Week 33! Illinois, Missouri, Kansas & Colorado

We have less than 2 weeks till our tires hit home soil! (Washington State)

We passed through 4 states this week. The highlights were The Arch in Missouri, another free zoo for the kids, Garden of the Gods in Colorado and seeing old FRIENDS! Oh - and we celebrated our 16 year wedding anniversary. :)

For someone afraid of heights, I was pretty brave! All I had to do was think about how much I would regret not sharing an experience with my family, and I chose to fight the fear and do it. I'm not only pushing myself, but I hope I am setting an example for my children to not let fear get in the way of something you want to do!

Once inside the arch, the view is spectacular. The space is very narrow and folks move along quickly to accommodate all the tourist. Josh did mention how he had to not think about the fact that there was just air below us!

We toured 4 state capitals this week. Each building is built with something unique to its state or to what the builder chose for time period or personal liking.

Here are the top 2 favorite photos from each one.

The Kansas capital boast copper stairs, the Colorado's pride is rose onyx used all over the building, Illinois capital was very colorful...and the Missouri capital was beautiful with impressive stained glass windows but we were not able to enjoy it with all the protestors yelling under the rotunda -which is "great" for acoustics.

While in Illinois we took the opportunity to tour Lincoln's home and burial site. It's always a great opportunity to see the places where people who once influenced our nation spent their daily lives. We also learn a bit of their culture and time period.

After the first 2 or 3 sons were born the Lincoln's added another story onto their home. They did so with the inheritance Mary Todd received from her parents. The addition has taller ceilings than any other houses in that area due to Abraham's height.

*Notice the colorful wallpaper and carpets in the bedrooms. In order to clean the floors, the maid would have to pull the carpet up in strips, shake it out, place it back down and sew the strips back together!

While in Colorado we stayed with my friend Diane and her husband Trent. We were so fortunate to not only be with them, but to be there during our anniversary so that my kids could be with people we trust while we got a much needed date night out!

While there, I found out my former coworker and friend, Ladawan was visiting her daughter Jan and we stopped by for a quick visit, some hugs and a photo. This woman was a source of comfort with her kindness each day at work while I went through one of the hardest times in my life many years ago. I'm so honored to know her!

Next week I will be sharing thoughts I have been having about transition, as it will be only one week till we arrive home. There are a lot of changes and unknown ahead. But life often has stages like this and we take it one day at a time, trusting in the process.

Till next week!