.

Easter Sunday and Cordells

Easter Sunday was wonderful and little Natalie got blessed by her father and 5 uncles! She wasn't even 1 week old yet. She wore a beautiful crocheted gown made by her Aunt Karyn. But we didn't get a picture because she did what Shay did when he got blessed and pooped on her blessing dress. Shay did it all over his blessing clothes, Todd and I.

Uncle David took a nap and the kids put stuffed animals all over him.

Games were played with lots of talking and laughing after a huge BBQ and wonderful food by everyone.

Aunt Amanda finally got her turn to hold Natalie.
Monday we drove to Chicago and visited Cyndi and Dave. We were happy to see their beautiful home and talk to them about their new life. Cyndi fed us a lovely big Easter Dinner with ham and the works. We are so happy for the Cordell's.

Dave and Todd figured out the awning on the back of the house that needs some parts and repairs.

What a lovely time to catch up on all of the goings on at their home. They have already started working in the Chicago temple and Cyndi said she is working in the nursery at church. Cyndi also let me borrow a wonderful book on Kirtland. We will be visiting there next.

Builder's Emporium/ Emporer's Palace Buffet

We got a picture of Noah finally. Another beloved cousin sitting with Devree, Shay holding Natalie next to Tyson.

Sweet baby girl.

We made a wrong turn on our way to the buffet and came across this gorgeous horse ranch. We had to take this picture of this fake horse for Uncle Ky. Uncle Ky would've loved this ranch.

Here is another picture.

Shay had a great idea to remember Grandpa. Grandpa Hamblin loved this place and we had eaten together at this buffet before Grandpa passed away. Grandpa called it the "Builder's Emporium" because he couldn't remember the name. It is the Emporer's Palace and everyone was happy with over a hundred food choices. Uncle John reserved the group area because there were 35 of us .

Kaylun invited his girl friend Grace too.

David came back from his turkey hunt so he could join us all. We all asked, but he didn't bring home a turkey.

Ethan would not smile for me.

Daila, Uncle Ben, Anna, Janae and Aunt Linda joined us too. More beloved cousins, Aunts and Uncles.

Almost everyone tried to eat with chop sticks and there was a lot of dessert FIRST! I missed my opportunity to get Jackson's big dessert that he ate first.

The Mongolian BBQ area was a big hit. You get to choose all of the ingredients that the chef cooks for you.Julia's pretty smile

Julia and Daila playing off in the corner. Who can eat when there are cousins to play with?

Daila just got her hair fixed by Anna. They decided to ride back with us so they could play with cousins for longer.

Dane has a tight grip on poor Natalie's head. He was worried about her flopping forward. But Natalie suffered through. She is such a good baby.

Janae never tired of holding baby Natalie.

Brothers getting their game playing in. They are playing "Empire Builder". Doesn't that sound like a game brothers would play? Is it just another version of King of the Mountain?

Mary was so wonderful to let us all party and stay at her house after having a baby just a few days ago. We had lots of fun just being together. Thanks again John and Mary for hosting all of the fun when we come!